Discover the charms of Saint-symphorien, Lozère, Languedoc-Roussillon

Hike 240 kilometres of a trail once used by merchants and mule-drivers, Crusaders and pilgrims heading for St Gilles’ tomb or to Le Puy-en-Velay for its Black Madonna. This document presents only the segment of the trail between la Bastide-Puylaurent et l’Affenadou, most of which is on the territory of the Cévennes National Park. You can find the entire itinerary in the official guidebook, Le chemin de Régordane (ref. 7000),published by the Fédération française de randonnée pédestre (FFRandonnée)and sold in the National Park’s centres, online at www.cevennes-parcnational.fr, in bookshops and sports shops, and at boutique.ffrandonnee.fr. All information about the Régordane Way is also available at www.chemin-regordane.fr.

Mausoleum, châteaux, chapel, farms, hamlets – so many sites steeped in a history that simply begs to be told... From the mausoleum in Lanuéjols, go uphill into the village and towards the church. Below the cemetery, go downhill on the right to the road. Cross it and take the farm track on the valley floor. Cross first La Prade brook and then the Vareilles road to reach Finiols. In that hamlet, turn right at the T-junction and go downhill to Le Boy. Here you join up again with the D 41, onto which you turn right for 300 m. Then take a track on the left going uphill to Chapieu. Before you arrive on the plateau, at the third hairpin bend, take the level track to reach the Château de Chapieu, 150 m ahead. Return to the track and go uphill to Chapieu farm, skirt its buildings and continue straight ahead to a forestry track. Turn right onto the track and walk to the Col de La Loubière. At the Col (pass), take the lane back downhill to Le Masseguin. In the hamlet, take the path that goes uphill on the left. A ridge path will lead you to St Geniès chapel. Continue on this path, which goes downhill all the way to the road. Turn right onto the road, and, in the hairpin bend, take the track. After 200 m, leave the track for a path on your left going downhill to Vitrolles. Return to Lanuéjols on the road.

Beyond its historical importance, the site of Le Tournel also bears witness to ancient schist architecture and reveals a vast landscape shaped over time. Some clarifications:• Your starting-point is opposite the car park – you need to cross the road at the tunnel exit• From Marker 3, you can join the mill on the bank of the river Lot via a staircase (there-and-back)• From Marker 9, you can join a belvedere that overlooks the site of Le Tournel and allows you to read the landscape.

Partez sur le chemin des écoliers et plongez-vous dans le passé de ce charmant petit village.

Blizzard belltowers keep you company throughout this trail over the large Mont Lozère peatbogs, the meadows of Les Espradels plateau and the “1,000 rivers” with their steep banks. As you leave the hamlet of f Oultet, head towards Lozerette. Fork left onto the path to join up with the track to Lozerette. Take it to the right (do not go through Lozerette). As you cross Les Espadrels plateau, at the crossroads, continue straight ahead. Join up with the track to Serviès (do go to the hamlet of Serviès to see its blizzard belltower, then retrace your steps) and turn right towards les Sagnes. Keep going straight, across the plateau, and in Les Sagnes walk to the lower hamlet to see its blizzard belltower before doubling back. As you enter the hamlet, take the track on the left towards Croix de Peyrou. 150 m after the cross, continue straight ahead, then take the second path on the right, towards Auriac. Go through Auriac and then around the summit of Peyrou to the fork below La Felgère, at the menhir (standing stone). Take the right-hand path to go back downhill to Oultet.

Un joli parcours pour découvrir l’église de Rageade, le Cros, un four. Une halte à la confluence des ruisseaux vous rafraîchira, le retour par de magnifiques chemins en sous-bois ou bordés de buissons en fleurs au printemps, se fait sans effort.

