Valgorge: Hiking, Nature and Agricultural Heritage

Valgorge is a destination for stays focused on nature, hiking and agricultural heritage. The Beaume River runs alongside the village. Since 2001, Valgorge has been part of the Parc naturel régional des Monts d’Ardèche; Valgorge and its massif are also in a Natura 2000 area and at the heart of an espace naturel sensible (ENS). The combination of river, protected landscapes and a variety of trails offers several practical ways to plan your trip.

Village and landscape

The village is home to the Church of Saint-Martin. The Haute Beaume and the Drobie are part of the network of rivers recognised in France and Europe as “Rivières Sauvages” (“Wild Rivers”).

Hiking by duration and elevation profile

The Sentier des Gardes is a circular trail that takes six to seven hours. It starts at the Relais de Pays on Place de l’Eyre in Valgorge. Allow a substantial part of the day for it; trail conditions may change after heavy rain. Check locally before setting out.

The Tour de Valgorge offers an opportunity to discover the valley’s natural treasures and agricultural heritage. Check trail conditions and access locally. The Sentier des Ferjasses runs along the ridge of the Tanargue plateau, offering another perspective on the landscape.

The permanent Kilomètre Vertical de Valgorge is a marked and secured trail with 1,000 m of continuous elevation gain. It starts and finishes at the Salle de la Pourette. To compare it with the Sentier des Gardes, consider two different points of reference: the duration of the latter, and the continuous elevation gain and start and finish points of the former.

The Trail Bleu Beaume Drobie is 20.3 km long, with approximately 897 m of elevation gain and loss, and reaches a maximum elevation of around 1,216 m. The route follows a ridge above the Drobie Valley and offers views of the Beaume Valley and the Massif de Prataubérat. This allows you to consider the stated route profile alongside the described viewpoints.

Climbing and local produce

The Coucoulude climbing site in Valgorge has 27 routes on granite crags. It is described as suitable for families new to climbing. As conditions may vary by season, check locally before visiting.

La Ferme au Château-Chastanet is in Chastanet, Valgorge. A tourism listing updated on 21 March 2024 mentions free visits and direct sales from the farm. Before visiting, check the current opening hours and visit arrangements.

The listing also mentions a wide variety of sheep’s and goat’s milk cheeses, as well as chestnut cream, chestnut flour, syrup and whole chestnuts. The range and availability may change. The farm listing therefore highlights both visits and direct sales, along with cheese and chestnut products.

Planning locally

A hiking guide is available from the Office de tourisme Cévennes d’Ardèche in Valgorge. In Valgorge, Annick BERNARD issues fishing permits; check the arrangements locally in advance. Together with the different details on tour duration, elevation gain and route, these tips can help you tailor your plans to the activities that interest you.

Discover more destinations: Genestelle, Saint-Apollinaire-De-Rias, Saint-André-En-Vivarais, Veyras, Ucel, Bessas, Saint-Prix, Boffres

View the broader travel guide: Ardèche.