The best walks and hikes in Bois De Mantaille
4.2
(101)
678
hikers
92
hikes
Hiking in Bois De Mantaille offers a network of trails through a forested landscape in the Valence region. The area is characterized by dense woodlands and gentle elevation changes, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities. These routes often feature well-maintained paths suitable for different skill levels, making the forest accessible for exploration. The Forêt de Mantaille provides shaded paths and varying terrain with different slopes, offering views of the surrounding landscape.
Best hiking trails in Bois De Mantaille
- The most…
Last updated: June 25, 2026
5.0
(4)
15
hikers
11.7km
03:13
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
13.0km
03:38
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
3
hikers
5.99km
01:42
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(12)
41
hikers
11.7km
03:20
270m
270m
This moderate 7.3-mile hiking loop from Hauterives offers scenic views of the Galaure valley and Vercors mountains, passing by the Footbridg
4.5
(2)
18
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Tips from the Community
April 1879. Ferdinand Cheval, then a 43-year-old rural postman, stumbled upon a stone so bizarre during his rounds that it sparked a dream. A true autodidact, he dedicated 33 years of his life to building a dream palace in his vegetable garden, inspired by nature, postcards, and the first illustrated magazines he distributed. For his rounds in the countryside, he traveled about 30 kilometers each day, collecting stones with the help of his trusty wheelbarrow. Alone, misunderstood, he inscribed "the work of a man" on his monument. His dream palace was completed in 1912.
3
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I have seen it several times and it is truly a unique monument 🙂
4
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Unique in the world, the Palais Idéal has inspired artists for over a century. Independent of any artistic movement, built without any architectural rules, the Palais Idéal was admired by the Surrealists. In 1969, it was classified as a Historic Monument by André Malraux, then Minister of Culture, as a work of naive art.
5
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magnificent poetic garden where it is good to take your time, to wander and read the little quotes on the stones
1
0
An incredible tourist magnet in Hauterives. Large parking spaces on site and €9 entry. The small castle is something special that you don't see every day. A postman built it from stones and shells that he discovered on his errands around 1870 and worked on it for over 30 years. There is even a small museum and a brochure for mobile phones in German. 👍🏰🤳
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The patronage of this place of worship “Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption” refers to one of the many memorial or festival days in honor of Mary, Mother of God. This goes back to the festival of her physical assumption into heaven. The (Catholic) Church celebrates this festival annually on August 15th. In the Orthodox churches the feast is called the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. In rural areas of Germany with a predominantly Catholic population, it used to be customary for bundles of herbs to be collected by the population on this special day and blessed in a festive service. This old custom has occasionally survived to this day.
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The origin of this Romanesque chapel dates back to the 11th or 12th century. It is nestled in the middle of chestnut woods (hence its name) and overlooks the fertile Valloire valley.
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The Galaure is a tributary of the Rhône river. A ford has been installed to cross it at this point. When the water level is too high, it is always possible to cross using the raised metal bridge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Bois De Mantaille?
Bois De Mantaille offers a wide selection of routes, with over 80 hiking trails to explore. These range from easy strolls to more challenging moderate paths, ensuring options for various fitness levels.
Are there easy hikes suitable for beginners or families in Bois De Mantaille?
Yes, Bois De Mantaille has approximately 30 easy trails perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the Mantaille Forest loop from Moras-en-Valloire, an easy 3.8 km path that winds through the forest on relatively flat terrain.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the trails in Bois De Mantaille?
The trails in Bois De Mantaille are characterized by dense woodlands and gentle elevation changes. You'll find well-maintained forest paths, offering varied terrain from flat sections to moderate climbs, all within a tranquil forested environment.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Bois De Mantaille?
Many of the trails in Bois De Mantaille are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Palais Idéal simply brilliant – Climb to Hauterives loop from Lens-Lestang is a popular moderate circular route covering about 13 km.
What are some interesting places or landmarks to see along the hiking trails?
While hiking in Bois De Mantaille, you can discover several points of interest. The area features highlights such as the Climb to Hauterives, the serene Mantaille Forest itself, and the picturesque The Bancel ponds, offering scenic spots for a break.
What do other hikers say about their experience in Bois De Mantaille?
The hiking routes in Bois De Mantaille are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 80 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-marked paths, and the peaceful atmosphere of the forest.
What is the typical length and duration of hikes in Bois De Mantaille?
Hikes in Bois De Mantaille vary in length and duration. You can find shorter easy trails like the 3.8 km Mantaille Forest loop from Moras-en-Valloire, which takes about an hour, or longer moderate routes such as the 13 km Palais Idéal simply brilliant – Climb to Hauterives loop from Lens-Lestang, typically completed in around 3 hours 30 minutes.
Are there any moderate hiking options for those looking for a bit more challenge?
Yes, Bois De Mantaille offers approximately 53 moderate trails. A good choice for a moderate challenge is the Hiking loop from Lens-Lestang, which covers about 7.4 km with some elevation changes, taking around 2 hours to complete.
Is Bois De Mantaille suitable for hiking in winter?
While the region is generally accessible, winter conditions can vary. The dense woodlands offer some shelter, but it's always advisable to check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out, especially after snowfall or during icy periods.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the hiking trails in Bois De Mantaille?
Bois De Mantaille is primarily a natural forested area. While there aren't cafes directly on the trails, you'll find dining options in nearby villages such as Moras-en-Valloire or Lens-Lestang, which are common starting points for many hikes.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter while hiking in Bois De Mantaille?
As a dense forested area, Bois De Mantaille is home to various local wildlife. Hikers might spot common forest birds, small mammals like squirrels or rabbits, and occasionally deer. Maintaining a respectful distance and quiet observation is encouraged.
How can I get to Bois De Mantaille by public transport?
Public transport options directly to the heart of Bois De Mantaille are limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car to reach the various trailheads. However, local bus services might connect larger towns in the Valence region to the villages surrounding the forest, from where you could potentially start your hike.
Is there parking available at the trailheads in Bois De Mantaille?
Yes, many of the popular trailheads and starting points in and around Bois De Mantaille, particularly near villages like Moras-en-Valloire and Lens-Lestang, offer designated parking areas for hikers. These are usually well-indicated.
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