Hiking Rhône-Alpes

Crossed by the GR 73 in the direction of Gerbier-de-Rush, the village of Sagnes-et-Goudoulet can serve as a final step before admiring the springs of the Loire. After taking some information from the village's inhabitants, you will be set up on a bottle or will leave through the «sagnes» to meet a country of full nature. Just a word to tell you about the Padelle - small river - and the small stone bridge for trout fishing.

Pleasant hiking in summer or winter. Drive by car in France (by passing through Allevard and Pinsot). Take the path that climbs towards the south and leads to the beautiful plateau on which the different lakes of the massif are scattered. Depending on time you can turn around 1, 2, 3 or… n lakes. The refuge is kept. Of course you can spend the night if you want to enjoy this splendid site, or make one of the following ascents.

LGBT Randonneurs Association.

We recommend starting from the restaurant Le Domaine du lac, not far from the tourist office. Follow the lake in the direction of the campsite, then leave the path and take the road to the campsite. Pick up a path that follows the lake and arrive in the village of Aydat, next to the church. Then cross the wetlands on the pontoon bridges. Here you can admire the diversity of the flora and fauna. The walk ends in front of the tourist office. The 5.7 km hike is easy and can be completed by the whole family in just under 2 hours.

While walking along the Rhône and through the magnificent vineyards of the Ardèche, especially from Ozon, you will enjoy a beautiful panorama of the vineyards and the Rhône valley. You have the choice between several marked out circuits. There is bound to be one that will suit your fitness and the time you have available. These itineraries are suitable for hiking as well as for cycling, and even for some horseback riding.

The lake tower is easily reached within an hour's walk. At the beginning, a panel may ask you: " cave-in habitat ". It is not the cave of a man from Cromagnon but simply the "house" of the fishing guard of the Vogüe, the former lords of the Lake. If you decide to visit, using the channel used to ensure it, you risk being appalled by the misery of these caves, although picturesque, but which were the mere residence of a family. Returning to the village, you can dine in one of the many hostels that open with the beautiful season in this old resort or enjoy the other marked circuits: The Guarantee Valley is 12 km long and the Cherchemus 10 kilometres long.

This Ardèche-based association aims to study and promote the region's Protestant heritage. A religious association, it welcomes over 150 members of various denominations. It offers a wide range of activities in the surrounding area to discover this little-known heritage, including visits to key sites in Huguenot history, and themed walks, usually all day long and accompanied by a picnic. Find out more about the programs on their comprehensive website.

To each mountain. In Aix-en-Provence La Sainte-Victoire, in Vals-les-Bains, Sainte-Marguerite. The Sainte-Marguerite mountain has a magnificent view and for its high position of privilege not very advantageous to have become a large gathering of parabolic antennas and other mats of reception. We must ignore this ecological disaster and come to admire a great deal of the Lower Vivarais, the mountain Ventoux and the Alps from here, in clear times.

The Ardèche is a hiker's paradise, and the area around Le Cheylard, with its rolling hills and gentle slopes, lends itself particularly well to family walks, as well as longer itineraries. But walking is not the only activity on offer, and motorcycle and bike enthusiasts will also be delighted. The tourist office and numerous shops will be happy to provide you with information, maps and topographical guides. The Association des Randonneurs des Boutières (Boutières hikers' association) offers hikes to help interpret the landscape and tell local stories.

The Montmiandon dominates Annonay and recognizes itself in its telecommunications antenna. We walk at the foot of the hill by the cemetery road or Beauregard's driveway, both leading to the hamlet of Chatinais. We recommend the second because it offers a superb panorama over Annonay. The tower of the hill - counting one hour - and the detour to the summit - altitude 679 m - are a quiet walk on comfortable paths that allow to admire in all peace of the wide views of the plateau or mountain side, thanks to the orientation table. You can even see deer in this upper part of the mountain.

