Hikes in Ribes

From the Baume Valley to the Heights of VivaraisSt-André-Lachamp is nestled in the forest on the eastern ridge of the Vivarais. The village, with its pilgrimage church, was once a stop on the pilgrimage routes to St-Gilles at the gateway to the Camargue and onward to Santiago de Compostela. However, such routes connecting the valleys to the mountains existed even before the influx of pilgrims—shepherds led their flocks along the drailles, the cattle trails, to the summer pastures in the mountains. Until the 19th century, villages such as St-André-Lachamp were accessible only via these cattle trails or pilgrimage routes.

From Hike to Plate: This hike is part of the “From Hike to Plate” tourism program. The program promotes the towns of Ribes, Planzolles, and Payzac, each featuring a hiking trail and a great place to stop for a bite to eat. Bon Appétit!> Hiking parking lot01 is located at the Ribes recreation area. An information sign suggests two different, short hiking trails. We combine the two to create a longer hike. The white-and-yellow markers lead us along a gravel path toward the tennis courts, then left onto a trail. The trail descends steeply to a stream, which we cross. Passing an information sign about flora and fauna, we walk along the stream and cross it via a bridge02. Immediately afterward, we turn right onto a trail. We climb uphill on stone steps. We cross two dirt roads and continue uphill along a sunken path until we reach a small road in Ribes03. There, we turn left. A road branches off to the right; we continue straight ahead, then turn right onto a rocky path. We pass through an archway and, in front of a stone wall, turn left toward a fountain. We use the signpost to head in the direction of Prades. Passing the lavoir—an old washing place—we reach a small road. Passing between terraces of olive trees, we reach a wider road at a curve and continue our way slightly to the right. We pass a cozy restaurant04 and turn left onto a meadow path. We walk straight ahead along the vineyards, climbing steeply uphill toward the town hall and the church. We turn left, continuing toward Prades. Next to a parking lot, we turn left again and then immediately right into an alley. At the next street, we keep diagonally to the right onto the upper path. The path runs between a few houses. At a stone cross, we enter the forest. At the “Le Serre” signpost, we stay on the road and walk past a cheese dairy. After passing a stone house, we turn left onto a trail toward “Tombe des Plaines.” After a short stretch through a tall pine forest, we reach the stone tombs05. An information sign provides details. We follow the trail markers downhill to a wider forest path and turn left. Through an avenue of chestnut trees, we reach Prades06. At the signpost, we take a detour to the Tombe de Chalède07, an imposing single grave. We then continue on our way toward Info Rando, passing 06. First, we walk along a dirt road and then branch off onto a trail, heading slightly to the right. We walk between a few houses, then head slightly downhill toward Ribes. As soon as we reach the village, we turn left. The next signpost directs us left again. After passing a campground and walking a good distance straight ahead, we then turn right onto Chemin du Daber. Behind a stone cross, we turn left onto a trail, then right, and follow the road straight ahead toward Joyeuse. After a curve, we return to our starting point,01.

Auf überwiegend schmalen Pfaden und über alte Treppchen geht es mit schönen Ausblicken rund um das hübsche Dorf durch Kiefern- und Esskastanienwald. Das letzte Stück vor der Straße zurück zum Campingplatz ist etwas zugewachsen aber gut begehbar. Die Tour ist nichts für Kinderwagen.