This outing offers the opportunity to walk around Don Rock, access its summit and discover the 360 degree view over the magnificent landscapes of the Ardeche plateau (Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Mont Mézenc) and the Vercors massif, from the other side of the Rhone Valley.
| Department | Ardèche |
|---|---|
| Departure municipality | Albon-d'Ardèche |
| Outing type | Hike |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | 3:00 |
| Recommended period | from january to december |
| Environment | Countryside |
| Kilometres | 6 km |
| Altitude upon departure | 800m |
| Change in altitude | 360m |
Start by driving to Albon-d'Ardèche, a village on the Rhone Valley - Mézilhac road, in the valley of the Glueyre, a tributary of the Eyrieux, which itself is a tributary of the Rhone. In Albon, make your way towards Saint-Genest-Lachamp (steep climb out of Albon). About 2 - 3 km from Albon, turn left towards Crouzet. Leave your vehicle there and pick it up later. You have understood, the Don Rock walk is a loop departing from and arriving back in Crouzet which allows you to tour the Rock and climb up to its summit.
Leave the hamlet of Crouzet by crossing the stream of Goutelle then go up to the Cross of Don, under the chestnut trees and pines. Cross the hamlet of Villard. Join the hamlet of Descours then that of Pondéron, hamlets located at the foot of the rock of Don.
Take the path to the north. Do not go through Don's farm (private property).
Climb to Don's Rock. Magnificent views of the Ardèche plateau: Mont Gerbier de Jonc and Mont Mézenc. Also seen on the massif of Vercors, the valley of the Rhone...
Get off the Don Rock to the North.
Across the broom, head northeast for a trail to a track. This track joins the road leading to Saint-Genest-Lachamp to the East. After about 2 km, turn right on an unpaved road descending to Curins and Crouzet where you will find your vehicle.
