Marinette PiaugeardHiking: Tour of Mont Chaix
Lalouvesc
Mountains and Wonders
Breathtaking panoramas await in the Ardèche. Climb higher, gain altitude , whether on foot or by bike, for a stroll or a hike!
The shaded paths, roads, and trails that allow you to gain altitude. They live up to their promise of adventure and escape . You'll only have one desire: to go higher!
Lalouvesc
Getting to Lalouvesc is an elevation in itself. When you take the winding road to reach the Sanctuary, you inevitably lighten your mind a little.
From the village's vantage point, numerous marked trails begin. Whether you're looking for a short hike or a longer trek, themed routes for families or groups of athletes, everyone will find the perfect path.
Around Mont Chaix and Besset, the shaded hiking trail soars above the valleys of the Ay and the Nant, offering spectacular panoramas of the Alps and the Vercors on one side, and the Gerbier des Joncs and the Mézenc on the other.
Marinette Piaugeard
Camille Roberjot
Lalouvesc Tourist OfficeA good bowl of Ardèche and fresh air
Here we breathe, we get oxygen! The forest trails offer great protection during the hot weather. You will also have the possibility to fill your water bottles at the St Régis de Lalouvesc fountain which is drinkable and fresh.
The trails allow you to hike around or climb these small mountains. Immersed in nature and greenery, you can enjoy the splendor of the landscapes. The richness of the flora and fauna amazes walkers. And even the starry sky, since it is in this playground that the semi-nocturnal Trail des Sapins de Lalouvesc takes place every year for Halloween.
They recommand us!
Walkers talk about it
“ Very nice (family) hike around Lalouvesc with beautiful views of the village and the basilica of St Régis [… ] In addition, the very shaded route that we appreciated with the heat wave! Recommended with either a pie or a blueberry ice cream on arrival!!!”
Jako 07 on site visorando
Mount Felletin
The bravest will not hesitate to get up early to reach the summit and admire the sunrise. From above, a magnificent panorama of the Ardèche awaits you.
At 1387 meters above sea level, the Grand Felletin overlooks the Ardèche and Haute-Loire regions. Here again, numerous trails allow you to tailor the duration and difficulty of your hike. The easiest access on foot, ideal for families, is from the Col de Charousse pass . You can park your car there before a short climb of less than 3 kilometers to the summit. More athletic hikers can plan a bike ride up from the Vallée de la Cance or a 7-hour hike from the village of Monestier. The site is snow-covered in winter, which will delight snowshoeing enthusiasts. Wide open spaces , varied terrain, forests, and valleys: the beauty of nature reaches its peak at the Croix du Grand Felletin. Benches, interpretive panels, and a panoramic viewpoint enhance this natural site.
Renaud Vezin
Are we flying away? Above the Ardèche plateau
Come on! How about a hot air balloon ride to admire all this from above? Discover the magnificent panorama of the Ardèche. On one of the peaks of the Val d'Ay, overlooking the secluded valleys of the Cance and the Ay, strange blocks of stone appear: an oppidum. The rocky summit of the Suc du Barry is locally known as the Chirat Blanc because of the light-colored granite blocks that stand out in the landscape.
Severine Moulin
What is a Chirat?
Chirat (chiron, in some regions) is the local name given to the flows of rock blocks that cover the slopes in the form of scree and are sometimes called scree slopes.
The highest of the small mountains of Northern Ardèche is indeed a Chirat: Le Felletin . Its scree slope collapses from the summit towards the Cance valley and offers us the spectacle of an unobstructed view over the Annonay basin, the Rhône valley and the Alps from Mont Blanc to Mont Ventoux.
A quesaco Oppidum?
The Nant valley is one of the mountainous areas that have been inhabited for a very long time in the Haut-Vivarais. The human presence there now dates back several millennia and begins more particularly here.
A stronghold dating from the Gallic era, the oppidum was a secure and fortified center of residence and exchange thanks to the advantageous choice of its location, here at the top of the Suc du Barry surrounded by cliffs. The stone blocks are arranged in a fortress and archaeologists have unearthed traces of huts.
The very pleasant and shady hike allows you to push to the top and enjoy the view while admiring the remains of this very distant past.
The highest point of the green Ardèche, the Grand Felletin from Monestier is a superb mountain hike. Hike n°45 of the “Annonay-Serrières” topoguide on sale at the Ardèche Grand Air Tourist Office
