Mountain and winter sports Ardèche

For some years now, global warming has been making itself felt, and the Croix de Bauzon ski area has been having a little trouble keeping the snow cover conducive to winter activities. Of course, the Ardèche mountains are not trying to compare themselves to the Alps or the Pyrenees. But with 9 downhill ski runs, plus a Nordic area between the Croix de Bauzon and the Col de Meyrand, this is a pleasant winter sports resort with modern facilities and magnificent views of the Cévennes. Great hiking in summer.

Explo, for exploration : sensations, landscapes, emotions, water, rocks... In a group, as a family (children from 7 years old), or individually, you have the choice of nature activities which will be supervised by professionals, in complete safety. On the menu: climbing in Casteljau, speleology in the numerous caves and cavities of the area, canyoning in the Chassezac, via corda in southern Ardèche, Explo course, canoeing and kayaking. The choice is varied and you are bound to find something you like and that suits you!

You can practice snowshoeing or learn to drive a dog team on the large snowy expanses of the mountain. You will meet the pack of samoyeds, huskies, malamutes and Greenland dogs... but not only! Also on the programme: river rafting, canyoning, hiking, canoeing, caving... You can also go canoeing or roller karting. Activities that are 100% nature sports in summer and winter. And from the age of 3, it is possible to enjoy a baptism with the musher.

The Sainte-Eulalie resort, whose location and climatic conditions limit development, had already organized downhill, cross-country and ski jumping competitions in... 1907! Today, it welcomes lovers of the great outdoors. Snow conditions are often good, and the free access to cross-country ski trails is much appreciated. Equipment rental (skis and snowshoes) available. The area also offers snowshoeing and dog sledding. In summer, there's hiking, climbing, mountain biking...

What better setting for a day's cross-country skiing than the Ardèche plateau, the sources of the Loire and Mont Gerbier de Jonc? The Sainte-Eulalie town council manages this Nordic area, which offers access to three trails from green to red (from 1.5 km to 5.6 km in a loop) for family-friendly skiing. There are also three snowshoe trails to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Information at the tourist office, where you'll find a warm welcome.

While the Ardèche is full of climbing sites in a variety of environments, few are as demanding as Coux, between Sainte-Eulalie and Sagnes-et-Goudoulet. Its 23 20-metre routes have been carved out of phonolite, a volcanic stone found only in the Ardèche, and used by the mountain's inhabitants to build their roofs. For beginners, the tourist office can provide you with the names of professionals who can accompany you. Don't hesitate to drop in and see them, as this is not a discipline that can be improvised.

Lady Nature took you his big white carpet… don't offusquons it, take advantage of it! Located between 1240 and 1471 metres above sea level, the Domaine de raquettes et d'orientation de Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne awaits you for one or more hiking (s), in the heart of the snow-capped landscape still intact. Between 2,5 and 12 kilometres, its circuits offer you the opportunity to make progress at your own pace and according to your wishes. Start why not by the cross of Raynaud and its 2 little kilometers, before you start for the wood of Bauzon, which will ask you about 1 hours walking. And if you're already well trained, the red and black tracks should fill you.

Tariff: free; rental of snowshoes: € 6 per adult per day, € 4 per child.

Distance: from 2,5 to 12 km.

Duration: from 45 min to 4 h 30.

Difficulty: very easy (green) to very difficult (black).

Special provisions: if you leave solo, we strongly recommend that you prevent the gendarmerie before leaving, specifying your itinerary.

" That the mountain is beautiful "… How to contradict Jean Ferrat in front of the spectacular spectacle of his snowy landscapes? Enjoy your eyes with a beautiful silhouette, and leave for a cross-country skiing in the ardéchoises mountains! The town of Sainte-Eulalia has a modest but very valuable Nordic space, ideal for small budgets. And as a result, all of its cross-country ski slopes, snowshoes and luge are groomed and maintained voluntarily: you will therefore only have to finance your equipment, if necessary.

Tariff: free rental of equipment (skis + shoes) from 8 € per adult and per day, 5 € per child.

Distance: from 2,5 to 10 km.

Difficulty: easy to find.

Special provisions: if you leave solo, we strongly recommend that you prevent the gendarmerie before leaving, specifying your itinerary.

The diversity of the Ardèche's terrain makes it a perfect destination for both beginners and experienced climbers, and many are starting up their own small businesses in this field, well aware of the region's potential. The Eyreux valley abounds with sites accessible to all: the Glueyre and Tournay sites, Les Cabannes in Saint-Maurice-en-Chalencon and Dunière-sur-Eyrieux. Route guidebooks are available from tourist offices.

Another great climbing spot in the Ardèche, on the shores of Lake Issarlès. Three beautiful, shaded granite cliffs offer climbers almost thirty routes, from 6 to 35 meters high. If you're not a climber, you can also walk around the lake on a 5 km footpath. The picturesque name of this climbing spot comes from a local legend, telling the story of a shepherdess milking her goat on a rock when her village was submerged by the waters. You can even catch a glimpse of her face by plunging her head into the lake.

Saint-Cirgues offers an ideal environment for snow activities in the heart of winter. The Suc du Pal site has been developed in this beautiful setting for the enjoyment of young and old alike. On the program: a cross-country ski loop, not very long but very pleasant, and seven trails from 2 to 12 km long for snowshoe enthusiasts. Equipment rental available on site. Light meals available at the Pub du Volcan. Sanitary facilities available at the entrance.