
Fields and Orchards of Saint-Just-d'Ardèche
Just one fairly steep but fairly short climb.
Nestled between orchards, vineyards and fields of grain, you can spot the wildlife (fish, birds and rodents) that makes its home in the Lône de Malatras, a backwater of the Rhône, and enjoy a rest in the shade by the banks of the Ardèche.
Description
From the pretty fountain near the church in Saint-Just-d’Ardèche, walk down Rue des Lavoirs and, at the end of it, turn left.
Go under the main road and continue straight ahead at the first fork. The rest of the route will be mainly through fields.
At the next intersection, turn left onto Chemin du Crouzat (to shorten the 3 km loop, you can continue downhill slightly to the left. You will rejoin the trail markers after passing under the railway line and walking alongside it for a short distance).
At the crossroads between low walls, turn right. When you reach a fork, bear right downhill.
After crossing the railway line and passing between old farmhouses, continue on the small road that descends to the left. Follow it for 2.5 km. It winds through fields and orchards.
Upon reaching the foot of the railway line, turn left and follow it for a short distance.
At the first intersection, turn left between the fields to reach a shaded section under the trees. The road meanders near the tranquil Ardèche River before joining the Rhône.
At a crossroads, turn left onto the "Chemin des 2 Chênes" (Path of the Two Oaks) for approximately 1.5 km.
At the first crossroads, turn left to reach the Lône de Malatras, a branch of the Rhône. Enjoy the view. You might be lucky enough to spot a pair of black kites.
After climbing the only slightly steep hill on the route, and passing a few houses, continue straight ahead between the vineyards until you reach an orchard where you should turn right.
At a T-junction, turn left, cross a pretty stone bridge, and continue to the left.
Always follow this road to return to St-Just. Cross the main road carefully and continue for 50m to reach the starting point.
- Departure : Place du Barry 07700 Saint-Just-d'Ardèche
- Arrival : Place du Barry 07700 Saint-Just-d'Ardèche
- Towns crossed : SAINT-JUST-D'ARDECHE and SAINT-MARCEL-D'ARDECHE
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Please respect private property and do not pick fruit or vegetables from the fields. Watch out for farm machinery and other vehicles. When crops are being sprayed, do not stand near the machinery; keep well clear. Take your rubbish home with you.
Don’t forget to bring the essentials for a successful bike ride: a helmet, a repair kit, a pump and sun cream. Wear high-visibility clothing. Bring water and perhaps a snack or a picnic.
Information desks
Office de Tourisme Gorges de l'Ardèche - Bourg-Saint-Andéol
Place du Champ de Mars, 07700 Bourg-Saint-Andéol
Office de Tourisme Gorges de l'Ardèche - Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
1 Pl. de l'Église, 07700 Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
Transport
Bus route E20: Bourg-Saint-Andéol – Pont-Saint-Esprit
Access and parking
Take the D86 from Bourg-Saint-Andéol and turn right after the traffic lights.
Take the D6086, then the D86 from Pont-Saint-Esprit and take the first right after the roundabout with the D290.
Take the D290 from Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, turn left at the roundabout with the D86 and then take the first right.
Parking :
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