St. Michel Hermitage Loop

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Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views · Wildflowers

Free parking in front of the Peyreleau city hall.

The hike can be done either way. You can either start by the climb first (south side) or start by following the river, along a flat trail (north side).

The trail is not always well marked but follow the directions for the Hermitage when available:
- If starting with the climb, follow the signs to the beginning of the trail from the parking lot, going down the road.
- Climb all the way to the power station at the top (2.3km in)
- Follow the path to the Mushroom rock (2.50km in). Follow the singletrack trail from there
- At 5.30km, the Hermitage should be visible to you, on the other side of the cliff.
- Do a small detour, following the path. At 5.6km, you'll meet an intersection.
- Stop and check out the Hermitage, then go back to the fork and follow the directions to the Jonte river.
- From then on, the path is well marked and easy to follow back to the village.

The Hermitage has multiple ladders available you can climb, to get a better view (although the ladders are not kid friendly).

Some flowers on the way up. Possibility to see the vultures of the valley.