- L’Autre Chemin
- Séjours
- Base-based hiking trip in Mézenc
From €530 / pers.
Hiking in the Highlands of the Mézenc
A nature escape in the heart of the Mézenc’s wide-open landscapes
For a weekend or short break, set off to discover the wild and unspoilt landscapes of the Mézenc highlands. From high-altitude heathlands and sweeping views to characterful villages and volcanic landscapes, we have designed a base-based hiking trip featuring a selection of beautiful walks carefully chosen to showcase the area.
Along the way, you’ll discover the remarkable diversity of the Mézenc and Gerbier-de-Jonc, two iconic landmarks of this exceptional region. An authentic immersion in a generous, unspoilt natural environment, where every hike reveals a new panorama.
You’ll stay in the heart of a traditional village in the Mézenc highlands, enjoying a warm and authentic atmosphere. To help you explore the trails with confidence, we provide you with an IGN hiking map as well as a digital travel journal with a navigation app, guiding you throughout your hikes.
Please note: a private vehicle is essential for reaching the different trailheads.
For advice on how to prepare, see our guide to preparing for your hiking trip.
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Highlights of your stay
- Hikes packed with discovery, combining spectacular panoramas, rural heritage and encounters with the people who live in these authentic, unspoilt landscapes.
- Freedom to travel at your own pace, with a travel journal provided to accompany you throughout your stay.
- A navigation app on your smartphone, making it easy to follow the trails while discovering useful tourist information along the way. Smartphone required.
- A simple and convivial experience, with half-board accommodation and packed lunches provided on hiking days.
Programm:
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You are warmly welcomed in the heart of the beautiful village of Moudeyres, famous for its many traditional thatched-roof houses, which give the village its timeless, authentic charm, or in Les Estables, nestled at the foot of Mont Mézenc in an exceptional natural setting.
Two characterful villages, both perfect for experiencing the unique and unspoilt atmosphere of the Mézenc highlands.
Places to discover
• Moudeyres
> The Frères Perrel Museum
> The village and its traditional thatched roofs
> The two Béate houses
• Les Estables
> Croix de Pécata – starting point for the ascent of Mont Mézenc
> Croix de Boutières – spectacular panoramic views
> The church of Les Estables
We invite you to make your way to the charming village of Saint-Front, the starting point for your hike. From the village, your route takes you to the hamlet of Bigorre, renowned for its beautiful traditional thatched-roof houses, a wonderful example of the architectural heritage of the high plateaus.
For the more adventurous, an optional variant takes you to the Souteyros Waterfall, a beautiful cascade flowing through a volcanic landscape and over impressive basalt formations.
This lovely circular hike then brings you back to Saint-Front, where you can take some time to explore the village and discover its heritage. Don’t miss its 12th-century Romanesque church and its remarkable volcanic lake, nestled in the unspoilt landscapes of the Mézenc.
An ideal hike for gently discovering the landscapes, heritage and authentic character of the high plateaus.
Places to discover:
• Saint-Front
> The typical highland village
> Souteyros Waterfall
> The 12th-century Romanesque church
> The volcanic lake
> Bigorre, the traditional thatched-roof village
In the Footsteps of Mont Mézenc and the Sources of the Loire
From the mountain village of Les Estables, set off to discover the majestic landscapes surrounding Mont Mézenc. Your hike takes you to the Boutières cirque, a natural balcony offering spectacular views that stretch as far as the Alps on a clear day.
Along the way, you’ll walk through forests and across the lower slopes of this volcanic massif before taking on the “Giant” – Mont Mézenc, the highest point in both Ardèche and Haute-Loire. This rewarding ascent offers breathtaking views across the high plateaus and surrounding mountain ranges before you gradually make your way back to the starting point.
You’ll then head towards Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc, the iconic site where the Loire rises. Here, you can discover the first waters of France’s longest river, browse the local producers’ market and, depending on your mood, climb to the summit of Gerbier-de-Jonc or follow the 3 km discovery trail exploring the sources of the Loire.
A day combining spectacular panoramas, volcanic landscapes and local traditions, in the heart of one of the Massif Central’s most distinctive landscapes.
Places to discover
• Les Estables
> Croix de Pécata – starting point for the ascent of Mont Mézenc
> Croix de Boutières – spectacular panoramic views
> The church of Les Estables
• Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc
> The summit
> The sources of the Loire
> The local producers’ market
> The discovery trail
Suc de Sara – A Mountain Apart
Rising like a backbone through the heart of the Boutières, the magnificent Suc de Sara is a mountain that leaves a lasting impression. And there’s every chance it will quickly become your favourite summit ;-)
For this fairly demanding hike, good hiking footwear is essential, as part of the route takes you across phonolite rock — stones that ring beneath your feet but have the unfortunate tendency to be slippery.
The ascent is more challenging than the previous hikes and requires a little extra effort. But the reward at the top is well worth it! You reach the summit, often enjoying a wonderful sense of solitude, and take in an exceptional 360° panorama stretching across Mont Mézenc, Gerbier-de-Jonc, the Rhône Valley and the wild landscapes of the Boutières.
A more challenging hike, but an unforgettable experience for those who love wide-open spaces and lesser-known summits.
Please note: in case of bad weather or conditions that make the rocks slippery, we will provide you with an alternative route for the day.
Places to discover
• Suc de Sara
End of our services after breakfast
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Your accommodation
L’Autre Chemin has developed strong partnerships with a carefully selected network of guesthouses and small traditional hotels, allowing you to experience the very best of Haute-Loire.
Each overnight stay is more than just a place to rest: it is another opportunity to discover the region’s architecture, way of life and local cuisine, as well as to enjoy genuine moments of exchange and connection with your hosts.
Superior category – example
Hôtellerie du Pré Bossu
or a property of the same category in Les Estables.
Comfort category – example
Les Chaumières d’Alambre
or a property of the same category in Les Estables or Saint-Front.
Please note that the bathroom may be shared.
Half-board
When you choose a half-board stay, your package generally includes dinner, usually based on a set menu, as well as breakfast. Please note that breakfast may be continental or international, depending on the accommodation.
We ask you to let us know in advance about any food allergies or specific dietary requirements. Our partner establishments will generally be able to accommodate:
- Guests with confirmed food allergies that may trigger an immune response and potentially severe reactions, such as anaphylactic shock (for example, allergies to honey, nuts or shellfish).
- Vegetarians. Due to the complexity and additional constraints this places on our accommodation partners, we are unfortunately unable to organise trips for guests following a vegan diet.
- Guests following a religion-based dietary requirement.
For food intolerances (digestive difficulties in processing certain foods, such as lactose or gluten) and other dietary restrictions, we will inform your accommodation providers in advance. However, some hosts may find it difficult to accommodate all dietary requirements, which are becoming increasingly varied and complex.
We therefore kindly ask you to adapt your food choices to the meals provided during your stay and, where necessary, to bring any suitable alternatives or supplements you may need, such as gluten-free bread.
Whether you’d like to book your Tour or simply have some questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
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