Circular route around the hamlets of Chassiers

The starting point is at the Notre-Dame de Bonne Rencontre Chapel. The chapel is situated between the villages of Rocher and Chazeaux, at the Col de Bonne Rencontre. Coming from Largentière/Rocher, pass the sign for the pass and turn right. A car park for three to four cars is located behind the chapel.

Yellow and white markings

(S/E) Take the forest path on the right after the car park and head towards the Croix des Flachères: a beautiful view of the Val de Ligne with its peak, the Cham du Cros (1,200 m).

No markings

(1) Take the path on the left indicated by the sign. The path is narrow, stony and sometimes steep. It runs alongside olive and chestnut groves. Views over the hamlet of Montquoquiol and the southern Ardèche as far as Mont Ventoux. On a clear day, you can also see the Vercors, the Trois Becs massif and the Écrins.

(2) At the cross, take the path on the right towards the hamlet, crossing it by following the terraced houses. The Du Puy family, several generations of bell founders who arrived in the hamlet in the 16th century, lived here (mentioned at the Chapelle Bonne Rencontre). Their motto: “I am a bell founder, you shall be founders of virtue”!

(3) Take the path on the right, which winds its way past a patch of vineyards on your right. At the corner, turn left and follow the sign for “La Davalade” until you reach the road of the same name.

Yellow and white markings

(4) Cross the road and head left onto the path leading to the hamlet of La Rouvière. Walk through the hamlet, which is well-maintained with its farmhouses and carriage gates, and rejoin the tarmac road.

(5) Take the road on the left and return to the starting point at the Chapelle Bonne Rencontre (S/E).

Good footwear

(S/E) The Notre-Dame Bonne Rencontre Chapel dates from the 16th century. It was a place of pilgrimage until the 1960s and was restored in 2010. It is open to the public, and historical information is available. Opposite the chapel, the hamlet of Joux clings to the hillside covered in faysses (terraces).

Towards (1), a beautiful view of the foothills of the Cévennes, notably including the Cham de Cros and the Tour de Brison.

Towards (2), views of the southern Ardèche, Mont Ventoux, the 3 Becs massif, the Vercors and, further afield, the Écrins. On the far left, you can see the Col de l’Escrinet and the road leading to Privas and the Rhône valley.