Drôme walks

Visit the Trois Becs, the high points of the Forest of Saou. Correction: the elevation is 750 m instead of the 1071 m described.

A complete change of scene in this superb canyon between two narrow cliffs. An unusual place where a crevasse plunges into nowhere, with a peaceful and shady atmosphere between boulders, lichens and ferns.

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

A long hike across the Vercors Highlands ("Hauts Plateaux du Vercors"), to reach the Grand Veymont. Breath-taking view of the entire Vercors massif and Mont Aiguille.

From Buis-les-Baronnies, walk around the Rocher Saint-Julien enjoying the views of the Baronnies and Mont Ventoux.

A family-friendly trail that explores the troglodyte village of Barry, one of the finest and largest in France.

In a wood near Saint Barthélémy de Vals, these rocks form a group of 51 blocks arranged in three roughly concentric circles covering nearly 6 hectares, hence the name "Cromlech de la Roche qui danse" (Dancing Rock Cromlech). Legend has it that "at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, the rocks begin to dance". Please note: see the practical information section.

The great cliff of Rocher du Caire rises above Rémuzat. Look up and you'll see griffon vultures flying over the valley. Please note that a hiker has informed us that a municipal by-law (posted at the top) prohibits hiking in the opposite direction.

A lovely little hike to the summit of Pégarnier, which offers magnificent views of the villages of Espenel, Vercheny and Aurel en Diois.

Between the Benedictine Abbey of Triors and the Chapel of Gillons, you may encounter monks who also enjoy the tranquillity of these paths, which pass by beautiful walnut groves and close to the foothills of the Drôme hills.

A hike in Drôme and Isère, but starting from the Vercors drômois side. The Vallon de Combau and the Tête Chevalière at 1951m. A panoramic view over the Trièves valley. During the months of May and June, the Vallon du Combau is must-visit destination, where you can enjoy the flora and fauna, particularly marmottes. A relatively easy hike up to the Pas de l'Essaure pass, then a little more difficult.

Starting from Vercheny-le-Temple (or Vercheny le Haut), this is a very pretty hike on easy trails and paths, providing access to one of the ridges of the Grand Barry-Gaudichart, as well as the ruined castle of Barry. Exceptional panoramic views of the Vercors, the Baronnies and the Diois. The return journey is partly via the western slope, offering another panorama of the Saoû ridges, and partly via the eastern slope, via the Pas de la Bernarde, which has been cleared between the rocks (no equipment required).

Discover the south-western ridge of the famous Saou Forest.

This is a lovely little hike, with a trail that takes you to the middle of a cliff overlooking the Bournillon cirque 400 metres below, offering magnificent views of the Bourne gorges. This route allows you to discover the springs of the Moulin Marquis, the Grotte des Gaulois and the Porte du Diable, a natural limestone arch. The total elevation gain for this hike is around 200 metres.

The start is at the Col du Rousset, on the Chamaloc side. If you want to see the Col de Rousset from a different angle, take this hike, which follows a magnificent path carved into the mountainside, with a via ferrata above if you feel so inclined. This path was used by mule drivers to reach Vassieux via the Col de Chironne. You will also admire the magnificent Chironne rocks overlooking the Chamaloc valley.

Out of curiosity, I mapped out this route when I discovered that a karstic cave bears the same name as me. This route winds through the Lente forest and offers beautiful views of the Vassieux en Vercors valley and the Grand Veymont. And for those with a sweet tooth, you can enjoy wild raspberries, wild strawberries and, more rarely, blueberries along the way.

Hike starting from Poët-Laval, offering sweeping views of the Vercors, the Rhône Valley and northern Vaucluse.

In the mountains of the Baronnies, imagine a lost hamlet inhabited by giants... Skeletons with very long shins were found in the crypt of the chapel. They are the source of the name of the locality.

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 circular walk on Couspeau mountain, with the summit of the Grand Delmas offering views over the surrounding mountains, particularly the 3 Becs.

