Laoul Forest, 10 minutes from Mas Saint Antoine, is our favorite hiking spot. With 2,000 hectares, it’s the largest one-piece communal forest in Ardèche. Limestone plateau between Bourg-Saint-Andéol and Saint-Remèze, populated by holm oaks, junipers, boxwood, wild thyme. Also hides 142 dolmens, avens, wild Rimouren gorges and Notre-Dame-de-Chalon chapel.
What is Laoul Forest?
Limestone plateau dominating the Rhône valley by 300+ meters. For centuries, coppice production for heating, construction, furniture. Today: dense Mediterranean vegetation, small streams carving gorges and ravines, archaeological remains. Almost a human desert apart from Rimouren village.
Where is Laoul Forest and how to access it?
| From | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mas Saint Antoine | 8 km | 10 min |
Access via D4 between Bourg-Saint-Andéol and Saint-Remèze. Starting point: Maison Forestière du Laoul. Free year-round.
Our 5 selected family hikes
1. Bois des Géantes dolmens loop — 14 km, 300 m elevation, 4h, medium (kids 10+). Discover 6-7 dolmens + Chalon chapel.
2. Easy Bois du Laoul to dolmens loop — 8 km, 150 m, 2h30, easy (kids 6+). Holm oaks, dolmen in good condition, wild thyme.
3. Rimouren gorges loop — 13 km, 455 m, 4h, moderately easy (kids 12+). Wild Rimouren gorges, balisage white/yellow.
4. Small Rimouren loop — 6 km, 200 m, 2h, easy (kids 5+). Charming village, picturesque Conche stream.
5. Laoul Plateau to Combe des Acacias — 8 km, 380 m, 3h, medium (kids 8+). Old charcoal makers’ cabins, Notre-Dame-de-Chalon Romanesque chapel from 12th century.
When to hike in Laoul Forest?
Spring (April-June): ideal — wild thyme in bloom, mild temperatures.
Summer: only early morning or late evening — little shade. Fire risk.
Off-season (September-November): our favourite. Few people, perfect temperatures, golden light. For an off-season group weekend, the perfect outdoor activity — when Mas Saint Antoine offers most availability for property privatisation.
Winter: very calm, mistral light. Cold but sunny.
What equipment for Laoul Forest?
- High walking shoes (rocky trails)
- 1.5 L water minimum per person (no water points)
- Cap, sunglasses, sunscreen
- GPS track (Visorando, IGN Rando)
- Walking sticks recommended
- Picnic (no restaurant on plateau)
Why stay at Mas Saint Antoine to hike in Laoul?
- ✅ Only 10 minutes from forestry house
- ✅ 6 independent accommodations for 2 to 10 people
- ✅ Secure 13×6m infinity pool to recover after hiking
- ✅ Air conditioning in all gîtes
- ✅ 4.9/5 rating on 130 Google reviews
- ✅ Petit Futé 2026 selection
- ✅ Estate privatisation for 20 to 38 people
📞 Ready to explore Laoul Forest? Mas Saint Antoine welcomes you year-round, 10 minutes from the trails. Contact us at +33 6 68 11 48 71.














