Tour of the Upper Cèze Valley (Gard-Ardèche)

Starting from Bessèges, the trail climbs towards Bordezac and Peyremale, revealing a heritage of schist and discreet Romanesque churches nestled in the maquis. Passing through Sénéchas and Aujac, hikers discover the iconic Château du Cheylard, a medieval sentinel overlooking valleys of ancient chestnut trees. The route then winds through landscapes of ridges and dense forests towards Ponteils-et-Brésis, where the tranquility of the Cèze River accompanies walkers. Nature here is preserved, alternating between the steep slopes of the Cévennes and the limestone plateaus of Malons-et-Elze. The passage through Bonnevaux showcases authentic rural architecture, with its stone houses clinging to the hillside and its ancient terraced orchards.

The Upper Cèze Valley, a wild link between the Gard and Ardèche departments, is a land of schist and crystal-clear rivers nestled at the foot of the Cévennes mountains. Its history is marked by the ancient exploitation of coal mines and silk production, as evidenced by the magnificent grey stone silkworm farms. The built heritage is exceptional, with charming villages like Banne, overlooking the plain, or Saint-Ambroix with its legendary rock. Nature expresses itself with raw power, notably through the Cèze Gorges and the Sautadet waterfalls, true masterpieces of limestone erosion. The landscapes alternate between garrigue fragrant with thyme and dense chestnut forests, offering refuge to a protected fauna, from the European beaver to golden eagles.

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Distance: 57km, Elevation maximum: 978m, Elevation minimum: 167m, Elevation gain uphill: 2273m
IGN Maps: 2839OT - BESSEGES / LES VANS / VALLEE DU CHASSEZAC. 2840OT - ALES.