The Ardèche captivates hikers with its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. The area around Saint-Clair offers a wide variety of trails suitable for hikers of all skill levels. You can explore the region’s natural and cultural riches at your own pace.
We’ve put together a selection of the best hiking trails near Saint-Clair. We’d also like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our accommodation, the Domaine de Saint-Clair, for an unforgettable stay.
A hike around Mont Chaud for a unique view of the Rhône Valley
Mount Chaud owes its name tothe sunny exposure of its slopes. It was there that the locals of the time came to dry their crops, thanks to the dry, warm climate.
The Mont Chaud hike is about 8 km long with an elevation gain of 215 meters. It will take you about 3 hours to complete.
You’ll set off from the village of Savas and follow a trail that takes you through chestnut groves and rolling meadows. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the Rhône Valley, and even the Alps on a clear day.
We recommend setting out early in the morning to avoid the heat on this mountain. It will be a chance to try to spot the deer and squirrels that inhabit the surrounding woods.
The Croix de Chirol: for the best view of the Alps
The Chirol Cross is an important landmark for local hikers. Legend has it that it was erected to protect pilgrims from bad weather and storms. The summit is considered a spiritual place by the locals.
You’ll need to be well prepared for this hike. It’s 16 km long with an elevation gain of 545 m. It takes about 6 hours to complete, starting from Boulieu-lès-Annonay.
The trail winds through vast forests of beech and oak trees before reaching the mountain’s open ridges. Once at the summit, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the region, stretching all the way to Mont Blanc and Mont Ventoux.
Be sure to bring a good windbreaker before setting out on this adventure. The summit is often subject to strong gusts of wind, even in summer. Don’t forget to bring a snack.
A walk around the Annonay Reservoir: immerse yourself in the Ardèche countryside
Annonay is a landmark town in the Ardèche region. It was here that the Montgolfier brothers made the first hot-air balloon flight in 1783. Hot-air balloon flights are still organized there on a regular basis.
The hike around the basin is 12 km long with an elevation gain of 400 meters. It will take you about 5 hours to complete. It takes you up to the higher elevations of the basin, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains .
Along the way, you’ll pass through small hamlets typical of the region. This will be a great opportunity to explore traditional Ardèche architecture.
It’s also a very popular spot among photographers. The light at dawn or sunset really brings out the beauty of the landscape. It creates a striking contrast between the sky, the mountains, and the forests!
Choose Domaine de St-Clair to recharge your batteries
After a long day of hiking, there’s nothing better than a comfortable place to rest. The Domaine de St-Clair, located right near the trails mentioned, offers high-end accommodations and attentive service.
We especially recommend that hikerstreat themselves to a session spa session in Ardèche.
After a long day of walking, there’s nothing like a session in a sauna or steam room to relax your muscles. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy our massage and spa services for a truly relaxing experience. Feel free to visit our website to explore all the options available.
