Aouste-sur-Sye walks

A lovely autumn hike offering numerous views of the Vercors, the peaks of the Saoû forest and the Baronnies. The route crosses rural farmland, where vineyards and fields give way to forest. There is a bit of road at the start.

Short mountain bike ride on the Balcons de la Drôme between Crest and Aouste-sur-Sye. Not too difficult climb and nice little descent on single track. Ideal for a short winter outing.

Explore the hilltop village of Mirabel, with views of Charsac Hill and the Col de l'Armurier.

Family walk behind the highest keep in France: you will walk along ridges and enjoy an unforgettable panorama of the Vercors mountains, the Trois Becs and the Ardèche plateau.

This discovery route is divided into three parts, with a passage along the ridges overlooking the town, offering superb panoramic views, followed by a pleasant walk along the banks of the Drôme. The circular ends with a short tourist route through the labyrinth of the old town. The highlight of this discovery of Crest is a visit to its tower, the tallest keep in France: be sure to plan a visit.

A pleasant walk in the hills above Crest offering beautiful views of the southern Vercors, the peaks of the Saoû Forest, the Ardèche mountains and the Drôme valley. As a bonus, you can explore Crest and its heritage at the start and end of the walk.

A lovely walk starting from old Divajeu and its château, with views of Grand Veymont on one side and the Ardèche on the other. An easy, very pleasant hillside path through oak and pine trees.

This chapel is on the ridge of the Forest of Saoû, above the ruins of an old priory. At the top of the climb from La Clastre, hikers have breathtaking views of the hanging valley of Saoû.

A long walk with beautiful views, with no difficulty other than the length, on trails and paths through fairly sparse pine forests.

A short exploratory walk through the Saou Forest on the northern side of the syncline and through the woodland.Beautiful views during the ascent and, at the end of the descent, of Piegros Castle, the Drôme valley and the Vercors foothills. A stunning 360° panorama from the Chapel of Saint-Médard. ⚠️Between 1 July and 15 September,Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of afirerisk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

From the top of this cliff, you have a beautiful view of the Vercors, the foothills of the Ardèche, the Rhône valley and the entire Saoû forest with the Trois Becs at the other end.

The massif is a perched syncline. This small mountain offers exceptional views of the Diois and southern Vercors regions. On a clear day, there is a superb view of the Grand Veymont, the 3 Becs, Roche Colombe and the syncline of the Saou forest. Chapel and viewpoint at the Croix de Saint-Pancrace.

Climb up to the Grand and Petit Pomerolle from the Pas de Lestang, offering beautiful views of Saoû, its forest and its legendary three peaks.

A post-lunch stroll around Lake Eurre, then into the Ramières du Val de Drôme Nature Reserve, where, depending on the season, you may spot migratory birds taking a break, or coypu and beavers.

A walk, partly through woodland, around Lac d’Eurre and along the Drôme, followed by a visit to the reserve’s birdwatching point.

On the foothills of the perched syncline of the Saoû forest and through vineyards, forests and ridges, this route offers beautiful views of the Trois Becs.

Roche Colombe is the stern of the great ship formed by the Saoû Forest, offering a remarkable view of the Vercors, the Drôme and the interior of the forest. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel plateau in the event of a fire risk , assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

The west summit of Saou forest, which marks the beginning (or end) of this forest.

Head east to explore the tourist trail created by Maurice Burrus in 1930. The route passes at the foot of the Trois-Becs. To round off this walk, a descent along forest paths and tracks will make you forget the long climb. The Saou Forest, acquired as part of the Sensitive Natural Areas policy, is the Department’s largest property. Listed as a protected site since 1942, it is managed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, in consultation with local stakeholders. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A discovery trail in the heart of the Saou Forest, along easy paths and tracks suitable for the whole family. In the heart of the forest, don’t miss the Auberge des Dauphins and its remarkable architecture.The Saou Forest, acquired as part of the Sensitive Natural Areas policy, is the Department’s largest property (2,500 ha). Listed as a protected site since 1942, it is now managed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, in consultation with local stakeholders. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A challenging route, with a short section where you’ll need to carry your bike on the climb up to the Pas de l’Échelette. Enjoy the panoramic views of Crest, the Drôme valley and the Trois Becs! ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A route in the Saou forest, where you’ll follow the tourist trail before heading down the Sentier Muletier. Please note that this descent is technical; some stony sections require caution!

A beautiful route that will take you through the Saou Forest, then to the foot of Rochecolombe Mountain. The route follows fun and varied paths through the woods. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

At the foot of the Aiguilles, you will pass through a wide variety of environments. Wetlands and arid areas alternate between the Vèbre and the Mediterranean slopes of the Pas de l'Estang and the Palloir.

