With its wild, rocky and verdant landscapes crossed by so many rivers, the Ardèche is an ideal hiking destination. That's why we've selected the most beautiful hikes in the Ardèche for all levels.
1. The Ardèche gorges
- Distance: 8.4 km
- Difference in altitude: 385 m
- Walkingtime: 3 h
- Itinerary
Hiking is the best way to discover the Gorges de l'Ardèche, certainly the most beautiful landscape in the Ardèche. This 30 km-long canyon is indeed impressive, especially as it is protected as a nature reserve and therefore particularly wild. This medium-level trail allows you to explore it without too much difficulty, although good hiking boots are recommended. But be warned: the Ardèche gorges are the most visited site in the département, so the hiking trails are very popular, especially in summer.
2. The Chassezac gorges
- Distance: 12.1 km
- Difference in altitude: 466 m
- Time: 4 hrs
- Itinerary
The gorges de l'Ardèche are far from the only ones in the département, since in the heart of the Cévennes National Park, you'll also find the gorges de Chassezac. This impressive canyon of granite cliffs is 7 km long. To discover them, this medium-level hike forms a loop that stretches across both the Ardèche and the Puy-de-Dôme. You'll start your walk in Chassagnes, a superb historic village. Good hiking boots are required for what is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Ardèche, as the terrain can be rocky and steep. Walking sticks may also be useful.
3. Château de Crussol and its ridges
- Distance: 4.8 km
- Difference in altitude: 206 m
- Duration : 1 h 30
- Itinerary
This trail leads to the Château de Crussol, a medieval castle ruin perched high above the Rhône valley. To reach it, this hike forms a medium-level loop. This is an excellent activity in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, as you can really explore the beautiful ruins. Most of the route takes place in woodland, making it an ideal walk if you're looking for shade in summer.
4. The Corniche circuit
- Distance: 3.4 km
- Height difference: 81 m
- Duration: 1 h
- Itinerary
If you're looking for a great family hike in the Ardèche, the Corniche circuit is for you! It's an easy hike, but one that still offers beautiful scenery, as you'll be above the Chassezac gorges. The hike is even more suitable for a walk with children, as it mainly passes through woods, so you'll be in the shade. What's more, the Païolive woods are rich in legends and tales that you can tell your little ones. It's the best way to discover a beautiful mountain destination without burning out.
5. The Gens circus
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difference in altitude: 183 m
- Time: 2 hrs
- Itinerary
The Cirque de Gens is one of the most spectacular spots in the Ardèche gorges. Here, the Ardèche has carved a spectacular meander through the vegetation-covered cliffs. On this itinerary, you'll come face to face with the river, as you'll be walking alongside its bed, and can even take a refreshing dip. Please note that although this is a medium-level hike, it does include some technical sections requiring good footwear.
6. The Balazuc loop
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difference in altitude: 195 m
- Duration : 2 h
- Itinerary
For this hike, you'll set off from Balazuc, one of the most beautiful villages in the Ardèche. You'll then visit the surrounding area, taking in the small paths and roads that form a pleasant loop around the village. This is a medium-level hike, with beautiful views over vineyards and cliffs. As well as good shoes, remember to bring a swimsuit, as you'll have the chance to take a dip at the end of the route, as a reward for your efforts. If you're on vacation in July or August, this may not be the ideal hike, as it includes many open, sunny sections.
7. The Récatadou hanging garden loop
- Distance: 2.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 87 m
- Duration: 45 min
- Itinerary
One of the most beautiful hikes in the Ardèche, this trail explores the famous Récatadou hanging gardens, rock terraces built into the cliffs above the Baume river and its gorges. Built in the 18th century, the stone terraces were gradually abandoned, but are now a delight for hikers. You can discover this impressive landscape along an easy trail. Please note that this is a particularly fragile natural area, and you are therefore invited to take steps to reduce your ecological footprint.
8. The summit of Serre de Barre
- Distance: 9 km
- Difference in altitude: 578 m
- Time : 3 h 30
- Itinerary
The Ardèche is also an excellent mountain destination, and this hike in the heart of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park will remind you of that! It includes an ascent of Serre de Barre, a small mountain in the Cévennes region, culminating at 909 m. But when you think mountain, you think vertical drop, so this is a difficult hike that will require considerable effort. But you'll be rewarded, as this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Ardèche, taking you through superb villages and offering magnificent panoramic views.
9. The Ardèche mountain tour
- Distance: 242 km
- Difference in altitude: 7,349
- Duration : 8 to 15 days
- Itinerary
The Tour de la Montagne Ardéchoise is a French long-distance hiking trail, which means you'll need several days to complete it in its entirety. It is also possible to hike only a section of the trail. Although it starts in Lozère, this trail forms a loop that crosses almost exclusively the Ardèche department. This is a difficult trail, both in terms of length and relief, so it is reserved for the most experienced walkers. But it offers spectacular views and passes through some superb historic villages. You can spend the night in one of the Ardèche's many gîtes or campsites.
10. The Ardèche gorges via the Pont du Diable
- Distance: 15.1 km
- Difference in altitude: 831 m
- Duration: 5 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
Dozens of trails criss-cross the Ardèche Gorge, but you'll never tire of them. So, while we suggested an average-level trail above, this is a more difficult hike, reserved for seasoned hikers. It is both long and steep. On the way, you'll pass over the Pont du Diable, a beautiful stone bridge over the River Ardèche. The route takes you from the riverbed to the top of the cliff, which explains the steep gradient, all the while passing through the magnificent natural landscapes of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park.
11. Chenavari peak
- Distance: 17.9 km
- Ascent: 812 m
- Time: 6 h
- Itinerary
Hike to the summit of Pic de Chenavari, an ancient volcano at 507 m, on one of the most beautiful hikes in the Ardèche. It's a difficult hike, steep and long, but with beautiful panoramic views. Please note that it's not possible to cycle this route, which is only accessible on foot.
