Hike in the village of Montpezat-sous-Bauzon in Ardèche

Opening : All year round.

Discover the hamlets of Chalias and Les Plantades on the heights of Montpezat-sous-Bauzon: the cultural treasures of the village (Priory, Chapel, Church, Châteaux, rose garden, etc.) and its fabulous panorama marked by volcanoes...

Montpezat-sous-Bauzon is a village rich in history, nestling in a valley at the gateway to the Ardèche mountains, where you can wander along unspoilt paths.

🔁Loop ⚠³ Medium 🕒2H30 📏6,6km 📈+284m  PR

Start from the “INFO RANDO” sign, place de la poste in Montpezat-sous-Bauzon.

① Join the main street, passing through the village houses (vaulted passage) and walk up it to the restaurant “Auberge de Montpezat”.

② Take the road to the right, direction 🚩”Chalias”. Cross the bridge and go below the hamlet.

③ Pass the hamlet of Chalias, cross the bridge and continue along the calade through the chestnut wood. Ford the stream, continue climbing, then cross the cattle pens. Please close the gates tightly.

④ Aux Champs follow 🚩 “Montpezat, 4.6km”. From here you can admire a superb panorama of the Fontaulière valley, Pourcheyrolles castle (ruins), the hydroelectric power station as well as the Gravenne volcano. Descend the stony path and enter the chestnut grove.

⑤ At Plantades follow 🚩 “Montpezat, 3.2km”. Leave the chestnut wood and reach the hamlet of Les Plantades. Pass under the archway and continue along the road.

⑥ At the hairpin bend, go down the path to the sheepfold, then get back on the road, passing under the cemetery and the church of Notre-Dame de Prévenchères (12th century).

⑦ Rejoin the village by crossing the campsite and walk along the Pourseille stream. Then head back up to the centre of the village, skirting the gymnasium and the Collège.

Start/Finish point: Place de la poste in Montpezat-sous-Bauzon.

Towns crossed: Montpezat-sous-Bauzon

Road access and car parks

From Aubenas, take the N102 road to Pont de Labeaume. On leaving the village, turn right onto the D536, then follow signs for St Cirgues en Montagne.
From Thueyts, take the N102 towards Aubenas before the Rolandy bridge. From Pont-de-Labeaume, turn left onto the D536 towards St Cirgues en Montagne.

Parking : Place de la poste in Montpezat-sous-Bauzon.

🛈  Find out about all the hikings in our region here and on the Monts d’Ardèche Hiking App Rando Monts d’Ardèche