Discover Le brignon, Haute-Loire: a gem in Auvergne

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.

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.

This trail on the crest of the Tanargue plateau, which rises to over 1,300 m, offers superb views of the Ardèche mountains and beyond. P – Take the tarmac road towards Loubaresse. Just after the fire station, take the steps leading down to the left (). The path continues under the chestnut trees then across old terraces to the hamlet of Saint Martin above you.   Saint Martin - Follow Le Chalas 1,2 km, Croix de Bancillon. Go under an archway and turn right up the steps (). Take the main road on the left and cross it in front of the phone box. Take the tarmac road on the right, and cut down along the stone path to reach Le Derlay. Le Derlay - Follow Le Chalas 0,9 km, Loubaresse 8 km. The path climbs through the meadows then curves left in front of the houses and joins a tarmac road. Follow the road to the left for a few dozen metres, paying attention to the signs to leave the road by a path that heads left. It then joins the road, which you have to cross. Turn right and go up between the chestnut trees, then join a track between two walls that leads to the hamlet of Chalas. Cross the path and continue between the houses to reach the Chalas crossroads. Le Chalas - Follow La Grangette 15,8 km, La Croix de Beauzon 18,3 km. Go right of the house, cross the road and take the path opposite, between two stone walls.  The path re-emerges a little higher up the road. Go straight on and turn right onto the road. Leave the road and take the small path that goes up on the left. Follow the signs to Méjean. Méjean - Follow La Grangette 1,4 km, Loubaresse 10 km ().Continue along the ridge until you reach a track to the right. Follow it to the La Grangette hairpin bend. La Grangette - Follow Loubaresse 8,2 km by the main path that takes you to L’ Escoufour. L'Escoufour - Follow Le Chalas 3,2 km, Valgorge 5,7 km along the yellow and white marked track. When the track turns right at a right angle, leave it and take a path down to Le Ségur. Follow the signs. Le Ségur - Follow Valgorge 3,1 km. The track takes you to a stream; cross the stream and continue on the opposite side. Cross over a second stream before heading towards the fields and then to the houses in the hamlet of Chalas. Enter the small hamlet of Chalas du Haut, turn right after the first house onto the yellow and white marked path that descends between low walls. At the bottom of the descent, turn left to reach Chalas du Bas. Le Chalas - Follow Valgorge 2,2 km. Cross the road then take the steps opposite. The path goes down between two low walls then through the chestnut trees before reaching a road. Cross the road and head towards the houses before returning to the road and following it right. Leave the road by going right before the last houses and go down to Le Derlay. Le Derlay - Follow Valgorge 1,6 km. The path runs along the slope before turning right and going under some trees, then continues straight on before winding past some houses. In Valgorge, turn right on the main street and return to the start point.

As soon as it leaves Le Cheylard, the cycle route changes its scenery: the Dolce Via, with the Eyrieux as its main thread, now runs into the steep valleys of the Boutières. If today the route can be travelled by bike without effort, imagine for a moment the construction of the railway at the end of the 19th century, which is the result of a real technological feat due to the nature of the terrain. The last vestiges of this extraordinary railway past, the viaducts, tunnels, bridges and trenches, all carved out with the strength of your wrist, accompany you to Saint-Agrève. A colourful and easy walk.

The scenery changes on this side towards the north-east. The cycle route, still on greenways, gets higher and higher and every pedal stroke is a wonder. Five viaducts, two bridges and three tunnels later, the landscapes of the Boutières and the Monts d'Ardèche, with the Mont Gerbier de Jonc and the Mont Mézenc in the background, await you. A nice reward before arriving at the pass and crossing the mountain by the Nonières tunnel, the longest of the Dolce Via with its 320 metres (lit!). You can then peacefully drive the remaining 12 km to Lamastre on almost freewheels. Here, a mythical steam train awaits you for an incomparable discovery of the Gorges du Doux to Tournon-Saint-Jean and ViaRhôna.

