Tour of the Montagne Ardéchoise (Ardèche)

Hiking starting from La Bastide-Puylaurent

Starting from La Bastide-Puylaurent in Lozère, the trail follows the Allier River towards Laveyrune, then climbs towards Saint-Étienne-de-Lugdarès and the Plagnal plateau. It crosses windswept high-altitude moors before reaching Lake Issarlès, a volcanic gem nestled in an ancient crater. The ascent to Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc, the source of the Loire River, marks the highest point of the journey, offering a 360° panorama of the region's basalt peaks. Descending via Lachamp-Raphaël, hikers traverse landscapes of peat bogs and summer pastures where biodiversity reigns supreme. Historical heritage is showcased by the Cistercian ruins of Mazan Abbey, before the path descends into the remote lands of the Col du Bez, Les Chambons, Loubaresse, and Montselgues. Finally, the route drops down to Saint-Laurent-les-Bains, famous for its thermal waters, and concludes near the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey.

The Ardèche Mountains form a high volcanic plateau where a harsh climate has forged a unique identity among high-altitude moors and basalt peaks. This territory, marked by the omnipresence of stone, shelters natural gems such as Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc and the deep crater of Lake Issarlès. Its history is etched into centuries-old farmhouses with broom or slate roofs, designed to withstand the "burle"—the fierce winter wind that sculpts the landscape. The region's religious heritage is powerful, exemplified by the ruins of Mazan Abbey and the serene Notre-Dame des Neiges. Protected within the Regional Natural Park, the local nature boasts rare biodiversity, where ancient peat bogs lie alongside beech forests and summer pastures. By traversing these wild expanses, visitors discover a pastoral and authentic France, punctuated by transhumance and traditional fairs.

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La Bastide-Puylaurent: L'Etoile Guest House, 06 83 99 70 86, Email. Former resort hotel built in 1926 in the architectural style typical of the "Roaring Twenties," L'Etoile Guest House is a mountain retreat in the South of France. Beautiful park along the Allier River. Bedrooms are spacious and comfortable. Private parking. Many hiking loops. Private parking available during your hike.

Nearby paths:

• Tour of the Tanargue (Ardèche)
• Tour of the Margeride (Lozere)
• Le Cevenol (Lozere, Ardeche, Gard)
• Tour of the Chassezac Gorges (Lozère)
• GR®3 Loire River trail
• GR®4 From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
• GR®7 From Vosges to Pyrenees
• GR®70 Stevenson trail
• GR®72 From Les Chambons (Ardeche) to Barre-des-Cevennes (Lozere)
• GR®420 Haut-Vivarais Loop (Ardeche)
• GR®700 Regordane way

It is advisable to follow the beacons all along your hike and to bring the FFRandonnée topo-guide. You will also find information on MonGR.fr.

GR®, PR®, GRP® and the corresponding markings are trademarks of the French Federation of Hiking. They may not be reproduced without permission. The French Federation of Hiking, state-approved, includes organizations that maintain hiking routes. It publishes guides for these routes. With your donations, support the actions of the thousands of volunteer markers of the FFRandonnée.

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• Private parking at L'Etoile Guest House (La Bastide-Puylaurent) during your hike.
• GR-Infos App
• International exchanges between Innkeepers

Former holiday hotel with a garden along the Allier, L'Etoile Guest House is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of Southern France. At the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Path, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way, GR®470 Allier River springs and gorges, GRP® Cevenol, Ardechoise Mountains, Margeride. Numerous loop trails for hiking and one-day biking excursions. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking getaway.

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