Sampzon: around the Rock

Start at the Info Rando sign in the Rocher de Sampzon car park (below the orientation tables). Leave the car park, cross the road and take a dirt track (follow the  markings). This track, which overlooks the terraces of former olive groves, leads to a path that winds its way down.

1. At the “La Bastide” signpost, follow the sign for “Sampzon 3.8 km”: Head up the road and, at the first junction, leave the road and turn right onto a tarmac track that descends and crosses the Vallier stream. Continue along a track suitable for vehicles
2. At the signpost marked ‘L’Aiguille’, follow the sign for ‘Le Pérérol 2.8 km – Sampzon 4.5 km’ to the right. The path leads into the woodland, then, near the cirque, comes to an abrupt end. Continue along a footpath. At the next junction, a path on the right leads to the Aiguille and back (500 m). Return to the path, which climbs steeply.
3. At the ‘Bertras’ signpost, follow the signs for ‘Le Pérérol 1.2 km – Sampzon 2.9 km’. Carry straight on along a wide, carriageable track, following the signposts.
4. At the signpost marked ‘Les Agrenasses’, follow the sign for ‘Le Pérérol 0.3 km – Sampzon 2 km’ (the second path on the right). Continue to follow the signposts 
5. At the “Le Pérérol” signpost, follow the sign for “Sampzon 1.7 km” straight ahead and rejoin the marked route. After 200 m, leave the track and take a path on the right which offers a superb view of the River Ardèche. The path rejoins the track.

6. At the “Richard” signpost, follow the sign for “Sampzon 0.9 km” and continue along the path, more or less straight ahead. Please note, there’s a short detour you shouldn’t miss: in the ‘Serre de la Cour’ neighbourhood, take a path to the right and then to the left to reach the Belou fountain. This communal well served the entire population of the upper part of Sampzon, for whom the cisterns were insufficient during periods of drought. Return to the road and head uphill.

7. Au poteau "Sampzon", suivre "Info Rando 0.1 km"
   Take the road on the right up to the top of the Rock. Head back down the same way and, after the two bends following the junction towards the church on the left, carry on straight ahead to return to the car park where you started (you can take a short detour to the orientation boards on the left).