Discover the charm of Saint-andeol-de-fourchades, Ardèche

As soon as it leaves Le Cheylard, the cycle route changes its scenery: the Dolce Via, with the Eyrieux as its main thread, now runs into the steep valleys of the Boutières. If today the route can be travelled by bike without effort, imagine for a moment the construction of the railway at the end of the 19th century, which is the result of a real technological feat due to the nature of the terrain. The last vestiges of this extraordinary railway past, the viaducts, tunnels, bridges and trenches, all carved out with the strength of your wrist, accompany you to Saint-Agrève. A colourful and easy walk.

The scenery changes on this side towards the north-east. The cycle route, still on greenways, gets higher and higher and every pedal stroke is a wonder. Five viaducts, two bridges and three tunnels later, the landscapes of the Boutières and the Monts d'Ardèche, with the Mont Gerbier de Jonc and the Mont Mézenc in the background, await you. A nice reward before arriving at the pass and crossing the mountain by the Nonières tunnel, the longest of the Dolce Via with its 320 metres (lit!). You can then peacefully drive the remaining 12 km to Lamastre on almost freewheels. Here, a mythical steam train awaits you for an incomparable discovery of the Gorges du Doux to Tournon-Saint-Jean and ViaRhôna.

Between narrow gorges, tunnels and viaducts, your cycling trip on the Dolce Via here follows the traces of the past. On your way, the old mills and silk weavers' workshops bear witness to the richness of the valley, which once welcomed many workers. The viewpoints on the Eyrieux are numerous and allow for beautiful contemplative pauses. Below the greenway, the calm waters of the river are an invitation to stop. Pont-de-Chervil is an ideal place for a refreshing moment halfway through the stage. You can walk further and further into the Eyrieux gorges, in the heart of an environment that sparkles with green and orange in the autumn, because here the chestnut tree is king.

In the heart of the Tanargue mountains, set out from the chestnut groves, the flagship Ardeche landscape. To find out all about chestnuts, come and visit the Espace Castanea in Joyeuse! P – Village Square. Follow La Grangette 7,1 km, La Croix de Bauzon 9,6 km. Opposite the signpost, take the steps on your left and head towards the glass house. 300m further on, take the path on the right that heads north. After the second ruined barn, cross the stream and walk along the right bank under the hazel trees for about 300m. Cross the stream again using the stepping stones, take two hairpin bends and then head downhill through an oak forest. A short downhill passage leads to a third crossing, followed by a slope to the south that takes you to the Pialade ridge. The trail twists through the broom to reach a slightly marked pass to the west of a large beech forest from where a sheep shed is visible. A short stretch of track leads to the Anglanier stream, which you cross. In a few zig-zags, the path crosses the Redonde plain to emerge 40m higher on a track above the Ranc des Barres. Continue on this track to Rocher des Barres.   Le Rocher des Barres - Follow Col des Langoustines 4,4 km, La Souche 8,2 km via the Tour du Tanargue GRP (long distance footpath) par le GRP tour du Tanargue (). Come back via the crest of the Tanargue. (N.B. In stormy or snowy weather, it’s better to go back the way you came!) After a short climb, cross a second plain, then a third with a more marked pass on the north side. Follow a stony track in a steep slope towards Cros de l'Aygue.   Cros de l'Aygue - Follow Laboule 6,4 km. Leave the GRP and take ( ), the DFCI (forestry wildfire prevention) track that leads to Cebeyres  Les Cebeyres - Follow Laboule 0,4 km to return to the village. This is a mountain trail and can cause orientation problems on the summits in foggy weather. In stormy or snowy weather, it’s better to go back the way you came. Please watch out for herds of sheep on the Tanargue’s summer pastures – avoid bringing your dog, or keep it on a lead.