Once used for grazing livestock, the slopes of Loubaresse have gradually turned into broom-covered heathland. The municipality is doing everything it can to keep the areas clear by encouraging pastoralism and helping a farmer to settle there.   P - () From the "Loubaresse départ" post near the church, join the upper road (), cross over and climb the transhumance sheep track to the windy Pratarabiat pass    Pratarabiat – Follow Borne 5,9 km. Take the track on the left along the ridge.   Bravefont - Follow Loubaresse 1,4 km. Leave the track to descend steeply between two fences on the left (). Croix de Saint-Jean - Follow Loubaresse 2,2 km. On the right, cross the hairpin-bend road. Continue through the meadows. To reach the village, leave the track for vehicles to the Loubaresse’s only hamlet (Lichechaude) and take the path to the Lichechaude stream. Cross the stream and go up to join the GR () below the farm-restaurant. Le Dervet - Follow Loubaresse 0,7 km. Go left to return to Place de Loubaresse.

The village of Celoux, the old railroad line and the windmill are all signs of the past that punctuate this circuit and make it a real heritage pilgrimage.

Walk in the footsteps of the Resistants (about 2 hours' journey). A detailed guide will be given to you at the Resistance Museum.

Our 180m² group chalet in the heart of the Ardèche mountain has 46 beds in 10 4-bed dorms and 3 3-bed dorms. Half-board available at the foot of the slopes and hiking trails.

With comfortable rooms and good food guaranteed, you can just sit back and enjoy a really relaxing holiday.

Welcome to LA FAGE gîte, at heart of village, 1,000m up between the Ardèche mountain and Cévenne ardéchoise. 9 little bedrooms (2 to 6 beds) ? 3 with shared facilities and 6 with private facilities. Kitchen, living room available. Cooking based on local produce. Many outdoor activities, sports, natural and cultural heritage all around. Piano in living room. Weekend lets, weekly lets for groups, families, nature classes. Beginner's orienteering and heritage discovery can form part of walks/hikes. Activity organiser on-site. 1 bedroom with disabled access.

In a wild and unspoiled valley not far from Tauriers, this fragrant rose garden contains more than 700 different old varieties of roses. It has been classified as a remarquable garden. GPS : [44.54978, 4.25655] Discover the collection of hundreds of old rose varieties in its charming setting within the preserved countryside. It is only 15 minutes from Largentière and is open to visitors for one month in spring. In the garden, you can enjoy a cup of tea or local juice in the tea house. Berty Rose Garden is also a nursery rose garden where you can purchase your favorite rose!

Located in a medieval house, panoramic terrace, traditional local home-cooked food. The Bastide de Sanilhac welcomes you in a charming and welcoming atmosphere to enjoy during weddings, seminars, holidays or week-ends.

The Ranchisses'inn is a friendly restaurant by the river in a beautiful stonehouse. Homemade Ardèche specialties, firewood pizzas and grill cooking... Our cuisine is made with fresh local products.

Our eatery in the heart of a Cévennes property in Ardèche Mountains Regional Park overlooks the medieval village of Largentière. We'd love to see you in our old farmhouse oozing personality.

To stay at the Seigneurie de Naves, is to find a place of peace and charm. You are guaranteed the time to step back, relax and enjoy a different pace of life away from everyday stresses. Located on a rocky spur, Naves is a quiet medieval village that is officially designated as a “Village de Caractère”. The lively town of Les Vans is located in the valley 2 km away – or just over 1 km if hiking! Located on a rocky spur, Naves is a quiet medieval village that is officially designated as a “Village de Caractère”. The lively town of Les Vans is located in the valley 2 km away – or just over 1 km if hiking. Naves has maintained its atmosphere into the 21st century thanks to the sympathetic restoration of the properties by the residents. It is a collection narrow cobbled streets that lead to village square with an 11th century church and views across the typical terrain of the southern Ardèche. Situated between two lanes, the house can be accessed by the lower road for the Blanche de Paysac and the Pitcholine rooms. From the upper road, via a lovely vaulted ceiling, you can access the Rougette and the Frantoio rooms. A particular feature is a beautiful stone spiral staircase that serves the family suite and the dining room. In the central part of the house is the Library lounge and Wellness area. At this level, under a high canopy, there is a fountain and access to all parts of the house. Then cross a small stone bridge that spans the lane, to gain access to the pool and gardens. As soon as you cross this little bridge, you will fall under the charm of this green haven of peace. You will first encounter a small covered seating area where you can to sit quietly enjoy a drink, read or just contemplate life – regardless of the vagaries of the weather. Next is a lovely arbour offering protection from the sun when the shade of the centuries-old mulberry trees is insufficient. Breakfast and dinner served here. A little further on there is the boulodrome where you can test your skills at pétanque. The best teams can compete to win an appetizer on the House! A pool of 12 x 5 m will allow you to do a few laps, relax and freshen up after your muscles have been stretched by one or the other sports activities offered in the surrounding area. For a quieter time, you can wander through the rest of the garden where over 500 carefully chosen plants delight the senses. Or merely sit a while under an olive tree and enjoy the views across the roofs of the old village to the distant horizons.