Hiking route from the church of ten kilometers. Overlooking the village of Sagnes, this is one of the most beautiful juices in the Ardéchoise Mountains: the Juice or Les Coux. It is indeed characterized by the existence on its top of a kind of terrace, a little like if the volcanism had had the idea of putting a plateau on the Plateau! This particular site, which dominates the vast expanse of "Sagnes", i. e. bogs, has given rise to a series of legends. One of them speaks of an old man carrying a lauze over his head and disappearing in the fog… In any case, once mounted on the terrace, you can see the "Head of the Devil", large stone slab with mysterious origin and the Cloche rock which, when you find it, rings when you hit it.

Finally, when the beautiful days come back, the station transforms to offer you many other activities with its lift, in particular, which stops working. As a result, you can ride mountain biking without making any effort to make a good descent. Walkers will be able to enjoy their passion with numerous hiking trails - hiking accompanied by the day: 04 75 48 22 21 - and equestrian, but also sites for climbing, caving…

A Monts du Pilat Orienteering area has been set up on the Grands Bois site in the middle of nature or near inhabited rural areas. There are 4 courses of different levels and 70 permanent markers placed in evidence or well hidden. It is aimed at both individuals, thanks to a kit of 3 maps, and groups with a state-certified guide. You can do these routes on mountain bikes and snowshoes or even on horseback or skis.

Average gap circuit, alternating passages and landscapes of landes. Length 11 km, duration 3 h 15, average walkers, difference 360 m/600 m.

Supportive and friendly, the Buen'Aventure association, founded in Menglon in 2013, makes nature accessible to all by organizing adapted hikes in the Diois region. To do this, it has acquired joëlettes, single-wheel wheelchairs with a carrier in front and one behind. Three to four able-bodied hikers are needed for one joëlette passenger. Volunteers train family and friends to drive the joëlette, and provide accompaniment if required. You can also come for a walk, and it's all in good fun!

The Sénepi reaches 1 769 metres and separates the Matheysine from Trièves. With the Serre Greenhouse, this massif houses the largest organised pasture in France, and even Europe, welcoming Hikers and offering its summit a 360 ° panorama on the region. In season, the shepherd will explain to you his profession and present his herd of nearly 1 000 cattle. The five main routes for climbing to pasture, especially by the Signaraux, allow relatively easy access.

A superb hike with the Rochers des Fiz in the background. Forests and rivers, as well as a few roped passages, accompany you along the way to Lac de Pormenaz. The oldest traces of pastoralism on this mountain date back to the 12th century, when shepherds and their flocks were already occupying the area for summer pasture. This tradition has been perpetuated ever since, with some 600 sheep making their way up to Pormenaz every spring to graze on the tender grass. This complete hike is suitable for experienced walkers.

Embark on a captivating 2-hour hike through an eight-stage forest trail, immersing you in the rich history of iron mining that shaped the success and prosperity of the Pays d'Allevard. Along the way, discover fascinating features such as a roasting furnace, slag, ruins of miners' shelters and houses, and the remains of gallery entrances. Once at the top, reward yourself with a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding countryside.

Many tours are possible in summer or winter with snowshoes. Montées at the Auberge de Roybon (not to be confused with that of Green Collar) and the Cabane cabin are beautiful hiking objectives. The most trained can combine both in the same circuit with a possible hook by Darbounouse.

Courchevel is not only shown on glossy paper. It is also a real resort in the heart of the mountain, an exciting natural environment that Yann Couillard, a mountain Attendant, offers us to discover. In his company, the fauna and flora can be found in a safe and safe way on hiking paths adapted to our level. As the ambassador of the Vanoise Park, he offers us a moment of pure happiness with the observation of ibex, marmots, but also with a passion for pastoralism. In winter, we take a Canadian trapper and we learn all the secrets of the snowy mantle. Another way, smart, to discover the mountain.

And if you let yourself be tempted by this walk? From the bottom of the valley to the puy Gros plateau, from streams to clearings and from scree to burons, the climb opens onto the Guéry summer pasture areas. At the top of the puy Gros, the work of the glaciers is obvious, in the perspective of the Mont-Dore valley. The view of the Sancy ridges is unbeatable. Take the time to appreciate it and to breathe this so pure air before going down again. The distance is 8 km, the duration is 3 hours. Departure from the marshes on the D996, yellow markings, maximum altitude : 1 485 m.