The Saracen Caves at the ruins of the old village of Béconne provide a short walk through the woods and fields of lavender and lead you on an enjoyable route among the vestiges of the past and let you indulge your imagination.

A walk of discovery from Vercors in a loop between the cliffs, forest and meadow. Small height change.

Over the Rhone balconies between grape vines and apricot trees, with pretty little streams.

This walk will take you back in time to the farming history of the Forêt de Saoû. The walk begins along the hay meadows at the bottom of the forest. You will then pass by the ruins of Raillon and Fuoc, the remains of the many farms in the lower part of the forest. This walk is accessible to all-terrain pushchairs. Dogs must be kept on a lead.

A rugged hike offering magnificent views from a rocky outcrop.

Along the river, along a wide track, through the pinewoods and up a steep incline: these are just some of the variations that will give you your first taste of mountain biking in an always pleasant setting. Ideal for beginners and families!

This is a relatively easy hike in the Léoncel National Forest, mostly on cross-country ski or snowshoe trails. It is a very pleasant walk in warm weather, as almost the entire route is in the shade.

Hike through the forest to the ridges and their highest point at 1015 m. Beautiful views over the Rhône Valley and the Vercors Massif. The descent then follows a wide forest path before arriving in a roadless grassy valley where wild horses and Highlander cows live side by side.

Before exploring the narrow streets of the fortified village of Saint-Gervais-sur-Roubion, discover the rich Valdaine plain. You will cross the Ramières du Roubion, a preserved, shaded natural area where biodiversity reigns supreme.

A lovely, varied loop, alternating between tracks, trails and a few roads, with breathtaking views of Vassieux-en-Vercors and the surrounding area from the Crête des Gagères. Lots of forest sections, including a crossing of the Chaud Clapier ski resort.

A stroll through the heart of a wine estate, in peace and quiet. Walk through orchards alternating with vineyards. A relaxing walk that changes colour and character with each season.

Discover more than five kilometres of ridge offering breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding mountains. The route follows almost exclusively single-track trails winding through woods and meadows. From late May to late June, the trail is adorned with abundant, particularly pleasant and colourful flora.

This loop of around 27 km, with no major difficulties and regular climbs, allows you to discover the Nyons region and its most famous peak, Garde Grosse. The paved roads are quiet, except for cyclists. In spring, there are a few streams where you can cool off.

A relatively easy mountain bike ride, although a little technical on the descent to Combe Sauve. There is little traffic on the paved sections. You will ride through broom and goats, if they are out, and can stop at Col Flachet to enjoy the view, as it will be too late afterwards, as the descent is through oak trees.

This short hike takes you through beautiful landscapes and lovely trails in the foothills of the Monts du Matin and the pretty village of Peyrus, nestled in the Lierne valley. It is not particularly difficult and is accessible to any walker with good footwear.

A magnificent hike that subtly combines forest and meadow passages. You walk and pass easily from one path to a forest track, or vice versa, thanks to the numerous signposts. As for the views, you can choose between the entrance to the Pelouse de Bournette, the bird's eye view of the Scialets Royer, the view of the Combe de Loscence and the fabulous 360° view from the summit of Serre Plumé. This is an easy hike, with only the start of the climb to the summit of Serre Plumé reminding you that you are on a mountain hike.

This itinerary between the valleys of the Méouge and Ouvèze allows you to take the pulse of the Parc Naturel Régional des Baronnies Provençales. Little travelled and regularly on balconies and ridges, the route alternates between lavender fields and rocky slopes, Scots pine forests and sublime beech woods, pastoral paths and ridges with exceptional panoramic views. In addition to its particularly wild character, the few small villages it passes through are particularly picturesque, and the route allows you to explore the sublime Montagne de Chamouse from every angle.

A "wild" route at the start, two caves to visit and a magnificent panorama to admire from the Montagne de Mussan, covering a large part of the Vercors, make this hike well worth the effort.