This trail on the crest of the Tanargue plateau, which rises to over 1,300 m, offers superb views of the Ardèche mountains and beyond. P – Take the tarmac road towards Loubaresse. Just after the fire station, take the steps leading down to the left (). The path continues under the chestnut trees then across old terraces to the hamlet of Saint Martin above you.   Saint Martin - Follow Le Chalas 1,2 km, Croix de Bancillon. Go under an archway and turn right up the steps (). Take the main road on the left and cross it in front of the phone box. Take the tarmac road on the right, and cut down along the stone path to reach Le Derlay. Le Derlay - Follow Le Chalas 0,9 km, Loubaresse 8 km. The path climbs through the meadows then curves left in front of the houses and joins a tarmac road. Follow the road to the left for a few dozen metres, paying attention to the signs to leave the road by a path that heads left. It then joins the road, which you have to cross. Turn right and go up between the chestnut trees, then join a track between two walls that leads to the hamlet of Chalas. Cross the path and continue between the houses to reach the Chalas crossroads. Le Chalas - Follow La Grangette 15,8 km, La Croix de Beauzon 18,3 km. Go right of the house, cross the road and take the path opposite, between two stone walls.  The path re-emerges a little higher up the road. Go straight on and turn right onto the road. Leave the road and take the small path that goes up on the left. Follow the signs to Méjean. Méjean - Follow La Grangette 1,4 km, Loubaresse 10 km ().Continue along the ridge until you reach a track to the right. Follow it to the La Grangette hairpin bend. La Grangette - Follow Loubaresse 8,2 km by the main path that takes you to L’ Escoufour. L'Escoufour - Follow Le Chalas 3,2 km, Valgorge 5,7 km along the yellow and white marked track. When the track turns right at a right angle, leave it and take a path down to Le Ségur. Follow the signs. Le Ségur - Follow Valgorge 3,1 km. The track takes you to a stream; cross the stream and continue on the opposite side. Cross over a second stream before heading towards the fields and then to the houses in the hamlet of Chalas. Enter the small hamlet of Chalas du Haut, turn right after the first house onto the yellow and white marked path that descends between low walls. At the bottom of the descent, turn left to reach Chalas du Bas. Le Chalas - Follow Valgorge 2,2 km. Cross the road then take the steps opposite. The path goes down between two low walls then through the chestnut trees before reaching a road. Cross the road and head towards the houses before returning to the road and following it right. Leave the road by going right before the last houses and go down to Le Derlay. Le Derlay - Follow Valgorge 1,6 km. The path runs along the slope before turning right and going under some trees, then continues straight on before winding past some houses. In Valgorge, turn right on the main street and return to the start point.

Around the picturesque village of St Pierre sur Doux, a little walk featuring some fine views over the unspoilt valleys all around. Very easy trail.

A long hike from St Pierre-sur-Doux or Lalouvesc, featuring pleasant forests and panoramic crests, and reserved for experienced hikers and mountain-bikers.

A long hike from St Pierre-sur-Doux or Lalouvesc, featuring pleasant forests and panoramic crests, and reserved for experienced hikers and mountain-bikers.

The climb to the pass follows a very pretty trail through forests and pastures. From the pass, you continue up to Mount Sardier, with a magnificent view over the area. The descent passes through the isolated hamlet of Les Bauds and Nectardechois. A very pleasant hike, remarkable for its views. Topo-guide for sale 8€ in our office.

Beautiful and difficult trail leading through 7 mountain passes around Pailharès, with a chance to see picturesque villages in an untamed setting. Trail can be shortened to 39 and 61 km. Road-book for sale for €1 from our offices.

With comfortable rooms and good food guaranteed, you can just sit back and enjoy a really relaxing holiday.

Quiet, friendly, spacious and demarcated pitches, quality bathroom facilities, volleyball, football, heated pool, badminton, snack, bread baked on-site, pastries, GR hiking trail from the campsite.

In a friendly restaurant or on a nice terrace, Mariline and Sebastien Jacquemin welcome you to discover a tasty and authentic cuisine made with local products. Seasonal cuisine, entirely home-made and simmered with passion.

Our 180m² group chalet in the heart of the Ardèche mountain has 46 beds in 10 4-bed dorms and 3 3-bed dorms. Half-board available at the foot of the slopes and hiking trails.

In a wild and unspoiled valley not far from Tauriers, this fragrant rose garden contains more than 700 different old varieties of roses. It has been classified as a remarquable garden. GPS : [44.54978, 4.25655] Discover the collection of hundreds of old rose varieties in its charming setting within the preserved countryside. It is only 15 minutes from Largentière and is open to visitors for one month in spring. In the garden, you can enjoy a cup of tea or local juice in the tea house. Berty Rose Garden is also a nursery rose garden where you can purchase your favorite rose!

The Ranchisses'inn is a friendly restaurant by the river in a beautiful stonehouse. Homemade Ardèche specialties, firewood pizzas and grill cooking... Our cuisine is made with fresh local products.