Largentière was named after "Argentaria", the silver mining area. It was founded in the11th cent. The 12th century is a period of great development thanks to Emporor Conrad who allowed to town to issue coins. The town It was founded in the 11th century. The Counts of Toulouse, the Bishops of Viviers, and the Lords of Anduze, Poitiers and Balazuc owned the silver mines. In the 12th century, this medieval city retained great cultural and economic development thanks to Emperor Conrad who granted them the right to mint coins. In 1208, Largentière was placed under the authority of the Counts of Toulouse who succeeded the Bishops of Viviers. In 1730, Bishop François Renaud de Villeneuve sold the castle and the Barony of Largentière to the Marquis François de Beauvoir du Roure de Brison. In the 1830s the silk industry reached its peak, and silkmills flourished all around. Take time to explore this medieval city whilst wandering through the picturesque streets. You will discover the sandstone facades, the arcades, the mullioned windows and beautiful ancient doors. The castle overlooks the town. In 1716 the Bishop of Viviers sold it to the Count of Brison who decided to renovate the building in order to make it more comfortable. In the middle of the castle, the square dungeon also known as Bastide de Bonnegarde was built in the 12th century. It was left intact during the Revolution, and it became a Court of justice and a prison, and a local hospital later on. Notre Dame des Pomiers church (from the latin “pomerium” which means “limit”) was built between the end of the 12th century and the beginning of the 13th century. It was extended in the 15th and 19th century. Inside Roman influences can be seen, such as a 13th century sarcophagus and a 15th century pulpit. An interesting detail: there lies the skull of the Count of Saillans who fought against the revolutionaries and was beheaded in 1792. The stairs of the Montée Mazon, which lead to the church, were built of stone from the remparts in 1888. The 16th century Recollets city gate is part of the medieval ramparts as well as the bridge over the river Ligne. They are both well preserved. From the bridge, you can see the canal, which would have brought water to the city shops, as well as the 19th century Court of justice, on the hill opposite, which looks much like a Greek temple. Don't miss the town hall: the back of this building is typically Renaissance.

Charming village built on a prominent rock dominating the Truyère river. A path which crosses the river via a small bridge leads to the village. (Starting point near the cemetary)

The Abbey of Notre Dame des Neiges, where Trappist Cistercian monks have lived since 1850, is a place of peace, prayer and fraternity which is cut off from the world but open to all.

"These buildings, which were the headquarters of a very large Causse farm, are laid out around a central courtyard. The main building faces south and consists of two floors of living quarters above a sheepfold. Two barns under vaulted granges that are 22 m long form the wings.” (A. Boemare)  

"St-Pierre Romanesque church was built in the 12th century and expanded in the 14th. Built from tuff and limestone from the region, it has remained very pure in style. The nave has a barrel vault; two chapels added in the 14th century make up the side aisle. They house the funerary niches of the Auriac,  Châteauneuf and Tournel families. The transept, which is topped by a dome on squinches, supported an octagonal bell tower before the French Revolution. The five-sided apse and the apse chapels are covered by spherical vaults: from the outside, they form a beautifully arranged chevet.” (A. Boemare)

