dossier

Valleys and Volcanoes Walk

Day 1: Arrive in Les Estables
We pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel in time for a swim before dinner.

Day 2: Massif du Meygal  17km/10mi
Today’s circular walk is like taking a journey back in time as we trace the heritage and traditions of this remote corner of France. Starting off in the hidden hamlet of Montvert, we discover ancient water mills, original bread ovens and abandoned maisons de la béate– ancient religious meeting places where children used to come to study the Bible, read the Catechism or perfect their lace making skills. There’s a pretty spot where we picnic at the foot of the Mont de Testavoyre (1,436m) then, in the afternoon, we return via the Meygal Forest – look out for buzzards circling overhead.  

Day 3: Chapelle de Soutron  18km/11mi
This morning the hotel’s minibus takes us across to the Ardèche mountain range. Here, our path skirts a series of ancient volcanic domes - known as sucs- that are unique to this region of France. In the afternoon, we climb to the summit of the Rocher du Sutron where the little chapel affords superb views of one of the most famous sucs- Mont Gerbier du Jonc, source of the great river Loire.

Day 4: Sucs des Chartreux  17kms/10mi
First stop this morning is to see the ruins of the ancient Carthusian monastery at Bonnefoy. It was the monks from here who built the large farm buildings in Les Estables, using the traditional lauzeroofing stones. It’s an easy ascent up Suc de Montfol – superb views right across the Ardèche mountain range. Headwater guests in May/ June should see an amazing array of colourful wild flowers: lilies, orchids, cotton grass and bright yellow gentian.

Day 5: Le Puy en Velay
We give our walking boots a well earned rest today and head out instead in the hotel minibus to Le Puy en Velay, stopping off en route at the Frères Perrel farm-museum to see first hand how life in the region has (or hasn’t!) evolved over the years. After lunch, lots of free time to explore the extraordinary town of Le Puy, formerly a starting point for the St Jacques de Compostela pilgrimage route: the cobbled streets, Roman cloisters, Nôtre Dame Cathedral, imposing Virgin Mary statue and tranquil gardens.

Day 6: Mont Mézenc  16km/9mi
After a lift (optional) to the Dents du Diable, today’s walk is a gentle ascent up Mont Mézenc (1,753m) where we’re rewarded with incredible 360-degree views out over the Ardèche and Haut Loire landscapes. On a clear day, we can see right across from Mont Blanc in the French Alps to Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail in Provence – an incredible 220km panorama! On our ascent, don’t be surprised to see little furry marmots foraging in the undergrowth.

Day 7: Gorges de la Loire  11km/7mi
It’s a complete change in scenery for our final day as we follow the course of the famous river Loire, traversing paths only accessible to walkers. It’s a surprisingly dramatic landscape. Lunch is a picnic beneath the gorges. In the afternoon, we complete the loop fairly early on allowing us to get back to the hotel in time for a last dip in the pool – maybe a sauna too – before dinner.

Day 8: Leave Les Estables
We take air passengers to Lyon airport after breakfast.