Le Cheylard: Hiking, Cycling and Culture

Le Cheylard combines cycling routes, hikes and cultural attractions in its old town. The tours vary in length, elevation profile and route type: they range from a two-kilometre path along the Eyrieux to a roughly 90-kilometre cycling route that passes through the town. Those interested in science and history will also find dedicated themes to consider when planning their trip.

Cycling in Le Cheylard

La Dolce Via is an approximately 90-kilometre cycle path on a converted former railway line that passes through Le Cheylard. The distance refers to the cycle path as a whole. Check current route conditions before setting off.

The Boucle des Hautes Vallées #2–Le Cheylard can be ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike. If you are travelling with either type of bike, you can add the route to your selection; here too, check current conditions before setting off.

At Domaine du Château de la Chèze, the free service area dedicated entirely to bicycles includes twelve bike racks and eight charging lockers for electric-bike batteries. It also has a repair station, water points, sanitary facilities and picnic tables. There is also a bivouac site for hikers. The area therefore brings together a range of practical facilities for cyclists without requiring an overnight stay at any particular accommodation.

Hiking trails and choosing a route

Bois de la Chèze is an easy, shady 5.5-kilometre family loop with 263 metres of elevation gain. For a longer hike, the Sentier Jean Legalland – No. 6 starts in Le Cheylard and runs for ten kilometres through forests and along shaded ridges at elevations above 700 metres.

The Sentier de Sarméo – No. 7 is twelve kilometres long and is laid out as an out-and-back route from Le Cheylard to the Brion site. There are remarkable viewpoints along the route. The details on length and route type make it easy to compare with the Jean Legalland trail: for Sarméo, the out-and-back journey is explicitly part of the route description.

At two kilometres, the family-friendly Sentier au fil de l’eau is shorter than the loop in Bois de la Chèze. It follows an out-and-back route along the Eyrieux, offering another much shorter option among the hikes described. Bear in mind when planning that route information can change. Check the local trail signs before setting off.

Culture and history

L’Arche des Métiers is located in a former tannery in Le Cheylard’s old town. Its year-round programme includes temporary exhibitions, educational workshops, conferences, science shows and various events. The offerings range from exhibitions and hands-on activities to talks and shows; you can take the specific content into account when planning your trip.

An interactive tour of the old town uses NFC terminals or panels to provide personalised digital content. Château de La Chèze dates back to the 13th century. Together, the museum, tour and château offer different cultural and historical themes to explore during a stay in Le Cheylard.

Discover more destinations: Chomérac, Mercuer, Saint-Privat, Vernoux-En-Vivarais, St. Andéol De Berg, Cros-De-Géorand, Saint-André-En-Vivarais, Soyons

Go to the main travel overview: Ardèche.