All year
Communal stopover gîte
Lalouvesc
Treat yourself to the great outdoors on the Chemin de Saint Régis GR430
It's a hike , a little path that smells of hazelnut and then chestnut! A trail between high plateaus and large forests, a 199 km loop that can be covered in nine days and crosses the Puy basin , the volcanic plateau of Mézenc, the Haut-Vivarais, the granite plateau of Montfaucon, and the Meygal massif.
A GR pilgrimage between culture and nature
A medium mountain path , frequently above 1000m, the Saint-Régis path, GR 430, crosses the Way of St. James of Compostela (Geneva route GR 65) and the Stevenson trail (Stevenson, you know him? The one who walked with his donkeys!)
Saint Régis the walker of God, he walked without donkeys and without reproach, carrying the Good News throughout the Haut Vivarais.
For nearly 400 years, pilgrims (who can have their pilgrim passports stamped at the tourist office) and hikers have followed in his footsteps to discover breathtaking landscapes in complete tranquility. Note that the route can also be explored by mountain bike, another way to enjoy the path and immerse yourself in the unique landscapes of the Ardèche region.
Organize your pilgrimage from Lalouvesc
All year
Hotel Le Vivarais
Lalouvesc
Every day except Mondays
from April 05, 2026 to November 11, 2026
Travelers Hotel
Lalouvesc
Le Pré du Moulin Municipal Campsite
Lalouvesc
L'Abri du Pèlerin stopover gite
Lalouvesc
Severine MoulinFollow brands
Walkers are alternately enchanted and amazed by the views of the Ardèche mountains, the Cévennes, or the Alps. The forest paths also offer welcome respite from the heat.
The Saint Regis Trail is a designated long-distance hiking trail (GR 430 ) by the French Hiking Federation . It is marked in white and red by trail markers from the committees of the departments it crosses: Haute-Loire and Ardèche . At certain points, viewpoints, or notable sites, you will find figurines of Saint Regis. Indeed, the saint walked the valleys and mountains, from the Velay region to the plateaus of the Ardèche.
The loop was designed in 1989 by Christian Bertholet, president of the Haute-Loire Departmental Hiking Committee and, for the Ardèche part, by Marie-Madeleine Moutard-Solnon, former hotelier in Lalouvesc.
A route that does good
A popular way to travel, the pilgrimage allows you to discover the landscapes of Northern Ardèche. The wild nature there is preserved, with a very rich and diverse flora and fauna.
It is a journey conducive to meditation where you will find inspiration at every stage: the natural and cultural heritage, sacred and historical buildings are an invitation to wonder as well as to rejuvenation.
A parenthesis like a return to oneself and to the essential. The landscapes then open the gaze and the thought to an immense sky and thanks to the panoramic horizons.
It's also a time for self-care, for giving meaning to your journey . We love gathering around a good meal, enjoying the warm hospitality of the Ardèche region and local farm products. You'll have the opportunity to meet artisans. The route is brimming with human connection, wonderful encounters, cultural events, and culinary discoveries.
Vald'Ay Tourist Office
Julie LittleA little history can't hurt!
" Get up and walk !" He could have been called Lazare, but the “Walker of God” is called Régis!
Jean-François Régis ! A Jesuit, he dreamed of being a missionary in Canada. In 1636, his superior sent him to the countryside of central France: "Your Canada will be the Vivarais!" Consequently, all things considered, we advise against taking this route between the end of November and the end of March due to snow and the blizzard . Those living on the Ardèche plateau and in the Haute-Loire region are well acquainted with this icy wind that skims the ground and forms snowdrifts.
It was while traversing these majestic landscapes that he became the very popular apostle of Velay and Vivarais . Thus, the patron saint of lacemakers, whose jobs he saved by overturning a royal decree, known for his miracles of body and soul, Jean-François Régis was declared “Saint” by the people before being canonized by the Pope on June 16, 1737.
Patron Saint of Lalouvesc
He died in 1640 in Lalouvesc after confessing for hours in the cold.
During his journey, Saint Régis would have stopped near a source: perhaps the one that is now called the miraculous fountain of Saint Régis. This was famous for pregnant women wishing to have a boy.
In Lalouvesc, a sanctuary town , a chapel is dedicated to Jean-François Régis. There is also a museum retracing his life through a remarkable diorama. His reliquary is located in the Basilica alongside that of Saint Thérèse Couderc.
Useful info
You'll find a new edition of the guidebook at the Ardèche Grand Air Tourist Offices . This essential companion for your hike includes the route on an IGN map, a table of resources to help you plan your stages, and a list of accommodations. You'll also benefit from step-by-step descriptions and fact sheets on local wildlife, flora, and heritage. Finally, you'll find the story of Jean-François Régis, highlights of the route, personal favorites, and recommended places to stay.
You will find it very useful for preparing your hike and following the route day by day.
To complete your preparation and discover all the official information, detailed stages, news about the route and dedicated resources, you can also consult the official website of the Way of Saint Regis.
For transporting luggage or people, the Maille Postale offers its services at various stages of the journey.