Walking in the Ardeche

Arrive into the village of Les Estables and make your way to the hotel or take advantage of the shuttle service from Le Puy en Velay - refer below for arrival details. A fundamental element of the trip is walking through the village daily to absorb the true French rural way of life. An arrival briefing and welcome drink is held with your hosts at 6:30pm before dinner in the hotel restaurant from 7.30/7.45pm.

The walk today takes us across the Echamps plateau to the chapel of Soutron, perched at the top of an ancient volcano. There's a sense of being in a suspended world. Enjoy an impressive view of Les Boutières from the summit. Your lunch will be brought to you with the option to return to the hotel after this first morning of hiking. In the afternoon we return to the hotel with time to relax before dinner.

Distance 14km/8.7mi, elevation gain approx. +500m/1640ft

An inspiring walk to the highest point of the Ardèche and the Haute-Loire regions, nicknamed the Giant of the Cévennes. In the ancient past this area was subjected to intense volcanic activity, creating a unique landscape. If the weather is clear it's possible to see the Alps chain from the highest point, as well as the Massif Central. Carry your own picnic lunch (provided) to be enjoyed close to Mont Mézenc. Afterwards you can take a swim in the hotel pool or stroll in the village. This evening enjoy a special 'slideshow' about the Mèzenc massif after dinner at the hotel.

Distance 16km/9.9mi, Elevation gain approx +600m/1968ft

We head to the hilltop village of Saint-Clément which has been built on twelve layers of lava flow. The sweeping views of the surrounding landscape are fabulous. Your lunch will be brought to you, with the option to shorten the walk and return to the hotel if desired. Back at the hotel you can enjoy the facilities before dinner.

Distance 14km/8.7mi, elevation gain approx. +450m/1476ft

Walk in the wildest part of the river, taste the water from the ferruginous spring of Bonnefond and soak your feet in the longest river in France! We’ll carry our picnic in our daypack to have lunch close to the river.

Distance 14km/8.7mi, elevation gain approx. +500m/1640ft

The focus of the walk today is on the local heritage. From water mills to bread ovens, 'bèate' houses to the ruins of Chapteuil Castle perched on volcanic columns, we meander through the countryside to discover these treasures. Carry your own picnic lunch (provided) to be enjoyed at the foot of Suc de Chapteuil. A slightly earlier return to the hotel will allow for time to shop in the village or perhaps play petanque before an evening farewell drink and dinner.

Distance 13km/8mi, elevation gain approx. +600m/1968ft

The trip concludes after breakfast on Saturday morning. A departure transfer to Le Puy en Velay (must be pre-booked and paid for locally) can be arranged, and this will arrive at the station in time for the 10.30am train.