In the heart of the Tanargue mountains, set out from the chestnut groves, the flagship Ardeche landscape. To find out all about chestnuts, come and visit the Espace Castanea in Joyeuse! P – Village Square. Follow La Grangette 7,1 km, La Croix de Bauzon 9,6 km. Opposite the signpost, take the steps on your left and head towards the glass house. 300m further on, take the path on the right that heads north. After the second ruined barn, cross the stream and walk along the right bank under the hazel trees for about 300m. Cross the stream again using the stepping stones, take two hairpin bends and then head downhill through an oak forest. A short downhill passage leads to a third crossing, followed by a slope to the south that takes you to the Pialade ridge. The trail twists through the broom to reach a slightly marked pass to the west of a large beech forest from where a sheep shed is visible. A short stretch of track leads to the Anglanier stream, which you cross. In a few zig-zags, the path crosses the Redonde plain to emerge 40m higher on a track above the Ranc des Barres. Continue on this track to Rocher des Barres.   Le Rocher des Barres - Follow Col des Langoustines 4,4 km, La Souche 8,2 km via the Tour du Tanargue GRP (long distance footpath) par le GRP tour du Tanargue (). Come back via the crest of the Tanargue. (N.B. In stormy or snowy weather, it’s better to go back the way you came!) After a short climb, cross a second plain, then a third with a more marked pass on the north side. Follow a stony track in a steep slope towards Cros de l'Aygue.   Cros de l'Aygue - Follow Laboule 6,4 km. Leave the GRP and take ( ), the DFCI (forestry wildfire prevention) track that leads to Cebeyres  Les Cebeyres - Follow Laboule 0,4 km to return to the village. This is a mountain trail and can cause orientation problems on the summits in foggy weather. In stormy or snowy weather, it’s better to go back the way you came. Please watch out for herds of sheep on the Tanargue’s summer pastures – avoid bringing your dog, or keep it on a lead.

The Montselgues blockfield path makes its way through a wild landscape dominated by the mineral element : granite. This beautiful hike evokes granitic Britanny with a whiff of legend. First, take the road that goes north out of the village, in the direction of Teste Rouge and Pradon. After about 100 m, turn right on a stony path leading to la Borie, 2 km away. You will first have to confront a difference in height of 90 m uphill, then the equivalent douwnhill, and you will see how unlike those two slopes are. On the first part, you will not find any blockfields but, on the contrary, a quiet landscape, very green, with gentle shapes and a moderatly steep gradient. Stone buildings bear witness to old developments : the rocks and walls along the way, the cross, the small bridge, the calade (cobblestone path), the paving on the path made out of grey, pink, yellow granite stones... Once you reach the road leading to la Borie, follow it uphill on your left for about 100 m, then pass the tight bend of the road, leaving the shed on your left. After 20 m, the path leaves the road and passes between the two houses on the right to climb among rocks up to Petit Paris, perched on the top. Go through the hamlet. Just out of Petit Paris, a bench carved out of stone invites you to sit down for a while. The walk continues on a path lined with rocks. After 1 km, you will see on your right one of the most beautiful granite blockfields in the area. A natural treasure less unusual in Brittany or the Auvergne, not to mention the numerous places around the world where the old basement rises to outcrop, on every continent. 500 m after the blockfield, you will go through the Cayres hamlet, a toponym that could mean either angle or remote place. You can pick the meaning you like. Carry on after the farm and take the road (yellow markings) on your left, follow it to the end of the downhill gradient, then take the track suitable for vehicles in front of you towards the ridge. The way back to the village will take you on the ridge of one of the plateau de Montselgues' corrugations, first called Pierre plantée, then Serre de Teste Rouge. The word serre means, depending on the place, an elongate mountain or a high point with gentle or rounded slopes. Once on the road, at the pass, take the tarmacked road that goes directly down to Montselgues, your starting point.

The first part of the trail is contemplative with only the red wooden viewing frames placed along the path to highlight some key elements of the landscape. Then, 7 illustrated explanatory panels give information on the elements observed. P - At the start sign in the hamlet of Féreyrolles, take the path that climbs to the right. This path leads to a track, turn left, then 250m further on, turn right onto the canal path. Follow the chestnut trail signs. In this first section, continue straight on for 1km. With the 5 red frames, use your sense of observation to identify traces of human intervention in the landscape. At the “Sardoune” theme panel, the path continues downhill to a small road. Turn right and walk 300m. Go down the path on the left until you reach the canal. Turn left and you’ll see a sign marked “le Béal”. Cross the canal and continue along the path on the left. Walk through the chestnut orchards and then a meadow where there’s a third panel with a 19th century illustration of a landscape of the Borne valley. At the end of the meadow, continue on the track, turning left to reach another theme sign entitled “l’arbre à pain” (Europe’s version of the breadfruit tree). After 50m, take the road. To continue along the initial trail, take the road left then, at the crossroads, go right. Walk along this small road for 350m. (For the return trip, you can take the road on your right to get to the Geopark site. If you take this 600m detour, you’ll discover a geological curiosity – “balls” of polished granite that fell onto the riverbed several million years ago).  Take the path on the right to reach a chestnut orchard. Continue straight ahead on the path past the information panel “les châtaignes d'Ardèche”. At the end of the trail, take the road again and head left to return to the hamlet of  Féreyrolles. You can also carry straight on by following the road then taking a small path on your right. This additional 1.5km loop, which takes about half an hour, takes you past a goat farm. Cross the road when you get to the stone cross, climb up to the old canal and go left to return to Féreyrolles.

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

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

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.

