Tour of the Montagne Ardéchoise (Ardèche)

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, crossing 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-l'Abbaye, before descending into the remote lands of the Col du Bez, Les Chambons, Loubaresse, and Montselgues. The path descends to Saint-Laurent-les-Bains, famous for its thermal waters, then to the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey.

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

Google Maps - Google Earth

Distance: 243km, Elevation maximum: 1549m, Elevation minimum: 660m, Elevation gain uphill: 7349m
IGN Maps: Langogne (2737E). La Bastide-Puylaurent (2738E). Gerbier de Jonc Mezenc Vivarais (2836OT). Lac d'Issarles Thueyts Sources de la Loire (2837OT). Largentiere la Bastide-Puylaurent Vivarais Cevenol (2838OT). Vals-les-Bains (2937O).

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 during your hike.