Our eatery in the heart of a Cévennes property in Ardèche Mountains Regional Park overlooks the medieval village of Largentière. We'd love to see you in our old farmhouse oozing personality.

Old farm renovated in basalt stones. Exceptional view on the preserved valley of St Pons, in a frame of peace and greenery. Comfortable rooms (private terraces, balneo,...) and familial and local catering. Peaceful establishment at an altitude of 500m. Ideal for recharging your batteries. Access via a bucolic path leading to a magnificent view. Our rooms range from standard to family rooms. Some of our rooms have a private terrace with a view of the mountain. The catering is family and local. Possibility of half-board or à la carte meals. In summer, you can have access to the swimming pool in the middle of the garden with a magnificent view.

Maud, Olivier and Frédéric welcome you to a lush-green and family-friendly environment (outdoor children's playground and playroom). As for the cuisine, you will be able to enjoy original and family-style recipes made using seasonal and regional products. This charming establishment stands surrounded by vines and chestnut trees, in the highlands of the unspoilt Coiron valley. You can expect an exceptional, gourmet experience in a peaceful, rural atmosphere. Just embrace the peace-and-quiet of your surroundings with flowers and greenery all around you. The chef offers generous, family-style dishes. Depending on the seasons, regional products are showcased with a real desire to develop 'short circuits'. From spring onwards, enjoy the panoramic views across the valley from this restaurant. During the cold winter months, you'll appreciate the warmth from our large fireplace.

A place dedicated to the history of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and the surrounding villages during the World War II. The memorial presents the history of the Righteous. Located in the centre of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, it is for anyone who wants to learn more about this exceptional past. A unique Place dedicated to the History of the Righteous and the non-violent resistance during World War II. The Memorial invites you to discover the history of the Vivarais-Lignon Plateau and to understand the commitment of its habitants in a civil, spiritual and armed Resistance during the World War II. Hundreds of refugees have been hosted by the population. The Memorial offers a permanent exhibition with an interactive approach like films, animated movies, multimedia tools and a testimony room. The equipment allows a large rank of visitors, including children, to have access to a pedagogical service. Open all year long, guided tours on reservation for groups and school children.

Désaignes is over 2000 years old and was in its prime in the Middle Ages. The village is still teeming with relics: the remnants of a 12th century fortress, a 14th century château, ramparts and 3 of the 4 gateways to the village. The vestiges are ramparts, three gates - Bourg de l'Holme gate, Janot gate and the oven or Fornate gate bearing the Retourtour family coat of arms -, the 14thC. castle and its keep, the Romanesque church. Then the Huguenots period, strongly linked to the village history with the Protestant church. Désaignes, which is a listed village since 1972, is located in a hilly countryside, a paradise for walking, horse riding and the discovery of botany.

Discover these dolmens and standing stones when you walk around the village of Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron. On the educational trail (sheet 10 of the topoguide) you will discover these Celtic prehistoric curiosities: 8 Caussenard-type dolmens dating between 3300 and 1800 BC have been identified, such as the Devès de Serre dolmen from the end of the Neolithic (1800 BC) accessible by a gap of around a hundred meters from the path. At the 8th educational panel, move 100m away from the path following the panel to discover the Peyregrosse menhir (or Chante Epine) which has the particularity of being made of basalt.

Panoramic viewpoint on the Coirons massif and on the mountains of Ardèche.

It is the highest village in this area-from here you have a real birds eye view. At one time a fortified wall surrounded it, today just a few architectural elements remain including the ruins of its castle. Labeled "Village of character" since 2020. Remains of a squared structure believed to date the end of the 12th century and for sure the 13th have been excavated. The buildings' construction reached at least two floors on a basalt foundation. The old village entrance was found through an opening in one of the ramparts. The stone columns and door hanger facing south was most likely used as for pedestrian access. Its other architectural delights and beauty can be found in the village's natural landscape which is why the area offers many outdoor activities including: rock climbing (it is the site of the department's rock climbing center and school); speleology, due its famous underground network, one of the deepest in the region; its many hiking trails and equestrian centers. Villages and Cities of Character is an official label, issued by the Departmental Tourism Committee, with the aim of networking in its department all the municipalities with a remarkable architectural and landscape heritage with the aim of developing tourism.

The construction of the church date the 17th century. No remains of that period are present today, but its existence is referred to as early as the 11th century. Interesting elements to note can be found on the church's Roman style entrance covered by a more modern bell tower. It has a three vaulted arched entrance. The one on the right may date to Roman times and is embellished by a four legged human figure.

