Le Chaffal

Le Chaffal is an ideal destination for a trip focused on hiking trails, landscapes and local history. The routes described vary in format, length and elevation profile: from a moderate circular hike to a long-distance trail stage and a hike rated difficult. You can compare the details before choosing a route. Natural features such as Baume Noire Cave and the history of the churches offer further topics to explore during your stay.

Hiking in and through Le Chaffal

The Canyon des Gueulards et Gorges d’Omblèze route passes through Le Chaffal and is classified as a moderately difficult circular hike. It is 9.2 kilometres long, with 541 metres of ascent and 551 metres of descent. The route through the Canyon des Gueulards also includes technical sections. Together, the circular format, difficulty rating and separate elevation figures provide a more complete picture of this hike than distance alone.

The GTV hiking stage from Omblèze to Léoncel also passes through Le Chaffal, but at 13.9 kilometres it is a crossing rather than a circular route. It has 805 metres of ascent and 536 metres of descent. Compared with the 9.2-kilometre circular hike, it is longer and has more ascent, while its stated descent is lower. Along the stage, the vegetation changes from Mediterranean species such as boxwood and thyme to oak and beech woodland characteristic of further north.

Another option is the signposted Le Pescher du Bas route, which starts in Le Chaffal and follows the green-and-yellow trail markings of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. This hike is listed as 13.6 kilometres long, with 470 metres of elevation gain and a duration of 4 hours and 24 minutes; it is rated difficult. The route passes through meadows and woodland. From Pescher du Haut, you can enjoy views over the Gorges d’Omblèze. Its distance is close to that of the GTV stage, but the stated elevation figures and the available duration information differ.

Landscapes and the Gorges d’Omblèze

Baume Noire Cave bears witness to the complex hydrogeology of the surrounding area. The Cascade de la Pissoire lies in a green landscape and has a small lake. A feature of the area’s hydrogeology and a waterfall with a lake thus offer distinct perspectives on the landscape and its waters.

The classified site of the Gorges d’Omblèze extends across Omblèze and Plan-de-Baix, covers 372 hectares and lies entirely within the Vercors Regional Natural Park. It was designated a classified site by decree on 28 November 1991. These details describe the site’s protected status and its extent across the two named communes.

Church history in Le Chaffal and La Vacherie

The hamlet of Le Chaffal grew up around a priory founded in the 12th century and affiliated with La Chaise-Dieu Abbey. The church, dedicated to Saint Robert of Turlande, served as the parish church. The hamlet’s development, its connection to the abbey and the church’s former parish role are all part of the history of the area.

In La Vacherie, Saint-Robert Church was built in 1863. It replaced Le Chaffal’s church as the parish church. Together with the priory’s medieval history, this later construction date traces a sequence in the churches’ roles: the parish church in Le Chaffal belongs to the area’s older history, while Saint-Robert in La Vacherie marks the change in parish functions.

Discover more destinations: Ferrassières, Pierrelongue, Pontaix, Beausemblant, La Roche-Sur-Le-Buis, Eygaliers, Claveyson, Portes-En-Valdaine

Back to the main travel overview: Drôme.