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 heritage, little seen today. But then there are other vagabond paths which take you up to the heights. Winding along the ridges the track overlooks the Eyrieux Valley, with fabulous views of the volcanic mountains. Then through the chestnut trees, it descends into the valley to encounter silk spinning mills ("moulinages") and bathing places...
You'll love
the train transfer from Tournon to Lamastre along the fabulous historic railway of the Vivarais
exploring a lovely but as yet little-known valley
the lofty route along ridges overlooking the river
discovering pretty spots where you can take a refreshing dip
Things to see :
The Rhône Valley. Wines of the Côtes du Rhône: Hermitage and Croze Hermitage.
Dinner and night in a 3 star hotel.
D2
From Lamastre to St Cierge sous le Cheylard
According to the train schedule* :
Transfer with your luggage to station at Saint-Jean-de-Muzols (6km).
transfer aboard little train of the Vivarais to Lamastre (trip 1hr45).
On other days: taxi transfer from Tournon to Lamastre.
17,4 km with total uphill 400 metres (level 3/5). Duration about 4hrs.
This first walk along the former rail track is fairly long but has no major difficulty. The countryside is varied, giving a good idea of the nature of the Ardèche mountains.
There are many traces of the fine architectural civil engineering works of the former railway, along with stretches taking you through typical rural farms.
Dinner and night in a restored former farmhouse, now a fine hostelry.
*the train is running :
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday in april, may, june, september and october
- From Sunday to Wednesday in July and August
- Everyday from 4.08 to 19.08
D3
From St Cierge sous le Cheylard to Chalencon
21,2 km with total uphill of 940m. Level 4/5. Duration about 6hrs50.
This is the longest walk of the holiday. You need to be fit to complete it, so don't overestimate your capacity.It's a ridge walk with lofty passages and fabulous views. The descent to the Valley at the end of the day is the trickiest part.
The climb towards Chalencon offers wonderful panoramic views over the valley.
The itinerary takes you across terraces and through chestnut woods.
Dinner and night in 3 'épis' guest house in the heart of the village.
D4
From Chalancon to Ollières sur Eyrieux
18,2 km with total uphill of 500m. Level 3/5 Duration 5hrs30.
The way is mainly downwards, but by no means a long straight line as it follows hither and thither the maze of ancient terraces carved into the hillside. You have to be particularly careful along this particular itinerary, even if its along the GR (Grande Randonnée, the route of a long distance footpath) for most of the way! And you need to be well-shod given the sometimes tricky descent.
Dinner and night at the hostelry.
D5
Departure
Departure after breakfast. Transfer to Tournon at 9.30 am
Option : Alternatively, you may first like to do a 9.8 km walk with total uphill of 350m. Level 2/5. Duration about 2hrs50.
A somewhat shorter outing that brings into focus another facet of the area whilst helping you to recover from the treks of the previous days. The walk begins through the orchards, rising gently above the valley of the Eyrieux and continuing through decidedly Mediterranean vegetation before winding down through a majestic forest where broad-leaved trees, box and thorn bushes flourish side by side.
2 or 3 "épis" guest rooms and 2 or 3 star hotels or hostelries
Transfer from Tournon to Lamastre by train or taxi
Detailed roadbook and routemarked maps provided
Update GPS tracks
Logistical and technical assistance
Baggage transfer
Transfer back from Ollières to Tournon
Optional
Picnics for the whole trip: 48 € per adult or junior
What's not included?
Beverage and extra
Round trip transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and rapatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Walking holiday without guide:
Route type: A to B
Daily stages from 9 to 21 kms, 3 to 6hrs30 walking
Total uphill from 350 to 940 metres per day.
Altitudes from 100 to 700 metres.
Organisation
These outings are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. Your roadbook will guide you from beginning to end. We provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
Accommodation (2 or 3 "épis"/star guest houses or hotels) has been selected for its atmosphere, warmth, architecture and environment.
This stay is in half board accommodation. Picnic lunches are extra. You may like to order these at reservation.
Access
By car
Highway A7, exit Tournon
By air
Marseille-Provence airport or Lyon St Exupéry airport
By train
Tain-l'Hermitage/Tournon Railway station + 20 mn walk to the hotel.
Comments
Global note
4.0
Bonne logistique et partenaires hébergements de grande qualité.
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…
The circuit begins not far from the Rhône Valley then sweeps into the Provençal Prealps, going from one hilltop village to the next. The theme is developed in each village encountered through panels presenting local history and culture. A short…