The center offers discovery walks in and around Massiac. Multi-day hikes to the Monts du Cantal and Cézallier, or theme hikes such as the "randonnée gourmande". The "Sianne et Voireuze" hike takes in the charming village of Blesle, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages. The little ones aren't forgotten either, with a pony section for ages 7 to 11, and a baby pony section for ages 4 and up.

It is a summit that is located west of the lake plateau and can climb from the Sep-Laux refuge.

Pleasant hiking that leads us to three lakes located northwest of the Chamrousse Cross. You can leave from the corner station. You can also go through the Achard Lake (see above) and the Infernet and Boot passes.

It is a summit that lies east of the lake plateau and can climb from the Sept-Laux refuge.

Discover Mond'Arverne on foot or by bike thanks to dozens of hiking routes. Whatever the duration and difficulty you are looking for, whether you are a short walker or a seasoned hiker, the paths of the territory invite you to put on your sneakers. Stroll with friends or theme hike, with each excursion, discover a new facet of the territory. And to make sure you don't miss anything, download the Randos Arvernes application, a free interactive tool to discover the nooks and crannies of our Arvernes lands in total autonomy!

The Col des Annes is a must-see for any visitor to the Aravis. Here you'll discover a new kind of landscape, like a piece of Scotland in the Alps, and architecture very different from the rest of the massif. The journey begins long before the walk we propose. As you climb the small road that winds from the Bouchet valley to the pass, only accessible by car in summer, you marvel at the beautiful farmhouses and the almost awe-inspiring mountains. A few ski lifts allow you to imagine what life is like in winter, when everything is covered in snow and skiers happily hurtle down the slopes. We recommend a very simple, almost flat hike starting from the pass, perfect for families. It gives you a 360° view of the Aravis chain and the village of Le Grand-Bornand, just on the other side of the mountain. Park your car and, just left of the road, follow signs for "K'ro de la Mi Our", then "Clef des Annes" and "Col du Vacheret". When you reach the Col du Vacheret, you'll discover another view. Turn left and follow the path along the ridge until you reach Terre Rouge, at the top of the chairlifts, where there are several picnic tables for lunch or a rest. The walk is an out-and-back; once you've reached the Col des Annes again, take advantage of one of the restaurants on site to feast on excellent potato fritters or buy farmhouse cheeses. And you're recharged with happiness!

A lovely walk accessible to all, a must-see in the valley! Lac Bénit and its turquoise waters nestling at the foot of the imposing Bargy cliffs. Access is well signposted: once you've parked at Le Bété, in the Malacquis parking lot, follow the signs to Lac Bénit. The ascent takes about 1h15, the descent 45 minutes. On the way up, take a good look at the cliffs: can you see the mountain's eyes? Once at the top, enjoy the surroundings and the refreshment bar, open in season. Please note that you cannot swim in the lake.

One of the park's emblematic hikes, called the "Chemin des Crêtes", starts in Aillon-le-Jeune. It's a 14 km loop, offering around 4 hours' walking with a 600 m vertical drop. Following rocky slopes and grassy paths, hikers traverse this varied landscape until they reach the crests. At this point, the climb offers magnificent panoramic views. The route is relatively easy and leads all the way to the Carthusian monastery.

Our guides lead nature outings all year round, for a few hours or a few days. In winter, it's off for ski touring on the Aravis mountain range or ski raids all over Europe. Trained in off-piste risk management, they also offer snowshoe treks, icefall climbing and even heliskiing. Summer activities are just as attractive: hiking, via ferrata, canyoning... Some of our original outings introduce visitors to mountain culinary and medicinal plants, astronomy and more.

It is not common to combine contemporary art with ski resort! Flaine has been successful since its inception. This cultural centre welcomes throughout the year exhibitions of modern artists and each week offers a free visit of the station to discover a unique architecture and works of art signed by the largest: Picasso, Dubuffet, Vasarely…

This structure, created by Bernard Vissoud, a mountain attendant and a graduate in viticulture and wine-growing, offers us the opportunity to discover the Savoyard vineyard through a wide range of conviviality. In particular, we recommend an evening'on the ground'for a tasting of all the treasures, some rare, of our vineyards. An original exit from friends, leading us to discover the landscapes, history and best wines of the region to the people of the country.