Quiet, friendly, spacious and demarcated pitches, quality bathroom facilities, volleyball, football, heated pool, badminton, snack, bread baked on-site, pastries, GR hiking trail from the campsite.

In the middle of nature, between pine forests and meadows, this beautiful house enjoys an exceptional environment without any vis-à-vis. Traditional mountain house, high-end and high-quality furnishings. House on 3 levels.

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.

Quiet and wooded campsite facing the Leignecq waterbody. Ideal for fishing and hiking to discover nature. Caravan rental. Mobile homes. Possible motorhome reception (emptying area).

In a friendly restaurant or on a nice terrace, Mariline and Sebastien Jacquemin welcome you to discover a tasty and authentic cuisine made with local products. Seasonal cuisine, entirely home-made and simmered with passion.

"For holidays a 100% into nature, at the heart of the Forez mounts, we offer three different types of hosting : cabins, huts, quality wagons. Possibility to rent rooms (except July and August)" Tony's team are happy to welcome you all year round to Usson en Forez, at the doors of Auvergne. Back to nature guaranteed in this great place full of hiking trails that you go through by feet, riding a horse or a bike. The residential leisure park proposes a direct access to the water body for fishing lovers but also to the swimming area and aquatic games.

"Le Myrtille is a luxury chalets located within the holiday park, near the lake and the village of Usson-en-Forez. Le Genêt is suitable for wheelchair users."

A place dedicated to the history of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and the surrounding villages during the World War II. The memorial presents the history of the Righteous. Located in the centre of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, it is for anyone who wants to learn more about this exceptional past. A unique Place dedicated to the History of the Righteous and the non-violent resistance during World War II. The Memorial invites you to discover the history of the Vivarais-Lignon Plateau and to understand the commitment of its habitants in a civil, spiritual and armed Resistance during the World War II. Hundreds of refugees have been hosted by the population. The Memorial offers a permanent exhibition with an interactive approach like films, animated movies, multimedia tools and a testimony room. The equipment allows a large rank of visitors, including children, to have access to a pedagogical service. Open all year long, guided tours on reservation for groups and school children.

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.

Along the D4 linking Lablachère to Montselgues, admire the magnificent 180° panorama. Marking the south-eastern extremity of the vast Cévennes massif, the Vivarais Cévenol corniche is a long ridge stretching north from the Prataubérat massif towards the foothills of the southern Ardèche to the south-east, overlooking the deep valleys of the Drobie to the east and the Thines and Chassezac to the south.

The Tanargue massif, which culminates at almost 5,000 feet, overlooks the entire Pays Beaume-Drobie. This vast crest of granite which stands out in the landscape takes the name ‘Tanargue’ from the protohistoric era. “Taranis”, the Celtic god of the sky and thunder appeared in all his violence on “Arga”, the mountain, hence the name Tanargue, the ‘Thunder Mountain’.

Loubaresse church, built in 1845, boasts a magnificent crenellated bell tower, the remains of an ancient tower that stood behind the village.

The Beaume springs from the Tanargue massif to finish its course in the Ardèche at the foot of the Sampzon Rock and has beautiful sandy, rocky beaches for you to enjoy a swim with the whole family.

Cuisine based on local, natural products. Spicy, mild and deliciously flavoured dishes. Local, regional products and traditional beverages.

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.

"Come and enjoy Dajmila’s cuisine in the heart of the village. Chez l’Hôte is a café and restaurant serving family dishes, traditional French cuisine, and eastern specialities such as couscous and kebab."

Located next to the waterbody, le Cabanon welcomes you for lunch and in the evening but also for a small gourmet break in the afternoon.

Nathalie welcomes you to her restaurant located in the heart of the green resort of Usson. Young and old alike will be able to enjoy a traditional cuisine of quality based on fresh products. Former Rival restaurant. Specialties: foie gras, ice verbena, fresh meat and fish. The menu changes according to seasonal products. Ideal for family meals: 2 dining rooms, 1 room for children and 1 terrace. Near the museum of the Forez mountains and outdoor activities: water, mountain bike rides, adventure park ...

In a friendly restaurant or on a nice terrace, Mariline and Sebastien Jacquemin welcome you to discover a tasty and authentic cuisine made with local products. Seasonal cuisine, entirely home-made and simmered with passion.

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!

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

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!

Family-friendly and sun-soaked campsite in the Ardèche mountains, 200m from the village and on the banks of the Loire. 12km from Mont Gerber de Jonc and the source of the Loire.

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.

Quiet, friendly, spacious and demarcated pitches, quality bathroom facilities, volleyball, football, heated pool, badminton, snack, bread baked on-site, pastries, GR hiking trail from the campsite.

In the middle of nature, between pine forests and meadows, this beautiful house enjoys an exceptional environment without any vis-à-vis. Traditional mountain house, high-end and high-quality furnishings. House on 3 levels.