On the trails of the Ardèche Gorges

Looking for a hike in the Massif Central? Right in the heart of the Gorges de l'Ardèche, this trail will blow your mind!

Let's turn to the south-east of France to discover this demanding but magnificent hike in the Massif Central on the trails of the Gorges de l'Ardèche. The route is challenging and will take you through all kinds of environments , from river beaches to cliffs, even taking you through a passage with cables and a ladder.

These paths are thus rather difficult to take and are made for seasoned hikers. The rocky terrain should also be taken into account before setting off, and good hiking boots are a must. Hiking should be done in dry weather to avoid slipping. You'll find it easy to swim on this varied route, which takes you not only along the river but also up the cliffs for breathtaking views! Remember to keep well hydrated, and to pack isothermal bottles and supplies in your rucksack for this hike of just under 5 hours. You'll be in the commune of Labastide-de-Virac and can park in the parking lot in the hamlet of Les Crottes.

All the information and opinions on this hike and those in the surrounding area can be found at our partner Visorando!

Route:

Once you've reached the hamlet parking lot, walk along the hamlet and continue northwards. You'll see two sheds and the end of the track to follow (unmarked). Descending into the Combe des Champs, you come to the river where you can enjoy a swim. Following the right-hand side of the river bank, you'll come to the yellow-and-white signposted trail, which includes some difficult, steep sections with cables and a ladder. This is where you can admire the view of the Gaud meander, the cliffs of the Cirque de Gaud and the Rocher d'Autridge. About 350m further on, turn right towards Mas de Serret, then take the next path on the right, which will take you over the rocky bars. Before setting off again, take a look at the magnificent viewpoint on the left-hand path. Continue left to Mas de Serret, then take the road alongside it and the campsite. About 100m from the track, the last viewpoint opens up. Turn left and then right to join the path that leads back to the hamlet of Les Crottes. A war memorial is on the left. To return to your starting point, simply cross the hamlet again, then pass under a porch to reach the parking lot.

• Average time: 4h55
• Distance: 12.02 km
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Return to starting point: Yes

On the trails of the Ardèche Gorges