You can't leave Annecy without climbing Mont Veyrier! It's one of the most popular mountains with locals and tourists alike, for its superb views of the lake, surrounding mountains and town. Once you've parked at the Col du Pré Vernet, follow the signs for Mont Veyrier/Mont Baron. You'll start with a steep 40-minute ascent before reaching the top of the cliffs and taking in the view! The descent is via the same route. To prolong the pleasure, continue on to Mont Baron. You can start the hike from Petit Port.

Starting from the village of Saint-Priest-des-Champs, two trails lead to this beautiful waterfall and its 10-metre height: a short 3 km walk and a 9.5 km hike. Both offer a breath of fresh air in the Combrailles undergrowth. Along the way, you'll come across the Pas de Saint-Martin, a legendary hoof trail said to have been left by the saint's horse as it passed by. In summer, it's hard to resist the temptation to dip your feet in the Auzelle, which forms a pool at the foot of the waterfall. The two paths form a loop.

Par Monts et Par Vaux (PMPV) is an incoming agency specialised in the organisation of cycling, walking or skiing raids. PMPV has rapidly expanded its offer with "free" cycling and hiking trips, always with the emphasis on the discovery of a rich and wild nature and the pleasure of going off the beaten track on carefully chosen itineraries. Ideal for discovering the landscapes of the north of the Ardèche and the Haute-Loire, through volcanic mountains and valleys for stays that are 100% nature and pleasure.

In winter, spring and autumn, set off to meet the venerable trees on the old Col du Rousset road, for a guided nature walk to meet the giants of the Vercors, the hundred-year-old trees. Learn all about trees, their species, life and role, the forest and its flora and fauna. Other themes include life in the past and the Second World War. For children: Tryphon tells the story of the tree with three trunks and takes you on a journey to meet its African cousin, Samba the great baobab...

Raidlight and Benoit Laval, inventors of the Stations de Trail concept back in 2011, are offering the Chartreuse-Trail-Experience, which features routes on the Chartreuse's best itineraries, as well as free equipment testing. Departing from the store, where the team will be happy to advise you, set off on the Chartreuse trails with routes adapted to all levels, from the Kilomètre vertical to beginners' courses, including ski touring and walking.

Lalouvesc is on the route of the GR 430, Chemin de Saint-Régis, 207 km from Le Puy-en-Velay. Ideal from May to the end of October for this spiritual and mountainous journey. On this trail, two recipes have been awarded the Goûtez l'Ardèche label, including pavé de Saint-Régis, a small cake from the Lalouvesc bakery, available in a range of fillings made with local jams. There's also the Sainte-Thérèse Couderc trail from Lalouvesc, where this Ardéchoise founded the congregation of Notre-Dame du Cénacle to the abbey of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges (180 km).

L'Auberge Nordique, an adventure that has been going on for over 40 years! Take a step up in the Aravis! Your chosen season, a stay is adapted to it. There is something for all tastes and all ages, whether you are a beginner or an initiate, the word is relaxation, and it can be invigorating if you opt for the Qi-Gong stay. These hikes are punctuated by sessions during which you refocus on yourself while enjoying the practice, thanks to exercises combining movements, postures, concentration of the mind and breathing.

The GR89 is a hiking trail that refers to the writer and humanist Michel de Montaigne. Sport and literature become one! It is the path he took in 1581 to reach Bordeaux, from Rome. The itinerary takes up two themes that were dear to him: the journey and the meeting. On the Puy-de-Dômoise part, hikers discover the local heritage through quotations and extracts from the author's travel journal. The city of Clermont-Ferrand is crossed by 6 stages of the path, allowing to discover the richness of the territory: the Allier river at Pont-du-Château, the puy d'Anzelle at Cournon, the historical center of Clermont, the crossing of the Chaîne des Puys, etc.

