Rochepaule combines hiking trails through forests with a landscape shaped by rivers, steep slopes and narrow valleys. Different types of hikes are central to planning a visit: the moderately difficult Route Armand N°36 circular hike and the challenging Grand tour du plateau N°30 long-distance hike, which passes through Rochepaule.
Circular hike or long-distance hike?
Route Armand N°36 is a 9.76-kilometre circular hike with a stated duration of two hours and 30 minutes. It starts and ends at the “Info Rando” sign on Rochepaule’s main street. This means the start and finish are at the same stated starting point. If you are planning a circular hike rather than a long-distance hike, this route provides a specific distance and time as a guide.
The circular route passes through beech forests and offers a viewpoint at Peyrhomme. After the D 214 road, it first goes right for one kilometre and then follows the GR430. The route continues along a broad path on the GR430 until it returns to the pass near Rochepaule. Trail conditions and signage may change; check the current route before setting out.
The challenging Grand tour du plateau N°30 long-distance hike follows a different route. It passes through Rochepaule, as well as Devesset and Saint-André-en-Vivarais. This distinction is useful when planning a trip: Route Armand is a circular hike with a stated distance and duration, while the Grand tour du plateau is a long-distance hike through several towns.
Forests, river valleys and elevations
Trees in the forests of Rochepaule include firs, pines, chestnut trees and walnut trees. The Route Armand also passes through beech forests.
The Doux cuts deeply into the area, shaping it with steep slopes and narrow valleys. One notable elevation is Pic de la Croix de Fay: the possibly former volcano reaches almost 1,000 metres. The landscape around Rochepaule stretches from the deeply incised valleys of the Doux to Pic de la Croix de Fay, which rises to almost 1,000 metres.
Summer at the Armand reservoir
In summer, you can picnic and swim at the Armand reservoir. This is a seasonal leisure option in Rochepaule, distinct from the hikes described as routes. Check local conditions before swimming.
Building history and former trades
The historic buildings also give Rochepaule a distinctive character. Older building elements have been preserved around openings in the buildings; there are also numerous dates ranging from 1556 to 1784. The building elements and dates provide two different clues to the town’s earlier history: preserved architectural details on the one hand, and a broad span of dates on the other.
Rivers and springs were also important to the area’s early industrial development. Bridges over the Doux and the Aygueneyre helped sawmills become established in La Chapelle, at Moulin d'Armand and in La Grangeasse. There were also mills for winding natural silk in La Grangeasse, La Chapelle, Le Rey and Clara. The many springs and rivers in Rochepaule helped drive the town’s industrial development. Alongside today’s hiking trails, the historical relationship between waterways and trades is another part of the town’s history.
Discover more destinations: Châteaubourg, Pranles, Villeneuve-De-Berg, Le Teil, Les Salelles, Saint-Étienne-de-Serre, Chambonas, Coux.
For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.