This walk will take you on a journey through the agricultural landscape of the Saoû Forest. The walk begins along the hay meadows at the foot of the forest. You will then pass close to the ruins of Raillon and Fuoc, remnants of the many farms that once stood at the foot of the forest. This walk is suitable for all-terrain pushchairs.Dogs must be kept on a lead. ⚠️ 1 July 2026: Between 1 July and 15 September,Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of afirerisk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

This walk takes you along various historic routes through the Saoû Forest.You can start this circular walk from the Écogardes Office, heading towards Le Chemin de la Grande Combe, then follow the directions in the text.Dogs must be kept on a lead. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

In the heart of the Diois region, the Saou Forest is home to some lovely treasures.The Saint-Médard Chapel is one of them: a viewpoint offering a unique vista of the Trois Becs. Although the path up is a bit steep, it makes for a lovely family walk. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A very beautiful walk for regular walkers which, in good weather, will allow you to discover the ridges of the Eyzahut rocks, Saint-Maurice, Mont Ventoux, the Lance massif, the Montagne d’Angèle, the Trois Becs and the Grand Delmas. ⚠️ 1 July 2026: Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk , assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A 10 km circular route, the first part of which offers a pleasant walk in the shade through the beautiful Saoû Forest, whilst the second, sunnier part offers splendid panoramic views of the perched syncline. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

This walk allows you to discover the remains of an ancient fortified village on a hilltop, at the top of which are three crosses and a magnificent viewpoint with an orientation table. 270° panorama of the foothills of the Vercors and Diois, Roche Colombe, the Trois Becs, the Montagne de Couspeau, the northern Rhône valley and the Ardèche mountains.

Walk through the Clairette de Die vineyards. Views of the Trois Becs, the Glandasse, and the Drôme valley.

A hike with a significant elevation gain but no particular difficulty apart from its length; a good part of the route is shaded in case of hot weather.See Practical Information regarding the section near the cliffs.Reserved for experienced hikers. Please note: the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are off-limits between 15 May and 15 July.Specific signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide users; seehere. 

A beautiful hike that will take you through pretty woodland and the Rocher de Saint-Supière massif. Some fairly steep climbs and descents. Beautiful views of the Crêtes de Suze, Rochecolombe and Les Trois Becs.

A beautiful, long hike that alternates between forest, alpine meadows and ridge paths before returning through the forest.A gentle climb through the forest via the Grande Combe, which zigzags between two cliffs. Then the view opens up between the Pas de Siara and the Pas de la Laveuse, passing by the Veyou and close to the other peaks of the Trois Becs. Descent through the beech forest.The effort is richly rewarded by the variety of landscapes and superb views over the Vercors and the Saou Forest syncline. Please note: the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are closed to the public between 15 May and 15 July. Special signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide walkers; seehere. 

This trail crosses a property where Scottish Highland cows graze. The trail then climbs up to the Savel Plateau, where a panoramic view opens up before you.

This route offers a good introduction to this hilltop forest, its tranquillity and the birdsong. You’ll come close to the Trois Becs without actually climbing them. Just enough to make you want to come back and tackle them. ⚠️ The route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are off-limits between 15 May and 15 July. Specific signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide walkers; see here. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saoû forest and the Ambel plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A short circular path through the forest, perfect for enjoying the shade. You’ll walk through a splendid beech forest on a north-facing slope.Dogs must be kept on a lead.

A lovely walk where ‘diversity’ is the watchword! This superb route, winding its way between two cliffs, takes you gradually uphill via the Grande Combe, amidst lush vegetation. The Pas de Siara offers a glimpse of the southern Alpine meadows of the Trois Becs, where sheep from neighbouring valleys graze during the summer grazing season. The descent is gentle through the beech forest, typical of the montane zone. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September,Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saoû forest and the Ambel plateau in the event of afirerisk, which is assessed daily. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A lovely, gentle round-trip walk that will take you in the footsteps of the Huguenots through the Saoû Forest. The walk is fully accessible to all-terrain pushchairs.

Following paths and small tracks, mostly through woodland, this walk offers some beautiful views and the remains of an ancient hilltop fortified village. The top of the village, where three crosses stand, offers a magnificent viewpoint with an orientation table. There is a 270° panorama of the foothills of the Vercors and Diois, Roche Colombe, the Trois Becs, the Montagne de Couspeau, the northern Rhône valley and the Ardèche mountains.

Explore the south-western ridge of the famous Saou Forest. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

Departure from Vaugelas. Car park in the centre of the village. A pretty little village, fairly well restored, located at the bottom of a valley

The heart of the Saou Forest has a very distinctive atmosphere for the region, with its dense vegetation, gorges and cliffs. You might feel as though you’re in another country. A few routes published on Visorando pass through this forest, but they all differ in terms of the return route. Here we suggest a relatively challenging route that will take you along the northern ridges and through its beautiful landscapes. Please note that the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are off-limits between 15 May and 15 July. Special signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide walkers; seehere. 