To conquer the tip of Grande Journée at an altitude of 2,460 meters, the adventure begins in La Bâthie, where a breathtaking journey through majestic peaks begins. It's advisable to undertake this dizzying excursion in fine weather, to take full advantage of the spectacular views over the Beaufortain massif. The program includes steep ridges, rock climbing and a vertical drop approaching 1,000 meters. Allow around 4.5 hours to complete the entire tour.

The Belle Époque has left behind precious treasures in the spa town of Crossroad-les-Bains, and we invite you through this promenade to discover some pearls. Over the next two short kilometres, you'll enjoy eleven bourgeois villas with eclectic styles, lanéo medieval lily in Miriam's Neo-Renaissance, Celles, Daisy or Alban-Rollin Street. Proof that once again combining sports pleasure and cultural discoveries is possible.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 2,3 km.

Difficulty: .

The main asset of this hike is perhaps the variety of its panoramas. You will find the landscapes of Morvan, the Monts du Lyonnais and the Alps, as well as the Puys chain, as well as to remind you that you are here in Auvergne! The trail is quite easy, and even beginners can enjoy it. There is a difference of 200 metres, but there is still nothing abnormal about it: you are in Auvergne! On the road, do not miss the orientation table of the Roc du Vacher and the interpretive trail of the Verrerie plateau; the less pressed can even take a tour at the glass museum of Saint-Nicolas-des-Bays, at the start or arrival of the circuit.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 7 km.

Duration: 2 p. m.

Difficulty: .

You are here in the middle of the bourbonnais bocage, and it's not the fields, the prairies, and even less the inescapable "bouchures" of oaks that will sow doubt! The hiking path we offer is easy to access and has no difficulty; all you need to do is focus on your environment. You will find on your road some interesting monuments such as the church and castle of Vernas, or a christianisé menhir from where you will enjoy a panorama on the valley of the Aumance.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 7,5 km.

Duration: 2 p. m.

Difficulty: .

On foot, it is from the commune of Brénod that you will have to leave to discover these three waterfalls: that of Sautoux, that of Crêt Naillot, and finally that of Versoud. A little over 4 kilometers await you on a forest path, and therefore shaded, punctuated with a few pretty views. In particular, stop at the Areta summit, half way: from the top of its 944 meters altitude, it offers a nice panorama of the village and surrounding area - which is much better thanks to the orientation table!

Tariff: free.

Distance: 4,2 km.

Difficulty: .

Go for this walk in the centre of the village of Therefore-d'Ardèche and cross the bridge towards Saint-Pierreville. About 200 metres further, on the right, take the road to Serrepuy: it is simply marked "Loop René Sautel". Next, follow the signs «Fontfreyde» and «Rémus»; you will return to your starting point by following the yellow markup. Good news: the Community of Municipalities and the Chestnut Tourism Office offer about ten other circuits, marked or in progress, to start from four different communes; to discover at its own pace the rich heritage of this beautiful region.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 4,5 km.

Duration: 1 p. m.

Difficulty: .

Markup: yellow.

Special provisions: shall be composed of an IGN card.

This Green Lane begins at the Hameau Hameau in Brégnier-Cordon. In 12 kilometres, it will take you to Évieu and then to the port of Groslée. It is, in fact, a segment of the famous Via Rhôna, which, in 450 kilometres, links Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. The course is peaceful and offers a wide range of activities. It first crosses the river and joins a rural road surrounded by corn fields. That, and there, a few points of view are your itinerary; the opportunity, if you are on the walk, to make a small stop.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 12 km.

Difficulty: .

It is vis-a-vis the town hall of Saint-Pierreville that will begin your strolls, between forest roads, streams, meadows and wood of chestnuts. The bucolic setting who accompanies to you during these 7 kilometers will charm in love ones with nature. Easy, this loop is accessible to all the family. Good news: the Community of towns and the Tourist Office of the Chestnuts propose about ten other tours, marked out or in the course of marking, to carry out at the beginning of four different towns; what to discover at its rhythm the rich heritage of this beautiful region.

Price: free.

Distance: 7.4 km away.

Duration: 2:30.

Difficulty: easy.

Marking: yellow and white-yellow.

Specific measures: bring absolutely with a MAP.