2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights 3 star hotel
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: WSS

Trip highlights

  • Walking through the volcanic landscape around Mont Mézenc
  • Exploring authentic and interesting villages
  • Soaking up the way of life in rural France
  • Enjoying typical, regional cuisine and the facilities of the hotel

Stay in a purpose-built hiker’s lodge in Les Estables (1340m), a peaceful village at the base of Mont Mézenc, the highest peak in the Haute-Loire at 1753m. Set within the volcanic landscapes of the Ardèche Regional Nature Park, this walking holiday offers the perfect mix of scenic hiking, cultural immersion and relaxed alpine village life. With a local guide leading daily walks, you’ll discover dramatic valleys, lava domes, and the iconic Mont Gerbier de Jonc - the source of the Loire River. The region is rich in biodiversity, making it ideal for nature lovers keen to explore off the beaten paths. Each afternoon, you can unwind in the garden, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy the sauna. Whether you’re a solo traveller or walking with friends, it’s a great choice for anyone seeking fresh mountain air, gentle activity and the comfort of a home base in one of France’s lesser-known hiking regions.

Countries:

France

Starting Point:

Les Estables

Finishing Point:

Les Estables

Carbon Footprint

21kg of CO2-e PP per day

(127kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

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Arrive into the village of Les Estables and make your way to the hotel or take advantage of the shuttle service from Le Puy en Velay - refer below for arrival details. A fundamental element of the trip is walking through the village daily to absorb the true French rural way of life. An arrival briefing and welcome drink is held with your hosts at 6:30pm before dinner in the hotel restaurant from 7.30/7.45pm.

Meals:  D

The walk today takes us across the Echamps plateau to the chapel of Soutron, perched at the top of an ancient volcano. There's a sense of being in a suspended world. Enjoy an impressive view of Les Boutières from the summit. Your lunch will be brought to you with the option to return to the hotel after this first morning of hiking. In the afternoon we return to the hotel with time to relax before dinner. Distance 14km/8.7mi, elevation gain approx. +500m/1640ft

Meals:  B,L,D

An inspiring walk to the highest point of the Ardèche and the Haute-Loire regions, nicknamed the Giant of the Cévennes. In the ancient past this area was subjected to intense volcanic activity, creating a unique landscape. If the weather is clear it's possible to see the Alps chain from the highest point, as well as the Massif Central. Carry your own picnic lunch (provided) to be enjoyed close to Mont Mézenc. Afterwards you can take a swim in the hotel pool or stroll in the village. This evening enjoy a special 'slideshow' about the Mèzenc massif after dinner at the hotel. Distance 16km/9.9mi, Elevation gain approx +600m/1968ft

Meals:  B,L,D

We head to the hilltop village of Saint-Clément which has been built on twelve layers of lava flow. The sweeping views of the surrounding landscape are fabulous. Your lunch will be brought to you, with the option to shorten the walk and return to the hotel if desired. Back at the hotel you can enjoy the facilities before dinner. Distance 14km/8.7mi, elevation gain approx. +450m/1476ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Walk in the wildest part of the river, taste the water from the ferruginous spring of Bonnefond and soak your feet in the longest river in France! We’ll carry our picnic in our daypack to have lunch close to the river. Distance 14km/8.7mi, elevation gain approx. +500m/1640ft

Meals:  B,L,D

The focus of the walk today is on the local heritage. From water mills to bread ovens, 'bèate' houses to the ruins of Chapteuil Castle perched on volcanic columns, we meander through the countryside to discover these treasures. Carry your own picnic lunch (provided) to be enjoyed at the foot of Suc de Chapteuil. A slightly earlier return to the hotel will allow for time to shop in the village or perhaps play petanque before an evening farewell drink and dinner. Distance 13km/8mi, elevation gain approx. +600m/1968ft

Meals:  B,L,D

The trip concludes after breakfast on Saturday morning. A departure transfer to Le Puy en Velay (must be pre-booked and paid for locally) can be arranged, and this will arrive at the station in time for the 10.30am train.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – breakfasts are continental style and generally consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style with meats, cheeses, breads, and often a hot dish if it has been brought to you. Dinner will consist of 3 courses which usually include some regional specialties.
  • 6 nights accommodation in a 3 star hotel on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Transfers where required for each day's activities
  • Guide to accompany specified activities
  • Use of the hotel facilities including swimming pool and recreation room
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Les Estables.
  • Optional group arrival and departure transfers between Le Puy station and the hotel are available on Day 1 (departs Le Puy by 5.30pm) and day 7 (departs the hotel at 9am, to be at the station by 10am) are available. The cost is EUR38pp return, payable locally but must be pre-booked. See 'Getting there' below, and further details will be included in the pre-departure information provided on booking.
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks at the bar including wine
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo (and are not matched with another single) or book a single room
  • Entrance fees, as part of the excursion day with your hosts
  • Some facilities in the spa - wellness area (including sauna and jacuzzi, massages and relaxation sessions). There are numerous options during your week - purchase a sauna and jacuzzi for EUR19 per session or EUR80 for the week. Massage sessions are charged by the duration. An option to add a spa package for the week (EUR155pp) which includes unlimited access to the sauna and jacuzzi plus a group relaxation session (45min) and a re-energising massage (45min).
  • Tourist tax - allow EUR10 pp over 18yrs (subject to change)
  • If you have not notified us of any special meal requests prior to your arrival, a supplement of €7 per day will apply (vegetarians included)
  • Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls etc)

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

GRADE 2 - Daily walks are between 5-6 hours on undulating and sometimes mountainous terrain. Flexibility is the key to the walking where you can choose to walk a full or half day, take on a challenging hike or an easy hike (dependant on number of hikers participating). The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Note: Each week there will be either 1 or 2 groups. For stays when there is one group, the level of the walking will be graded 3. For stays where there are two groups, one group will be graded 2 (10 to 15 km per day with 300 to 500m ascents over 5 to 6 hours of walking) and a more 'sporty' group graded 3 or 4 (14 to 18km with 400 to 700m ascents over 5 to 6 hours walking), depending on the group's fitness. On 1 day there is the option to do a half day walk only (return to the hotel by minibus).

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.