Villevocance: Malbuisson, climbing and trails in the Cance Valley

Villevocance offers several distinct reasons to stay: the trail along Malbuisson, the La Mer de Glace climbing site, a bike ride above the village, a hike in the Cance Valley and the market. When choosing activities, consider what each one focuses on: at Malbuisson, the stream and its banks accompany your walk; La Mer de Glace combines rock faces with climbing routes; and the Gerlande route has a designated start and finish. The La Vigneronde hike offers a different experience, with its transition between wooded and open terrain.

A walk along Malbuisson

The banks of Malbuisson have been landscaped to improve public access. In 2013, four themed information panels were added along the path to introduce walkers to the stream’s distinctive features. The route thus combines time by the water with information about the stream. From the old bridge, you can continue along the path towards the arboretum. The bridge and path provide orientation for a walk focused on the stream and its banks. The panels add information about the waterway’s distinctive features.

La Mer de Glace: rock faces and climbing routes

La Mer de Glace consists of six small rock faces among pine trees, at the confluence of two small streams. These streams separate the communes of Annonay and Villevocance. From the car park, the site is about a five-minute walk away. La Mer de Glace is free to access year-round; as access rules may change, check them before your visit. There are 44 climbing routes. Their difficulty is generally moderate, with one exception in the 10-metre sector. The number of routes and their grading may be revised. If you are planning your climb around this information, current details can help you consider the general grading and the exception separately.

Explore by bike or on foot

The Gerlande bike ride starts and ends at Place de la Mairie, where parking is recommended. It runs above Villevocance, taking you through the terraced landscape above the village. The route’s start and finish are clearly specified, as is its setting. The La Vigneronde hike has a different focus: it leads through the Cance Valley from a cool, wooded ubac to an open, sunny adret. When choosing between the two routes, you can therefore consider both the activity and the landscape: Gerlande is a bike ride above the village, while La Vigneronde is a hike through a changing landscape of woodland and open, sunny terrain.

Friday market in Villevocance

Villevocance market takes place year-round on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. There, you can sample local specialities and meet experts with local know-how. The time slot gives you a specific reference point if you want to include a market visit in your plans. As the schedule may change and the visitor experience may evolve, check the latest information in advance. This will help you include the market as a separate activity and plan your visit around the stated times.

Discover more destinations: Charnas, Villeneuve-De-Berg, Saint-Sauveur-De-Montagut, St. Julien Du Serre, Quintenas, Asperjoc, Vals-Les-Bains, Vaudevant.

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