A walk through the hilltop hamlets of Desaignes; an opportunity to enjoy the exceptional panoramic views over the valley, the village and old vineyard terraces.
A walk through the hilltop hamlets of Desaignes; an opportunity to enjoy the exceptional panoramic views over the valley, the village and old vineyard terraces.
Department | Ardèche |
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Departure municipality | Désaignes |
Outing type | Village visit |
Difficulty | Intermediate |
Duration | 4:00 |
Recommended period | from january to december |
Environment | Countryside |
Kilometres | 11 km |
Altitude upon departure | 470m |
Change in altitude | 270m |
From Place de la Mairie, make your way towards the beach sign, then 50 metres further on, turn right towards Pont du Massoir bridge.
Cross the Doux over the Pont du Massoir bridge and shortly after, turn right on to a small path which climbs up to the vineyard path. Here, you can visit the arboretum and the botanical trail (a brochure is available at the Tourist Office in the village, Place de la Mairie).
Follow the path on the left, then take the small tarmac road towards Jaute (460 m).
Follow the Neyramand-Nozières signs and, during the climb, pass through a hamlet with a spring. Gradually, the view opens out over the Doux valley and the village of Désaignes.
Slightly further on, you will even see Vergier Castle below - sign for Désaignes stadium. Continue along the path to the hamlet of Couthion. Take the path downhill and cross over to the other side. The path becomes narrower and passes through a wood and crosses a stream and joins the other bank through the broom and leads to the hamlet of Soins.
Take the road and climb up a path on the left and pass the Treneyre house and keep to the path until you reach the road. Turn right downhill to Vergier Castle (480 m) - Désaignes Stadium sign - descend along the small road to the stadium (440 m) -Désaignes sign - walk along the Doux and its wetlands via a small road and then a track offering a very beautiful view over the village and the valley.
Continue along the vineyard path and admire the terraces which bear witness to the area's rich farming past and which are in the process of being restored. At the end of the path, return to Pont du Massoir bridge, cross the Doux and return to the village.