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 (cf services and options) :
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.
D3
Around St Cierge sous le Cheylard
10,3 km with total uphill of 363 m. Level 2/5. Duration around 3hrs45.
Now you are really deep within the authentic and quite secret old Ardèche.
Landscapes hewn with the labour and patience of generations, on land won from an austere and wild nature: terraces, orchards, fields of crops. And vestiges that witness the erstwhile vitality of a region that today conceals the ruins of its memory... uninhabited farms, abandonned ruins...
D4
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.
D5
Around Chalencon
15,7 km with total uphill of 650m. Level 3/5. Duratio about 5hrs20.
Two distinctive landscapes - the valley of the Eyrieux and the plateau of Chalencon - make this a particularly rewarding day of discovery.
The route takes you through the chestnut woods so typical of the Ardèche; note, to, the granite outcrops of the valley of the Eyrieux. Splendid views on the way up, then the surprise of the plateau of Chalencon and its contrasting stretches of forest and cultivated farmland.
Towards the end of the day's walk, you'll see the remains of the old castle of Chalencon.
Dinner and night at the guesthouse.
D6
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 in a charming guesthouse in an old coaching inn.
D7
Around Les Ollières
9,8 km with total uphill of 350m. Level 2/5. Duration about 2hrs50.
A somewhat shorter outing today 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 steam train or by taxi
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
Transfer back from Ollières to Tournon
Detailed roadbook and routemarked maps provided
Update GPS tracks
Logistical and technical assistance
Baggage transfer
Optional
Picnics for the whole trip: 72 € per adult or junior
What's not included?
Parking for your vehicle throughout the holiday : private parking to pay directly at the hotel or public parking in the street, around 30 € to pay directly
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 holidays are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance.
Your baggage is transported from one accommodation to the next. Your roadbook will guide you from beginning to end and we provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
On longer holidays you change accommodation every other day, which gives you the chance to better explore your surroundings or simply take your time and relax...
Accommodation is in either 2 or 3 "épis" guest houses chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may vary according to availability at the moment your reservation is finalized.
Accommodation is half-board. 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
5.0
Des vacances sans soucis de logistique avec des prestations de 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…
These walks have been carefully chosen to bring you into intimate contact with the tastes and scents of Drôme Provençale. Wander along little-known paths which weave through vineyards, peach, apricot and cherry orchards, truffle oaks and…