Silhac offers various ways to explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike. The “Silhac - Circuit des ponts” leads to the medieval stone Pont de Monépia bridge. On the “Silhac - Circuit des châteaux,” châteaux and a small Protestant temple feature along the way. If you prefer cycling, you can choose the VAE route No. 4, “De la Dolce Via au Plateau de Vernoux.” The routes differ in activity, waypoints, and the information available about distance and duration. For your trip planning, you can first decide whether you prefer a hike featuring bridges, a circuit with additional cultural sites, or a cycling route.

Walking Routes with Different Waypoints

The “Silhac - Circuit des ponts” is an easy circular hiking route covering 5.5 kilometres; the stated duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes. The route information is dated July 18, 2026. The route begins at the Salle des fêtes car park in Silhac, also known as Espace André Reyne, and returns to the starting point. The route includes the medieval stone Pont de Monépia bridge. It also passes near the maison-forte de Vaugeron shortly before reaching it. This hike therefore has both a specific distance and timeframe, as well as clearly identified buildings along the circuit.

The “Silhac - Circuit des châteaux” also starts at the Salle des fêtes car park, which is also called Espace André Reyne, and returns there. It passes near Château du Hautvilard—also known as Château de Hautvillars—and Château de Collans. In the hamlet of La Faurie, the route passes the small Protestant temple. This distinguishes the circuit from the Circuit des ponts: here, two châteaux near the route and the temple along it are the notable waypoints, while the medieval stone bridge is the focal point of the Circuit des ponts.

The Cycling Route as Another Option

The VAE route No. 4, “De la Dolce Via au Plateau de Vernoux,” is a moderately difficult circular route covering 51.7 kilometres. Its stated duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes. Compared with the 5.5-kilometre Circuit des ponts, it is considerably longer in both distance and stated duration; however, these are different activities. The cycling route is rated “moderate,” while the Circuit des ponts is rated “easy.” This information helps you compare the two options by activity type and the timeframe for each.

Château de Hautvillars and Its Protected Feature

Château de Hautvillars in Silhac is partially protected as a French historic monument. The protection specifically applies to a carved fireplace in a room on the first floor. It was registered on April 17, 1952. The château is privately owned. It is therefore important for planning to distinguish the route passing nearby from a possible visit to the building: the Circuit des châteaux passes near the château, but this does not mean that an interior visit is available.

Before setting out on the Circuit des châteaux, check the current route conditions. Parking arrangements at the stated starting point may also change; check them before setting off. This helps ensure that both your route choice and practical starting arrangements are taken into account when planning your stay in Silhac.

Discover more destinations: Sarras, Antraigues-Sur-Volane, Sécheras, Alba-La-Romaine, Labastide-sur-Bésorgues, Marcols-les-Eaux, Saint-Montan, Saint-André-En-Vivarais

See the broader travel overview: Ardèche.