The hills of the Ardeche region are a watershed for some of France’s great rivers, a land of steeply terraced slopes, half-hidden valleys and tumbling streams. This is a place for the walking connoisseur; thankfully absent from many a guidebook.
The walkers’ paradise of the Ardeche faces the French Alps across the broad valley of the Rhone River and meets the Loire and Haute Loire regions. Rugged hills and volcanic mountains stand watch over forested valleys dotted with wildflowers, stone bridges, medieval villages and ruined farmhouses. The bleat of goats and call of a wild bird are often the only sounds you will hear.
Hiking through this secret pocket of France, you’ll come across typical French market towns such as Lamastre. Which is set amongst rugged hills covered with ancient chestnut trees of enormous girth. Then there is the old spa-town of Lalouvesc, perched at 1100m above the Rhone valley, with views, on a clear day, to the east as far as the snow-covered peaks of the Alps. Stumble upon tiny red-roofed hamlets clinging to steep grassy slopes, spend time in lively St. Agreve, and discover the little picturesque village of St. Bonnet le Froid.
Breath-taking views are waving their way throughout the region. From Le Crestet look out over the stunning Doux Valley and take in splendid views across the Rhone valley to the distant Alps from Lalouvesc. Hike an ancient mule road, the Voie des Marchands, with breathtaking views of the meticulously terraced slopes of the Haut Vivarais.
Join us as we explore on foot this little-visited pocket of France.