4.5
(751)
5,602
hikers
191
hikes
Hiking around Cros-De-Géorand offers diverse landscapes within the Montagne Ardéchoise, characterized by ancient volcanic peaks known as "sucs," which provide panoramic views. The region features extensive pine and beech woods, alongside natural meadows and significant river systems like the nascent Loire, Gage, and Tauron. Hikers can explore trails around natural lakes such as Issarlès and artificial dams like La Palisse, encountering varied terrain from lava flows to forested paths.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.6
(34)
430
hikers
3.91km
01:04
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(11)
88
hikers
13.5km
04:23
410m
410m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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4.4
(5)
20
hikers
12.4km
03:39
350m
350m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
18
hikers
16.8km
04:53
430m
430m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(6)
18
hikers
4.54km
01:22
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Etymology: comes from Mas d’Adam, the name of the old estate that was located on the site of the current village, which was ceded by the lord of Géorant to the bishop of Viviers to allow him to found the abbey of Mazan. It all begins with the foundation of the Cistercian abbey in the heart of the village. This takes place between 1119 and 1122. At the beginning of the 12th century, canons came to settle on the site of Mas d’Adam (a toponym that would evolve into MAZAN), and were joined by monks from the abbey of Bonnevaux. These religious men built a huge abbey, of which only the remains exist today, which experienced a period of apogee that lasted until the Hundred Years' War. It gave birth to four other abbeys which are Bonneval, Sénanque, Sylvanès and le Thoronet as well as establishments for nuns. After this prosperous period, misfortunes followed one another at the abbey of Mazan: it was plundered by the great companies of the Hundred Years' War, then attacked by the Huguenots in the modern period. Before this last looting, the monks, according to legend, would have melted a golden bell with all their treasures, which they would have buried somewhere, facing and opposite the bull's-eye window, within earshot of the rooster's crow. montagnedardeche.com/patrimoine-culturel/village-de-mazan-labbaye-2387
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Etymology: comes from Mas d’Adam, name of the old domain which was located at the site of the current village which was ceded by the lord of Géorant to the bishop of Viviers to allow him to found the abbey of Mazan. It all begins with the foundation of the Cistercian abbey in the heart of the village. This takes place between 1119 and 1122. At the beginning of the 12th century, canons came to settle on the site of Mas d’Adam (toponym that would evolve towards MAZAN), and were joined by monks from the abbey of Bonnevaux. These religious men built an immense abbey, of which only the remains are left today, which experienced a period of apogee that lasted until the Hundred Years' War. It gave birth to four other abbeys which are Bonneval, Sénanque, Sylvanès and le Thoronet as well as establishments of nuns. After this prosperous period, misfortunes followed one another at the abbey of Mazan: it was plundered by the great companies of the Hundred Years' War, then attacked by the Huguenots in the modern period. Before this last pillage, the monks, according to legend, would have melted a golden bell with all their treasures, which they would have buried somewhere, opposite and in front of the bull's eye, within earshot of the cock's crow. https://www.montagnedardeche.com/patrimoine-culturel/village-de-mazan-labbaye-2387/
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The loop trails are very nice! Small disappointment once at the top not to find a spot where you can enjoy a picnic with a view of the lake :)
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The Suc de la Lauzière is an ancient volcano which peaks at an altitude of 1,582 metres. From its summit, you can observe Mont Gerbier de Jonc, well known for providing the source of the Loire.
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At 1,343 meters above sea level, the Suc de Cherchemuse is an ancient volcano in the Velay region. From its summit, you benefit from a pleasant view of the great juices of the Mézenc massif.
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Very nicely located grotto, you can also go swimming below.
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Stroll around the lake on Sunday July 23, 2023. Very pleasant because it is largely shaded. Provide credit card (no possibility to pay in cash) for paid parking from 01/06 to 30/09, package 3€. Lots of people on the beaches and around.
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Work "A circle and a thousand fragments" by Felice Varini. https://www.ardeche-guide.com/lieux-de-visites/sites-historical-monuments/oeuvre-un-cercle-et-mille-fragments-de-felice-varini-4827079
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There are nearly 180 hiking trails around Cros-De-Géorand. These routes cater to various fitness levels, with 39 easy, 99 moderate, and 41 difficult options available.
Cros-De-Géorand offers diverse landscapes, including majestic volcanic peaks known as 'sucs,' such as the Suc de Cherchemuse and the Suc de la Lauzière. You'll also find extensive pine and beech woods, natural meadows, and scenic river valleys formed by the nascent Loire, Gage, and Tauron rivers. The area features dramatic lava flows and views of natural lakes like Issarlès.
Yes, Cros-De-Géorand has several family-friendly options. An easy and scenic choice is the Tour of Lac d’Issarlès, a 3.9 km trail that takes about an hour to complete, offering beautiful lake views. Another easy option is the Felsenmeer – Suc de la Lauzière loop from Suc de Montfol, which is 4.5 km long.
Most trails in Cros-De-Géorand are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control, especially in areas with livestock or protected wildlife. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions, but generally, the natural environment is welcoming for hikers with canine companions.
Yes, many routes in Cros-De-Géorand are circular. For example, the challenging Suc de Cherchemuse – Lac d’Issarlès loop from Le Lac-d'Issarlès is an 8.4-mile (13.5 km) circular path exploring volcanic landscapes. A moderate circular option is the Lake view loop from Cros-de-Géorand, which is 10.9 km long.
While hiking, you can explore the ancient volcanic peaks like the Suc de Cherchemuse and the Suc de la Lauzière, which offer panoramic views. The region is also home to the nascent Loire River, with dramatic lava flows in its gorges. You can also see the dams of La Palisse and Gage, and the prominent Lake Issarlès. For specific peaks, consider visiting Suc de la Lauzière or Mount Gerbier de Jonc.
Yes, the region is rich in water features. The nascent Loire River, along with the Gage and Tauron rivers, traverse the area, offering spots for river bathing and trout fishing. The themed trail 'Le Sentier l'Eau et sa Force' (The Water and its Strength Trail) specifically highlights small streams and waterfalls within its varied terrain.
The trails in Cros-De-Géorand are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from volcanic landscapes to dense forests, and the scenic views, particularly around Lake Issarlès and the volcanic 'sucs'.
The Montagne Ardéchoise, where Cros-De-Géorand is located, offers a pleasant microclimate. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking, with comfortable temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer provides warm weather suitable for combining hikes with river bathing, while winter can offer opportunities for snowshoeing on higher ground, though some trails may be less accessible.
While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, Cros-De-Géorand is a destination well-suited for outdoor activities, implying that parking facilities are generally available near popular starting points for trails. It is advisable to check individual route descriptions on komoot for precise parking information.
While many routes are day hikes, the region's extensive network of trails allows for longer excursions by combining routes. For example, the Mazan Abbey – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop from Lalliger is a substantial 16.8 km (10.4 miles) trail that takes nearly 5 hours to complete, offering a more extended hiking experience through varied terrain.


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