"It was built in the third century by a well-off couple in memory of their two sons. The couple might have run both an agricultural estate and the region's mines. Tombs of such opulence are rare, and in France only one other example is known, at St-Rémy-de-Provence. Its half-buried position is due to the accumulation of matter brought by runoff (the monument was cleared several times in the 19th century). The main room probably housed the sarcophagi and statues of the deceased. The building is constructed from large carved blocks of limestone laid very evenly, and its entrance is topped by an archivolt (ornamental side of a stone arch) decorated with scrollwork (coiled plant motifs) and a lintel.” (A. Boemare)

Marker 10From this high point (above which short-toed snake eagles are often seen), the site of Le Tournel on the rocky spur dominating the Lot Valley, showcases all its strategic power. The surrounding landscape was slowly shaped by human activity, the dispersed settlements favouring the human hold over nature. Mont Lozère’s denuded rounded tops are maintained by the flocks of transhumant sheep that graze here. Crops take up the fertile dips near villages, where farming can be mechanised.

Scots Pines, which have replaced oaks on limestone soils and beech on siliceous soils, cover vast areas. With birches, they are the first to invade abandoned farm land. As a result of agricultural decline, vast heaths of broom – which can live on poor soils – have formed. They are periodically subjected to controlled burns by farmers. This landscape evolves over time, and according to natural and human factors.

“This hamlet contains a few handsome examples of traditional architecture and an unusual joint fountain-bread oven. The back wall of the fountain was added later, and the layout of the buildings shows that the ruined oven, which is behind the fountain, was originally covered by the same roof.” (A. Boemare)

Marker 9A few plant species are well-represented near the ruins, such as hoary plantain and mugwort. Among the plants that colonise the almost soil-less stone walls or rock faces are stonecrops (several species, notable for their succulent leaves); saxifrages (three species), which brighten up the rocky outcrops in spring with their white flowers; and navelwort. Trailing snapdragon with its yellow flowers streaked in pink exists almost exclusively in the Cévennes. On top of the tower wall, you will notice two rows of schist stones with rounded lower edges, an exceptional architectural detail. They probably date from the 12th century.

The Auberge de l'Allagnonette welcomes you to a building full of character. The chef prepares delicious dishes: millefeuille of black pudding with foie gras, duck breast with red fruit, etc. Regional dishes: cantal tart, pounti, truffade, tripoux.

The restaurant is located in the privileged setting of the hamlet of Gua (road D203) on the banks of the river La Beaume. We propose a traditional home-made cooking with a regularly renewed menu and, out of meal times, a snack menu.

Menu based on fresh seasonal produce. Licence IV.

Specialties include grilled meats and regional dishes: pounti, truffade, Auvergne platters and tasting platters, all served in a bright, open-plan dining room, under a covered terrace or in the open air.

Refrigerated gourmet racks with specialties from Auvergne and other regions. Sweet gourmet racks. Open 24 hours a day.

Ardèche terroir cuisine in a panoramic dining room with a view of the Alps and Ventoux Mount. This familial restaurant is popular for its fine cuisine and the chef, Claude Belin, cares about the use of fresh products only.

Located in a medieval house, panoramic terrace, traditional local home-cooked food. The Bastide de Sanilhac welcomes you in a charming and welcoming atmosphere to enjoy during weddings, seminars, holidays or week-ends.

Treat your tastebuds! Traditional hearty dishes. All our dishes are homemade including the jams we serve for breakfast. You will love the chef's exquisite Ardèche cuisine made from garden and fresh produce.

The Ranchisses'inn is a friendly restaurant by the river in a beautiful stonehouse. Homemade Ardèche specialties, firewood pizzas and grill cooking... Our cuisine is made with fresh local products.

Hotel in the midst of pine forests near the Espezonnette River, fishing. Private car park. Outdoor heated pool. Logis de France restaurant approved: 2 "saucepans".