From the Auberge des Dauphins, a magnificent climb via the Grande Combe leads to the Rocher de la Laveuse and the Trois Becs – a legendary hike in the Saou Forest. ⚠️ The route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are off-limits between 15 May and 15 July. Specific signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide walkers; see here. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, which is assessed daily. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A superb hike in the Saoû Forest, ideal for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts – a challenge for us as novice hikers. Despite the fairly long route, we were delighted and, above all, pleasantly surprised by the untamed beauty of the landscape and the view of the Trois Becs. ⚠️ 1 July 2026: Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk , assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

Côte Belle is a classic hike from Beaufort-Sur-Gervanne. Here we offer a longer and more complete version, covering almost all of the ridges and extending around Merly, a pointed mountain overlooking Eygluy. As a bonus, you can enjoy views not only of the Massif des Trois-Becs and the Drôme Valley, but also of the Montagne de Glandasse, the But Saint-Genix, Ansage, the Falaises d'Omblèze and the Rochers du Vellan. No difficulty except for the length.

From Beaufort-sur-Gervanne, the gradual climb to Plan-de-Baix and then to the Croix du Vellan (a picturesque passage between rocks and cliffs) is on good paths. From there, you can enjoy a unique view of the Gervanne Valley and the Trois Becs Massif. The return journey takes you through the village of Lozeron and the Domaine des Arômes (Sanoflore organic cosmetics factory and botanical garden).

On this well-shaded hike, in addition to the various views of the Rhône valley, the Ardèche, the southern Vercors, the Trois Becs and the Saoû forest, we also encountered a young deer enjoying some foliage and a squirrel frightened by our presence. Unfortunately, we also saw the damage caused by the box tree moth.

A family walk, starting from the Roubion valley, to discover the old village of Soyans, dominated by the Romanesque church of Saint-Marcel and the castle ruins. Perched on the edge of the cliff, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Roubion Valley, the Saoû Forest to the north and the Couspeau Mountain to the east.

After swimming in the Roubion, you can finish the descent at nightfall: Vaire is a remarkable platform for stargazing, at the foot of the southern slope of the Saoû syncline. Please note: the route is impassable when the Roubion is in flood.

This is an easy walk to stretch your legs while enjoying a beautiful variety of landscapes: panoramic views of the majestic syncline of the Saou Forest, dry pine forests, the cool banks of the Roubion inviting you to take a dip, and even lavender fields to finish off before crossing the pretty village of Francillon.

From the famous Plateau des Chaux, a small agricultural plain still preserved by traditional practices, you will reach the heights of the Lozeron mountain and enjoy a 260° panorama.

Alternating between small roads, narrow lanes and paths through the woods, this route offers beautiful views of the Marsanne plain, the foothills of the Vercors and the village of Puy-Saint-Martin.

In addition to panoramic views of the Valdaine plain, Couspeau mountain and Saoû forest, this route will allow you to discover the natural and cultural heritage of Puy-Saint-Martin.

This short route is easily accessible in the hills above Puy-Saint-Martin. It offers new views of the old village and the Valdaine plain.

Sheltered by the imposing wall of the Saoû perched syncline, you will pass close to the ruins of Pradas and also enjoy unobstructed views over the Roubion valley. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû forest and the Ambel plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

This very shady forest walk offers a new perspective on the Valdaine plain with a few glimpses of the Saoû massif, not to mention the discovery of the old ruined village of Roynac and its belvedere.

Discover the panoramic view from the east of Roynac: the Chevrière area is home to a remarkable natural site and offers a magnificent view of the Ardèche!

This wild hike allows you to discover the south-eastern ridge of the Saoû Forest, passing by the peaks of Pradou and Roche Rousse with views of the southern Drôme mountains as far as Mont Ventoux. Please note that the route passes through a quiet zone for wild animals. It is forbidden to use it between Pas de Floréal (6) and the bottom of Pré de l'Âne (8) between 15 May and 15 July.Specific signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide users, seehere. 

At the gateway to the Vercors, at the end of a long ridge at an altitude of 1,000 metres, this rocky promontory is visible for dozens of kilometres around. The site offers a remarkable panorama of the village, which it overlooks by nearly 200 metres, the Rieussec and Gervanne valleys and the high plateaus of the Vercors, the Diois, the Trois Becs and the Montagne Saint-Pancrace. The place is peaceful at sunrise and offers an interesting view of the plateau stretching around the village with its farms, temple, chapel and castle. The elevation gain is modest and the distance is short. The loop makes the climb less difficult. We chose to start from the Church of Notre-Dame, at the bottom of the village, to discover this well-renovated Romanesque heritage site.