How long is Les chênes de Coutach?

Les chênes de Coutach is 21.8 km (13.6 mi) long as a full loop. Most walkers complete it in about 5 hr 29 min, not counting stops.

How hard is Les chênes de Coutach?

It is rated hard, with roughly 480 m (1,575 ft) of total ascent. It rewards preparation. Strong legs, an early start and a weather window all make a large difference here.

How long does Les chênes de Coutach take?

Allow around 5 hr 29 min of moving time. Add a further 30 to 60 minutes for breaks, photographs and lunch.

When is the best time to hike Les chênes de Coutach?

April to October is the most reliable window. Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.

Can you bring dogs on Les chênes de Coutach?

Dog access is not formally recorded for this route. Local rules usually allow dogs on a lead, but check signage at the trailhead before you commit to the walk.

Is Les chênes de Coutach suitable for children?

It is a stretch for younger children. At 21.8 km with 480 m (1,575 ft) of ascent, it suits teenagers and confident young walkers rather than a family stroll.

Is Les chênes de Coutach a loop?

Yes. The route is circular, so you return to your starting point without repeating any section.

Les chênes de Coutach

Name: Les chênes de Coutach
Address: Occitania, France

HardOccitania · France

GPX

Distance: 21.8 km (13.6 mi)
Elevation gain: 480 m (1,575 ft)
Typical time: 5 hr 29 min
Difficulty: Hard
Route type: Loop
Highest point: Not recorded

About Les chênes de Coutach

Les chênes de Coutach is a 21.8 km hiking route in Occitania, France. It climbs roughly 480 m (1,575 ft) along the way. Most people take around 5 hr 29 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It rewards preparation. Strong legs, an early start and a weather window all make a large difference here.

The woodland changes character with the seasons, at its best when the canopy turns.

The circuit closes on itself, which makes logistics simple: one car park, one round of 13.6 mi. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Alès, about 25.2 km away, which is where most people base themselves.

In short, Les chênes de Coutach suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Hard21.8 km480 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.

Highlights

Forest
Circular route, no backtracking

Know before you go

Best season: April to October
Waymarked: Not consistently
Surface: Mixed natural surface
Dogs: Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Entrance fee: No fee recorded
Camping: Not recorded
Drinking water: Carry your own
Toilets: Not recorded
Mobile coverage: Generally usable
Parking: Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency: 112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery: 42/100
Adventure: 37/100
Difficulty: 64/100
Accessibility: 21/100
Family: 18/100
Dogs: 70/100

Tips from the trail

Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in France are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
Weatherproof jacket
At least 1.5 litres of water
Offline map and compass
Head torch and spare battery
Extra warm layer
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
Real food, not just snacks
Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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