This campsite in the heart of the Ardèche is surrounded by stunning mountains by the Vernazon River near the village and shops. Ideal for nature lovers.

Hôtel Au Parfum des Bois is a family hotel and restaurant where you can enjoy peace and quiet in the Ardèche mountain. Home cooking. We can't wait to meet you!

This villa can sleep up to 18 in groups or families throughout the year in 5 rooms and a dorm each with a sink, shower and toilet. Nearby: lots to do at lakes, rivers and forests. For the pleasure of your eyes... The lodge is located at the foot of the Gerbier de Jonc mount, in the small village of Usclades. Nearby, you can also visit the Bourlatier farm, the Auberge de Peyrebeille, the Écomusée de Bigorre-Les-Maziaux as well as picturesque villages and thatched roofs. ...and for the pleasure of your taste buds... In the evening, the lodge offers traditional cooking and typical dishes of the area made with local products: Fin Gras du Mézenc beef, maoche, charcuterie meat, trouts, mushroom omelets, lentils, etc. Deserts featuring blueberries, raspberries and chestnuts are also on the menu!

Our 180m² group chalet in the heart of the Ardèche mountain has 46 beds in 10 4-bed dorms and 3 3-bed dorms. Half-board available at the foot of the slopes and hiking trails.

With comfortable rooms and good food guaranteed, you can just sit back and enjoy a really relaxing holiday.

Welcome to LA FAGE gîte, at heart of village, 1,000m up between the Ardèche mountain and Cévenne ardéchoise. 9 little bedrooms (2 to 6 beds) ? 3 with shared facilities and 6 with private facilities. Kitchen, living room available. Cooking based on local produce. Many outdoor activities, sports, natural and cultural heritage all around. Piano in living room. Weekend lets, weekly lets for groups, families, nature classes. Beginner's orienteering and heritage discovery can form part of walks/hikes. Activity organiser on-site. 1 bedroom with disabled access.

Bois Simonet campsite offers an exceptional panoramic site in the heart of family nature, under the pines, at the gates "Monts d'Ardèche" and 20 km from the listed site of Vallon Pont d'Arc and the Cave of Pont d'Arc (reproduction Grotte Chauvet). Come and discover this little corner of paradise with 45 accommodations The site is composed of 45 accommodations mainly chalets for 4 to 8 people, 7 lodges, 18 camping sites for tents and caravans, 2 heated pools, 3 playgrounds for children, a city stadium. The river "Beaume" and its crystal clear waters is 10 minutes walk from the campsite. Quiet, friendly and family village, not flooded. On site services in season (+ W.E. in May and June): Bar, restaurant, takeaway, pizza, supermarket, games, petanque, table football, ... Breads and pastries on the spot - Press in July and August. Activities in season: ping pong and foosball tournaments, petanque competitions, canoeing, donkey rides in the campsite, kids club, teen club, foam party and 5 evening entertainment a week ... But beware, everything stops at 23 h to respect the rest of each. Accommodation: High-end chalets (telephone, Wifi, air conditioning, dishwasher and television depending on model).

The holiday cottages, “Le Domaine de la Jeanne” is located on an old agricultural property of 2 ha, surrounded by olive-tree plantations and old vines. The swimming-pool is heated at 25 degrees minimum from May until the end of September which guarantee you a lovely pre and post summer season. We propose lodgings out of stone and wooden of contemporary aspect with a total capacity of 55 peoples. The cottages or gîtes are classified 3 stars, are of great comfort with one to three bedrooms which is very adaptable for couples, families, hiking or cycling clubs. Sandrine and Xavier as former restaurant owner also offer a full and half board service for groups (15 to 55 pers) and an host table during summer evenings with authentic fine meals. Located in full nature, facing southward with the Cevennes National Park nearby, La Jeanne is ideally located to enjoy outdoor activities : river, canoe, climbing, cannyoning, fishing, baths, horse riding, and obviously hiking..... We are open from early April until mid November, For a real discovery of Southern Ardèche come and visit us!