Hikes in Laboule

Tanargue mountains via the Col de Merle and the Cham du Cros. Very beautiful rocky path, impressive distant views.

A hike through the forest starting from the village of La Souche in the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park, leading us to Mont Aigu, a 1,316-meter-high peak in the Tanargue Massif. At the summit, we’ll enjoy a beautiful 360° panorama over the Lignon and Baume valleys, Mont Lozère, and all the way to Mont Ventoux.> From ParkingLot 01 by the Lignon River, we walk to the main road and turn right at the small Vival supermarket. We follow the white-and-yellow trail markers out of the village and, at the signpost, turn left onto a trail toward Col des Langoustines. The trail leads us steeply uphill through tall forest—first chestnut trees, then a tall beech forest. We cross a scree field and enjoy a magnificent view of the mountains across the valley. The trail winds through a fir forest, and we cross another scree field. The forest thins out, and we find ourselves on a beautiful grassy path winding through broom. At a signpost, we can climb steeply uphill to the left toward Mont Aigu (for experienced hikers). We choose the route via the Col des Langoustines02. Once there, we continue our hike to the left along a wide forest road toward the Col de Sucheyre03. At the pass, there are two signposts; we head toward La Souche, 4.6 km away. We hike a few meters uphill through gorse bushes and then take a detour to the summit of Mont Aigu04. From the top, we’re treated to a fantastic panoramic view. We then continue on toward La Souche. A steep descent through a tall beech forest begins. We often have to look for the white-and-yellow trail markers to follow the path. We still have to cross a scree field before we come to the “La Grange”05 signpost. It’s another 2.7 km to La Souche (via Les Plantades). We cross a stream, and a donkey trail takes us to Plantades06. We keep going straight and have to pay close attention to the markings here as well. We walk past terraces of chestnut trees and below a small stone house, then continue along a small road. After a sharp curve, we turn left onto a narrow path. At the main road, we turn left and return to the starting point01.

Hike around the easternmost peak of the Tanargue MassifMont-Aigu is the last major peak of the Tanargue Massif before the Cévennes mountain range tapers off toward the east into the Ardèche Valley. The name Tanargue is said to derive from the Celtic god Taranis, who was associated with thunder and storms. The frequency of thunderstorms and precipitation is higher here than in other parts of the Cévennes. This is no surprise, as this region is where both warm, humid air masses from the south and cooler air currents of Atlantic origin converge. Short, heavy downpours and deep gorges carved by the erosive power of water characterize the Tanargue Massif. On this circular hike, we’ll climb the ridge of the granite Mont-Aigu and enjoy extraordinary views of the Lignon valleys all the way to Valgorge.

Very beautiful ascent through the undergrowth and then through the broom and heather, the Mejan with its 360• view, the mountain pastures as far as the eye can see… WoW 🤩

Mont Aigu (1316m), en boucle+-5u