La Corniche - Saint-Eugène Hermitage Loop

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · River/Creek · Views

This route uses some of the most popular trails of the Paiolive Woods. You start right off a cliff with spectacular views onto the Chassezac river, down below. You'll then make your way through Celtic like ancient woods. The forest is dense and spooky during the wet season!

The route also passes the nearby hermitage offering great views of the valley.

- Free parking at trailhead
- Full shade

Trail running friendly – although be careful when running next to the cliffs

The route starts from the East parking lot but can also be done from the middle one, see map. Trails from this area are very well marked and easy to follow.

Start by following signs for La Corniche Loop. Be careful as some parts of that (wide) trail can be slippery when wet and there are no barriers of any sort when following the cliff.

At 1.2km/.75mi, at the fork, keep right and follow directions for Saint-Eugène Loop. Before continuing, if you feel adventurous, you can check out the Grotte de la Gleysasse Spur.

At 2.5km/1.5mi, you'll reach the hermitage. The hermitage is a private property and only open to the public at specific times. Go around it and check out a great viewpoint onto the nearby valley using Viewpoint Spur.

At 4km/2.4mi, there is another fork. Follow directions for La Corniche Loop again. It will lead you back to where you started.