Downstream trail of the Ardèche Gorges hike (part 3)
SAINT-REMEZE
Downstream trail of the Ardèche Gorges hike (part 3)
Hard
8h
11,6km
+236m
-271m
⚠️ The hike in the Ardèche Gorges is a challenging route. It is intended for experienced hikers and is not recommended for young children.
The trail is very rocky, and there is a significant elevation gain (+/- 500m).
The route follows the river and includes two mandatory fords, handrails, a ladder and a chimney.
The entire route is only feasible when the river water level is very low. Check before setting off.
The trail is very rocky, and there is a significant elevation gain (+/- 500m).
The route follows the river and includes two mandatory fords, handrails, a ladder and a chimney.
The entire route is only feasible when the river water level is very low. Check before setting off.
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Majestic gorges with luminous rocks sculpted by water and time. Protected flora and fauna, typical of limestone cliffs and the Mediterranean climate.
The trail runs along the cliff edge at times and along the riverbank at others, offering numerous opportunities for swimming along the way.
The trail runs along the cliff edge at times and along the riverbank at others, offering numerous opportunities for swimming along the way.
Description
You have two options for this hike:
- if you are doing the hike over two days, you continue from the Gournier bivouac to Sauze (remember to check the water level as the two ford crossings are compulsory and during floods the path is sometimes under water. Don't forget to book your return shuttle.)
- You can also leave your car at the top of the road and make a return trip, or drop off a vehicle beforehand at the Sauze beach in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche (check with the Tourist Office for information on parking regulations).
- Once you arrive at the bivouac, follow the signs to the junction post. Follow the signs for Sauze, the downstream path of the Ardèche Gorges. You will go along the handrail shortly after the Gournier bivouac, so be careful. You will pass the Pastière rapids, named after the shape of a large rock in the middle of the stream, reminiscent of the simple, rustic kneading trough in which the dough and bread were left to rest.
- After 3 km, the path takes you to the Templiers beach, at the foot of the grandiose Madeleine cirque. At the cirque de la Madeleine, the path rises to the foot of the cirque's cliffs, overlooking the Ardèche. This is the narrowest part of the Gorges, with continuous cliffs on both banks. This is the territory of Bonelli's eagle, a very rare and protected species.
- Be careful as you cross a narrow chimney, climb a ladder and crawl 3 metres into a cave.
- Approximately 500 metres further on is the passage de la Cadière with a At the Louby sign, go straight on towards Sauze-Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche to reach the end of the path. After a tricky section at the foot of the Ranc Pointu, you'll reach the exit of the Gorges, with a superb view of the medieval village of Aiguèze.
- Departure : Gournier campsite, Saint-Remèze
- Arrival : Sauze Beach, Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
- Towns crossed : SAINT-REMEZE, BIDON, SAINT-MARCEL-D'ARDECHE, and SAINT-MARTIN-D'ARDECHE
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
The entire hike is not feasible year-round due to the fords where water levels can be too high. Be sure to check the weather and water levels with the Tourist Office before setting out.
It is possible to exit the nature reserve to return to the Gorges tourist route at the Gau and Gournier bivouacs, but to complete the entire hike, it is strongly recommended to spend a night in one of the two bivouacs. They are open and staffed from Easter to the end of September. Reservations are required at the Vallon-Pont-d'Arc or St-Martin-d'Ardèche Tourist Offices or on the Ardèche Gorges Office website.
Warning! The Ardèche Gorges trail is a linear path, not a loop. You will therefore need to arrange a vehicle upon arrival or arrange your return by shuttle. Transport companies offer this service. You can park your vehicle at the Sauze car park in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, the Pont d'Arc car park, or the bus station car park in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. From the latter, you can take a shuttle bus that runs in the summer, or the hiking trail that leads to the starting point in Chames.
– May, June, September, and October are the best months to visit. The temperatures are cooler, and the days are sunny.
– Stay on the trails to protect the flora.
– Be as discreet as possible to avoid disturbing the animals that live here.
– Obviously, do not throw any trash or toilet paper in the countryside.
It is possible to exit the nature reserve to return to the Gorges tourist route at the Gau and Gournier bivouacs, but to complete the entire hike, it is strongly recommended to spend a night in one of the two bivouacs. They are open and staffed from Easter to the end of September. Reservations are required at the Vallon-Pont-d'Arc or St-Martin-d'Ardèche Tourist Offices or on the Ardèche Gorges Office website.
Warning! The Ardèche Gorges trail is a linear path, not a loop. You will therefore need to arrange a vehicle upon arrival or arrange your return by shuttle. Transport companies offer this service. You can park your vehicle at the Sauze car park in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, the Pont d'Arc car park, or the bus station car park in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. From the latter, you can take a shuttle bus that runs in the summer, or the hiking trail that leads to the starting point in Chames.
– May, June, September, and October are the best months to visit. The temperatures are cooler, and the days are sunny.
– Stay on the trails to protect the flora.
– Be as discreet as possible to avoid disturbing the animals that live here.
– Obviously, do not throw any trash or toilet paper in the countryside.
Good hiking shoes. Water shoes and poles for fording rivers. Water bottles or pouches. Sun protection. Bring plenty of water and food.
Access and parking
It is possible to reach the Gournier campsite by leaving your car at the side of the road and walking down to the campsite.
This section is also the second part of the historic Gorges hike.
This section is also the second part of the historic Gorges hike.
Parking :
It is possible to reach the Gournier bivouac by leaving your car at the side of the road and walking down to the bivouac.
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: