Location
Ardèche, France
Dates
March - October
Holiday Type
Self-Guided Walking,
inn to inn
Hotels
Locally run and hand-picked
Duration
8 days (7 nights)
Options to extend
Meals
7 breakfasts,
5 dinners
Distances
12-24km / 7-14 miles
Activity Level
Moderate, some strenuous stretches
Resources
GPX tracks and route notes
Luggage
Included (up to 20kg)
Also Available: 10 day route, 14 day route, Michelin recommended restaurants as upgrade. Some Hotel upgrades.
Itinerary
Facing the Alps across the broad fertile valley of the Rhone, lies a mountainous region where the Ardèche, Loire and Haute Loire departments meet, a watershed for some of France’s great rivers. This is a walker’s paradise, a country of hidden valleys and tumbling streams which is strangely absent from the guidebooks. Massive ruined farmhouses seem to have grown from the landscape and the bleat of goats and call of a wild bird is often the only sound.
Day 1
Arrival in Le Crestet
Le Crestet is a small village surrounded by woodlands and overlooking the valley of the river Doux.
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Day 2
Le Crestet to Lamastre
14 km / 8.5 miles
Today’s route climbs along an ancient shaded pathway. You will pass terraced Orchards and be rewarded with some incredible far reaching views. You will arrive at the small town of Lamastre with its ivy clad châteaux ruins and bustling traditional market.
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Day 3
Lamastre to Lalouvesc
23 km / 14 miles
Today is mainly uphill although this leads to many superb viewpoints including the ability to see the Alps in clear conditions. After a steep climb you will then follow a ridge into Lalouvesc at 1080 metres altitude.
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Day 4
Lalouvesc to St Bonnet Le Froid
18km / 11 miles
After yesterday, you will find today slightly easier with descents through woodlands. You will need to buy a picnic in Lalouvesc before you leave but this gives you the opportunity to eat at one of the most beautiful picnic spots in France.
There is a Michelin highly recommended restaurant in St Bonnet Le Froid so you can opt for a B&B tonight or upgrade your hotel as well.
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Day 5
St Bonnet Le Froid to St Agrève
22 km / 13.5 miles
Similar rolling countryside to walk through today but it is much more open, and offers the opportunity of a swim in the beautiful Lac de Devesset. Arrive at Saint Agrève at 1050m from which there are some exceptional views on clear days.
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Hotel Le Fort du Pre website
Day 6
Rest Day
Various circular walks if you should you wish.
Tonight you can opt for a B&B option and take in the cuisine at Michelin recommended restaurant hotelfaurie.fr.
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Day 7
St Agrève to Lamastre
23km / 14 miles
A downhill day leaving St Agrève (1050m) for Lamastre (366m). Much of the first section of the day’s walk follows a very ancient path that still has old paving visible in parts.
Again, another option to opt for B&B to sample the Michelin recommended Restaurant Le Midi.
Day 8
Departure
Enjoy your last breakfast and reflect on your week before heading home