This tower is the only thing that remains of the castle.

The Tanargue massif, which culminates at almost 5,000 feet, overlooks the entire Pays Beaume-Drobie. This vast crest of granite which stands out in the landscape takes the name ‘Tanargue’ from the protohistoric era. “Taranis”, the Celtic god of the sky and thunder appeared in all his violence on “Arga”, the mountain, hence the name Tanargue, the ‘Thunder Mountain’.

Along the D4 linking Lablachère to Montselgues, admire the magnificent 180° panorama. Marking the south-eastern extremity of the vast Cévennes massif, the Vivarais Cévenol corniche is a long ridge stretching north from the Prataubérat massif towards the foothills of the southern Ardèche to the south-east, overlooking the deep valleys of the Drobie to the east and the Thines and Chassezac to the south.

Eglise Saint-André d'Ailhon is listed as a Monument Historique and a great example of a church moving from the Roman to Gothic style. Definitely worth a visit.

Mag and his team welcome you in a family and authentic spirit to offer you colourful traditional regional dishes "made in house" which will make you discover the numerous specialities of our wonderful Ardèche.

Vaulted room with atypical charm and terrace with a panoramic view over the southern Ardèche. Inventive cuisine, selection of natural wines and local products.

In a friendly restaurant or on a nice terrace, Mariline and Sebastien Jacquemin welcome you to discover a tasty and authentic cuisine made with local products. Seasonal cuisine, entirely home-made and simmered with passion.

Treat your tastebuds! Traditional hearty dishes. All our dishes are homemade including the jams we serve for breakfast. You will love the chef's exquisite Ardèche cuisine made from garden and fresh produce.

Atypical and musical bar-restaurant in the characterful village of Chassiers. Grilled meats, salads, homemade burgers, fish, vegetarian food, organic drinks.

The Ranchisses'inn is a friendly restaurant by the river in a beautiful stonehouse. Homemade Ardèche specialties, firewood pizzas and grill cooking... Our cuisine is made with fresh local products.

In this training restaurant, you will enjoy the meals prepared by the final-year students of the Largentière Catering School.

In this training restaurant, you will enjoy the meals prepared by the first-year students of the Largentière Catering School. The restaurant is open during lunch time from Tuesday to Friday.

Traditional restaurant, Ardèche products, seasonal produce. Outside catering out of season (group meals, birthdays, bank holidays, Christmas, New Year's Day).

Our eatery in the heart of a Cévennes property in Ardèche Mountains Regional Park overlooks the medieval village of Largentière. We'd love to see you in our old farmhouse oozing personality.

With comfortable rooms and good food guaranteed, you can just sit back and enjoy a really relaxing holiday.

This villa can sleep up to 18 in groups or families throughout the year in 5 rooms and a dorm each with a sink, shower and toilet. Nearby: lots to do at lakes, rivers and forests. For the pleasure of your eyes... The lodge is located at the foot of the Gerbier de Jonc mount, in the small village of Usclades. Nearby, you can also visit the Bourlatier farm, the Auberge de Peyrebeille, the Écomusée de Bigorre-Les-Maziaux as well as picturesque villages and thatched roofs. ...and for the pleasure of your taste buds... In the evening, the lodge offers traditional cooking and typical dishes of the area made with local products: Fin Gras du Mézenc beef, maoche, charcuterie meat, trouts, mushroom omelets, lentils, etc. Deserts featuring blueberries, raspberries and chestnuts are also on the menu!

Family-friendly and sun-soaked campsite in the Ardèche mountains, 200m from the village and on the banks of the Loire. 12km from Mont Gerber de Jonc and the source of the Loire.

Quiet, friendly, spacious and demarcated pitches, quality bathroom facilities, volleyball, football, heated pool, badminton, snack, bread baked on-site, pastries, GR hiking trail from the campsite.

This campsite in the heart of the Ardèche is surrounded by stunning mountains by the Vernazon River near the village and shops. Ideal for nature lovers.

Hôtel Au Parfum des Bois is a family hotel and restaurant where you can enjoy peace and quiet in the Ardèche mountain. Home cooking. We can't wait to meet you!

Hotel in the midst of pine forests near the Espezonnette River, fishing. Private car park. Outdoor heated pool. Logis de France restaurant approved: 2 "saucepans".