In Rosières, the Ravin de Corbœuf offers striking scenery of multicoloured clay gullies, sometimes nicknamed the "Colorado of Velay". This fragile protected site can be explored on foot from the village centre or the hamlet of Chastel.
How can you explore the ravine?
From Rosières, the PR634 loop follows part of the former "Galoche" railway and reaches several viewpoints overlooking the ravines. The official route is rated easy: 3.6 km, around 1 hour 10 minutes of walking and roughly 128 m of ascent. An interpretation trail explains the site's geology, wildlife and vegetation.
Why all these colours?
The landscape's history dates back around 40 million years. Tectonic movements, ancient lakes, erosion and climate changes formed layers of red, green, blue, ochre and whitish clays, now carved into small ravines and narrow ridges.
Before you visit
The natural site is accessible free of charge, with parking signposted nearby. For the PR634 walk, the tourism office recommends parking in the square by the former railway station in Rosières. The ravine is fragile, so stay on established paths and use the viewpoints rather than entering the erosion features.
A local story: the "Galoche" was a railway opened in the late 19th century. It carried passengers and goods until 1952; the former station and its water tank can still be seen in Rosières.
