On the watershed between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the Tanargue is at the heart of the regional natural park of Ardèche mountains. This space biological remarkable gives pride of place to theagropastoralism.
Raphael Pellet – Cévennes of Ardèche
Breathtaking !
In the footsteps of shepherds and their flocks, this itinerary of 62 kilometers en 4 steps:, departing from Largentière, will immerse you in the heart of a wild massif with Mediterranean influences in 4 stages.
Did you know?
The Tanargue is a mythical massif that is part of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park. The origin of the name Tanargue dates back to Celtic times; Taranis, god of the sky and thunder, manifested himself violently on the mountain “Arga”. The Tanargue thus designates the mountain of thunder.
On video !
Varied landscapes
You will be immersed in a formidable reservoir of biodiversity and a wide variety of landscapes: beech forests, fir forests, peat bogs, moors, meadows... a rich and wild environment. On the GR® de Pays Tour du Tanargue, you will walk most of the route on the ridges above 1000 meters above sea level, dominating the three valleys of Borne, Beaume and Lignon. You will take the mule tracks and transhumance drailles of this territory shaped by agropastoralism.
The circuit starts from Largentière, a former mining town with narrow medieval streets, and heads towards the Tour de Brison, known for its 360° panorama. It continues towards the hamlet of La Roche (le Gua), a commune of Beaumont, in the heart of ancestral chestnut groves.
Average level – Elevation gain +670m/-625m
The trail begins in the medieval town of Largentière before heading along the Roubreau stream. Soon, the path climbs up a cobblestone path to Haut-Laval, then crosses a forest to reach the Brison tower and its panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After leaving the rocky platform via a notch, a technical descent leads to the Beaume River and the Pont du Gua. Some passages traced into the rock require special attention.
Raphael Pellet – Cévennes of Ardèche
Raphael Pellet – Cévennes of Ardèche
Pricing
Min.
Max.
Night From January 01, 2024 to December 31, 2025 Child under 10: €8
Using trails and mule tracks, the GR® de pays gradually climbs the southern part of the Tanargue range to reach Loubaressse, a small high-altitude village nestled against the end of the Tanargue.
Stage 2 – 16km Elevation gain +1070m/-135m
From the Pont du Gua, the trail follows mule tracks, calades and drailles before widening. The Mediterranean and Cévennes flora gives way to a more mountainous atmosphere as the altitude increases. After passing Fraysse, the last inhabited islet before Loubaresse, the trail winds through granite chaos. At the Col des Cayras, the route crosses a thick coniferous forest before joining the GR® 4 and the GR® Pays du Cévenol variant. The landscape then opens up, offering a view of Mont-Lozère. A final climb leads to the Croix de Triouse, from where Loubaresse can now be seen.
Towards the Col de Meyrand you will discover a path offering a panoramic viewpoint bordered by pine plantations. You will alternate between open landscapes and small forests. The path continues towards the rocky ridges up to the Cham du Cros, passing by the summit of Méjean. This stage is an opportunity to explore a landscape of moors, mixing broom, heather and gorse.
Average level – Elevation gain +572m/-1229m
This stage, the longest of the route, is also one of the most beautiful. After crossing a vast moor of broom, the path continues on the ridge line between open landscapes and small forests. In this wild, mineral and mountainous atmosphere, the hiker can enjoy multiple viewpoints. The path then switches towards the Cham du Cros stream before descending to the chestnut grove level by a mule track (sometimes stony). The hamlet of Vernet marks the return to the inhabited area before finishing the stage at La Croix du Coulet.
The descent begins gently towards Joannas, a small village backed by the Cham du Cros, where vines, chestnut trees and olive trees grow side by side. The GR® de Pays loop ends with a return to the village of Largentière.
Average level – Elevation gain +174m / -552m
This last stage is marked by a rich built heritage and by the gradual return to civilization. The route alternates between small roads, drailles and wide paths. It crosses the hamlet of Blaunac, then heads towards Joannas and its castle. After a final climb towards the Croix de Roure, the descent begins towards Chalabrège. The landscape changes with a succession of vineyards and orchards until the path joins the Ligne river. The path overlooks the river which accompanies the last steps of this adventure to Largentière.
