Secluded Ardèche, walking from valley to valley

The walk begins along the route of the old steam train which used to chug from Lamastre to Le Cheylard through the mountains of the Ardèche department. The railways were opened in 1891, but since 1968 most of them have ceased activity, lost their rails and become simple paths. Many fine structures built by the civil engineers of the period remain, and the scenery is spectacular.
The walking route follows the old railway so you can enjoy this rich herirage, little seen today. But then there are other vagabond paths which take you up to the heights. Winding along the ridges the way overlooks the Eyrieux Valley, revealing fabulous views of the volcanic mountains. Then through the chestnut trees, the path descends into the valley to encounter silk spinning mills ("moulinages") and bathing places...

Holidays from March to November.
You can begin your stay any day March - June and September - November.
In the high season, holidays start on odd dates (1st, 3rd, 5th...) in July, and even dates (2nd, 4th, 6th...) in August.

Holidays from March to Novemebr
Arrival days: odd dates in July and even datyes in August.

Itineraries (please click for details)

8 days / 7 nights
5 days / 4 nights

Characteristics of circuits

Walking holiday without guide
Route type: A to B
Level: 2/5
Daily stages from 9 to 21 kms
Total uphill from 20 to 410 metres per jour.
Holiday altitude from 100 to 700 metres

What's included?

Half board accommodation
2 or 3 "épis" guest rooms and 2 or 3 star hotels
Baggage transfer
Detailed roadbook and routemarked maps provided
Logistical and technical assistance
Transfer from Ollières to Lamastre

Tariffs 2010

The legend of the River Eyrieux In olden times beggar-sorcerers roamed about the countryside. They commanded the very lightning and sought out underground springs. At the Maujour farm in Saint Agrève, there lived an old spinster called Bernadine. On the Lord's Day, the church bell might well ring, she never went to the service. One day, Bernadine opened the door to an old man asking for alms. She looked at the traveller's face, his bent back and his calloused hands... "Come in good fellow" said she kindly. Thank ye!" replied the beggar. You receive me well indeed, and you shall have a reward. The first task you undertake tomorrow at dawn will continue all the long day till sunset, and no one will be able to halt it! A du sia (fare thee well!) On the morrow, the old lady of the Vivarais began to water her 'verveine' (verbena), but the water flowed and flowed from her jug without stopping. A little irritated, she tipped the jug upside down to empty it, but it gushed forth all the more and with a great roar the river Eyrieux was created.

Other holidays:     - - - Walking holidays - - -In the footsteps of the HuguenotsHigh in the QueyrasThe hinterland of Upper ProvenceA walk on the occitan sideTouring bright water! The lac du SalagouFar from it all in Tarn et GaronneHilltop villages in the Drôme ValleyAbove the Rhône Valley, walking in the ArdècheSecluded Ardèche, walking from valley to valley Lavender fragrance in Drôme provençale    - - - Cycling holidays - - -The Vendée coastal islesThe Baie de SommeAround the Bay of ArcachonThe canal of BurgundyFollowing the LotThe road to the seaAlong the Mayenne The Giant of ProvenceThe Vercors Nature ParkFrom Roman to Romanesque, via AvignonThe old Ardèche steam train trail by bikeThe Drôme as you like it    - - - Health and well-being - - -A spa to make you sparkleA Fountain of Youth!    - - - Canoe trips - - -From Val d'Allier to the Loire des Îles    - - - Family holidays with a donkey - - -High in the QueyrasThe loveliest Languedoc villagesAbove the Rhône Valley, walking in the ArdècheLavender blue in Drôme ProvençaleHilltop village tour for all the family    - - - Family cycling holidays - - -The Vendée coastal islesThe Baie de SommeAround the Bay of ArcachonThe canal of BurgundyAlong the river LotAlong the Mayenne Along the river DrômeThe old Ardèche steam train trail by bike    - - - Horsedrawn caravan holidays - - -Horsedrawn along the Saône

For further information, visit the official website of the department:
Ardêche