Issanlas: Hiking, Heritage and Goat Cheese

Issanlas is a rural, agriculture-oriented municipality in the mountainous landscape of the Ardèche. Wild nature and wide-open landscapes define the surroundings. Several specific themes are available to help you plan your trip: a hiking route, religious buildings with different historical connections, a pilgrimage in June, as well as goat cheese and outdoor activities.

Hiking and sensitive natural areas

The “Entre rivières et tourbières - Lanarce” hiking route crosses Issanlas and offers a specific starting point for a trip focused on hiking. Sensitive areas with distinctive species or habitats lie along the route. Take these natural areas into account when planning, and check local trail conditions before setting out.

Churches and different historical connections

Eglise St Michel dates from the late 19th century. The present-day Chapelle Saint-Clair, by contrast, stands on the site of a pagan sanctuary. Roman roads leading through Pradelles and Le Pal ran nearby. You will therefore encounter two distinct historical points of reference: a 19th-century church and a chapel site with an older religious history.

Chapelle Saint-Clair: forest path, pilgrimage and access

Chapelle Saint-Clair is located in the forests of Issanlas and can be reached via a path through the forest. It is the setting for a pilgrimage on the fourth Sunday in June. If you plan to visit for the occasion, check the arrangements for that year. Access to the chapel is free and available on request to the mairie; confirm the visiting arrangements in advance.

Farm produce and cheesemaking

Ferme Cab’riou offers farm produce in the town center, including Picodons AOP and other goat cheeses at various stages of maturity. The products on offer may vary seasonally. The farm also offers stays that introduce visitors to traditional cheesemaking methods. Advance contact is required for these stays. This gives you the choice between regional products and a stay focused on cheesemaking; the respective arrangements differ.

Outdoor activities in Issanlas and the surrounding area

La Vallée d’Amarok offers cani-hiking and dog-powered scooter rides. Visitors can explore nature at their preferred pace or glide along the slopes of the Ardèche mountains. Reservations and weather conditions may play a role. The provider also offers professional guidance for canyoning and kayaking; availability depends on conditions and arrangements with the operator.

In the area around Issanlas, La Vallée d’Amarok offers climbing and via ferrata routes at a natural site overlooking Lac d’Issarlès. Check the specific operating location and the conditions for these activities in advance.

When to visit and finding hotels

The activities mentioned have different planning requirements: the pilgrimage takes place on the fourth Sunday in June, while the availability of farm produce may vary seasonally. Weather and arrangements with the operator may be important for outdoor activities; access to the chapel requires a request to the mairie. If you are looking for hotels for a trip to Issanlas, take your travel dates and the focus of your stay into account.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Julien-Boutières, St. Andeol-De-Vals, Payzac, Malarce-Sur-La-Thines, Saint-Paul-Le-Jeune, Saint-Martin-D'ardèche, Saint-Maurice-En-Chalencon, Joannas.

For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.