Secret France: Walking in the Ardeche - 8 Days
Secret France: Walking in the Ardeche - 8 Days
8 Days Starting and ending in Lamastre, France
Visiting: Lamastre, Le Crestet, Lalouvesc, St Bonnet le Froid, St Agreve, St Agrève
Tour operator:
Tour code:
J8A
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the hidden gems of France on this 8-day walking holiday in the Ardèche. Traverse the scenic Massif Central, exploring historic towns and charming villages while enjoying extensive views across the Rhône Valley. Highlights include the ancient paths of Le Crestet, the picturesque village of Lalouvesc, and the stunning ruins of Château de Rochebonne. Stay in cozy country hotels, savoring 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners, with luggage transfers and route maps provided. This self-guided adventure offers a perfect blend of hiking, culture, and nature, making it an ideal escape for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Lamastre
Location: Lamastre
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Negociants
Meals Included: Dinner
Individual arrival at your hotel in Lamastre.
Accommodation: Lamastre - You spend 2 nights at the long-established family-run Hotel des Negociants (**Logis) in a quiet shady corner near the center of the small market town of Lamastre. Situated opposite the old railway station, stay in comfortable rooms with ensuite facilities. Excellent dinner is served in the conservatory-style dining room above the small swimming pool.
Day 2 : Le Crestet To Lamastre 14 Km/8.6 Miles, 4H, +567M/-64M
Location: Le Crestet
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Negociants
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your days starts with a short taxi journey (included) to Le Crestet. You then climb out of the village on a waymarked trail through orchards into wooded hills. The shady path follows an ancient drove road, where flocks would be transferred to the summer pastures in days gone by.
Day 3 : Lamastre To Lalouvesc 23 Km/14 Miles, 7H, +1230M/-519M
Location: Lalouvesc
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Voyageurs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Views back over Lamastre as you climb out of the valley on a well-graded path. At around lunch time you arrive at the pretty village of Nozieres. Further woodland and field walking brings you to Col de Buisson from where there is a steep ascent up onto a long open whaleback ridge before a final forest walk into Lalouvesc. There are glimpses into steep little valleys and views across towards the Alps on a clear day.
Accommodation: Lalouvesc is perched at an altitude of 1100m and enjoys splendid views across the Rhone Valley to the distant Alps. Our simple walker’s hotel (*) Hotel des Voyageurs has ensuite facilities. It is located in the main street of this old spa town. The Patron, M.Guironnet, is a welcoming host and you will eat well in the 1950’s décor of the large dining room.
Day 4 : Lalouvesc To St Bonnet Le Froid 18 Km/11 Miles, 4.5H, +750M/-717M
Location: St Bonnet le Froid
Accommodation Name: Auberge des Myrtilles
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Steep terraced slopes fall away to the South as you descend into a wooded valley, and the views are particularly good from the church at St. Pierre du Doux, an excellent spot for a picnic, you then have a climb through forest to the pretty village of St. Bonnet where the normal hotel is a couple of kilometers out.
Accommodation: St Bonnet-le Froid - You enter the department of Haute-Loire tonight, you spend the night in an old country farmhouse the Auberge des Myrtilles that has been restored and sits in the heart of nature. The restaurant offers traditional cuisine based on local products.
Day 5 : St Bonnet-Le-Froid To St Agreve 22 Km/13.5 Miles, 6H, +559M/-630M
Location: St Agreve
Accommodation Name: Hotel Le Bois Sauvage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A lightly undulating day in woodland and high open country past Lac de Devesset to St Agreve (pop 2723) at 1050m under Mt. Chiniac There are some great views when it is clear. You can extend the walk slightly by visiting the holy spring.
Accommodation: St.Agreve - We spend 2 nights at the Hotel Le Bois Sauvage. It is set in one acre of wooded park,between the upper Doux Valley, the Eyrieux Valley and the Haut-Lignon Plateau.
Day 6 : St Agrève To St Martin De Valamas Taxi Back To St Agrève 12 Km/7.4 Miles, 5H, +600M/-105M
Location: St Agrève
Accommodation Name: Hotel Le Bois Sauvage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This is a stunning walk to the village of St Martin de Valamas taking in the amazing views from the ruins of the Chateau de Rochebonne which are not to be missed. Taxi back to St Agrève (included).
Day 7 : St. Agrève To Lamastre 23 Km/14 Miles, 6H, +350M/-1015M
Location: Lamastre
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Negociants
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving the high plain of St. Agreve by small paths you join an ancient mule-road, whose paved causeway can still be seen. The old village of Desaignes is worth exploring, then the trail follows the high ground overlooking the valley of Doux before dropping to the river to regain Lamastre.
Accommodation: Lamastre and the Hotel des Negociants.
Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Location: Lamastre
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Lamastre after breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in country hotels -
7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners included in your stay.
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7 nights accommodation in country hotels on a twin share with ensuite facilities where possible
Stay for 7 nights in country hotels with twin share and ensuite facilities where possible.
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Transfer start of day 2 to Le Crestet
A transfer is provided at the start of day 2 to Le Crestet.
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Transfer day 6 St Martin to St Agrève
A transfer is provided on day 6 from St Martin to St Agrève.
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Information pack including route notes & maps
Receive an information pack that includes route notes and maps.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline is provided.
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One piece of luggage per person transferred between your accommodation, not exceeding 20kg
One piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20kg, will be transferred between your accommodations.
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Transfers at the start of day 2 and on day 6
Transfers are included at the start of day 2 to Le Crestet and on day 6 from St Martin to St Agrève.
What's Not Included
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Lunches & beverages
Lunches and beverages are not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not included.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage beyond the allowed 20kg is not included.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
A guide is not included as this is a self-guided holiday.
Accommodation
7 nights in country hotels. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however, if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths: French country hotel rooms are more likely to have showers en-suite than baths.
Grading
The tour is graded moderate (Grade 3); the terrain is not difficult but there are some ascents and descents. Fitness: The walking should present no difficulty to anyone in good general health who is accustomed to hiking.
Mode of Transport
Transfers are included at the start of day 2 to Le Crestet and on day 6 from St Martin to St Agrève. One piece of luggage per person is transferred between your accommodations, not exceeding 20kg.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in country hotels. The hotels described are the usual choice of accommodation, but if these are not available, alternatives will be used, and if these are of a different standard, you will be informed at the time of booking. French country hotel rooms are more likely to have showers en-suite than baths.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, one piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20kg, will be transferred between your accommodations.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
You will receive an information pack that includes route notes and maps, and you will have access to an emergency hotline.
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Are transfers included in the tour?
Yes, transfers are included at the start of day 2 to Le Crestet and on day 6 from St Martin to St Agrève.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour is graded moderate (Grade 3); the terrain is not difficult but there are some ascents and descents. The walking should present no difficulty to anyone in good general health who is accustomed to hiking.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday, so a guide is not included.
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What happens if I am traveling solo or want a single room?
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include lunches and beverages, entrance fees to attractions, travel insurance, travel to the start and from the end point of the trip, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, excess luggage beyond the allowed 20kg, and a guide as this is a self-guided holiday.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.