Hike around the Louby
SAINT-MARTIN-D'ARDECHE
Hike around the Louby
Hard
2h48
9,1km
+189m
-190m
Loop
Embed this item to access it offline
The walk offers both spectacular panoramic views from the hills and relaxation by the water.
After walking through the alleys of the village of Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, this hike takes you through the garrigue to the Dolmen du Ranc des Banastres.
Enjoy the views of the Aiguèze and the end of the Gorges de l'Ardèche.
The walk then takes you to the river, where you can swim at Sauze beach. Walk along the Ardèche back to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.
After walking through the alleys of the village of Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, this hike takes you through the garrigue to the Dolmen du Ranc des Banastres.
Enjoy the views of the Aiguèze and the end of the Gorges de l'Ardèche.
The walk then takes you to the river, where you can swim at Sauze beach. Walk along the Ardèche back to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.
Attachment
- Downloadpdf
FR - Rando n°10A - Portes des Gorges - SMA 2023
Description
- From the hiking information sign to the right of the tourist office (opposite the church), take the arched passageway; then turn left. Cross the square diagonally and continue along the narrow street for 25 metres. Then turn right (Chemin Neuf). After 160m, at the "Le Village" campsite, turn right into Rue du Nord. When you reach Domaine La Mazade, turn left and follow the small road up to the left. Go through the small tunnel under the main road and continue to climb to the left.
- When the road bends at right angles to the left and runs alongside a wood, take the path on the right. This bends to the left and leads to a crow's-foot.
- Take the very rocky path in the middle, which climbs steeply.
- When the path reaches a tarmac road, turn right and then right again. Continue up the carriageway.
- Keep going up until you reach another wide track.
- Take this to the left as far as the "Ranc des Banastres" sign. To see the dolmen, follow the signs for "Dolmen du Ranc des Banastres". It's a round trip of +/- 1km along a path in the undergrowth, which also takes you to a beautiful viewpoint over Aiguèze and the end of the Ardèche Gorges.
- Back at the post, take the track as far as the "Plaine du Feuillet" post, 0.3 km away. It is at a crossroads of 4 paths. In the extended version, take the path towards Le Louby (in line with the track coming from the "Ranc des Banastres" post).
- At the "Le Louby" signpost, turn left onto the wide track that leads back to the route des Gorges.
- Cross the road and take the path that descends into the undergrowth, leading to the gorges.
- Follow the river to the left and follow the yellow markings on the limestone platforms.
- At the end, you will come across 2 handrails before taking the easy path back to Sauze.
- From the "Sauze" signpost, head towards St-Martin and take the path parallel to the river. When you reach the Grain de Sel beach (a large rock under the cliff on the other side of the river), head back up the road to reach the village centre and your car park.
- Departure : Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche Tourist Office
- Arrival : Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche Tourist Office
- Towns crossed : SAINT-MARTIN-D'ARDECHE, SAINT-MARCEL-D'ARDECHE, and BIDON
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Don't miss: the viewpoint near the Dolmen du Ranc des
Banastres.
This longer variant can only be done in dry weather and when the Ardèche is not high.
Beware, there is a narrow and somewhat difficult section, as well as some very slippery spots in wet weather. You'll need good shoes and to be careful.
Take your swimming costume and a towel with you.
where the Louby ravine joins the Ardèche.
Banastres.
This longer variant can only be done in dry weather and when the Ardèche is not high.
Beware, there is a narrow and somewhat difficult section, as well as some very slippery spots in wet weather. You'll need good shoes and to be careful.
Take your swimming costume and a towel with you.
where the Louby ravine joins the Ardèche.
Information desks
Place du Champ de Mars, 07700 Bourg-Saint-Andéol
1 Pl. de l'Église, 07700 Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
Transport
bus
Access and parking
From Aubenas, take the D579 towards Gorges de l'Ardèche as far as Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.
Then take either the Gorges de l'Ardèche tourist route or the D4 to Saint-Remèze, then the D201 to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.
From Pont-Saint-Esprit, take the D86 towards Bourg-Saint-Andéol, then the D290 towards Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.
Then take either the Gorges de l'Ardèche tourist route or the D4 to Saint-Remèze, then the D201 to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.
From Pont-Saint-Esprit, take the D86 towards Bourg-Saint-Andéol, then the D290 towards Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.
Parking :
Car parks: quai des Pescadoux // car parks accessible via quai des Bateliers.
Report a problem or an error
If you have found an error on this page or if you have noticed any problems during your hike, please report them to us here: