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.

Enjoy a complete change of scenery in this superb canyon between two narrow cliffs. An unusual spot with a crevasse that descends into nowhere, offering a calm and sombre atmosphere among rocky outcrops, lichens and ferns. Please note! The route has been changed to avoid the Ferme du Pêcher du Bas. At (1), go straight ahead, then take a path on the right and head straight for (3).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

An easy, well-marked hike that starts at the Ubrieux Gorges and continues through olive groves, vineyards, orchards and forests, not to mention a few passes and the sometimes rugged landscapes of the Baronnies.

Geological curiosity formed by a large stone arch that resembles a cave entrance.

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.

A remarkable family walk in the southern part of the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors Nature Reserve. Vast lawns on the plateau and views of the Trièves and Mont Aiguille, the foothills of the Oisans and the Dévoluy.

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.

Hikes in the woods and countryside around Saint-Donat-sur-L'Herbasse, with views of the Vercors mountain range and the Herbasse valley, and discovery of the forest's biodiversity.

This is an easy hike. It will take you between the Isère and the Bourne Canal, passing by the Sainte-Béatrix Chapel and its promontory overlooking the Isère with a remarkable view of the Vercors.

A lovely little hike that allows you to easily explore the Cirque d'Archiane. Discovering this place is magical as it is surrounded by magnificent cliffs. You are bound to come across a couple of griffon vultures nesting in the crevices of the rock and gliding over the cliffs.

In the heart of the Diois region, the Saou Forest is home to some beautiful treasures. The Saint-Médard Chapel is one of them: a viewpoint offering a unique view of the Trois Becs. Although the access is a little steep, it makes for a lovely family hike.

Enjoy a change of scenery on the rugged limestone plateau and meadows. Then take a leap into the history of the Resistance.

This is a very beautiful hike with no major difficulties, ideal for families. It will take you to the Belvédère de Révoulat viewpoint with a magnificent view of Echevis and the Vernaison Gorges, if, unlike us, you are lucky enough not to arrive in thick fog!

The absence of houses gives this hike a wild feel. This route, which takes us to an altitude of 1,000 metres, offers beautiful views of the Trois Becs, the Saou Forest, the Ambel Plateau, the Rhône Valley and the Monts Ardéchois.

The Cols de Vassieux offer breathtaking views of the Marignac en Diois valley, Die, the Col du Rousset, the Glandasse, the Grand Veymont and the entire chain up to the Pic Saint-Michel above Villard-de-Lans and the Chironne rocks. Breathtaking ravines, flowers and butterflies everywhere, a marvel and, as a bonus, the passage of griffon vultures reintroduced to the region!

From the Col de Rousset, a panoramic view of the vultures. From the But de l'Aiglette, close-up view of these beautiful creatures.

This walk takes you to the Saint-Blaise priory and the ruins of La Viale, as well as through ravines carved out of ochre veins.

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 beautiful route for exploring history and its vestiges. The geology of a little-known site (very beautiful passage through the ochre cliffs of a mini-Colorado). Gallo-Roman cult at the Val des Nymphes, springs and priory. Lapidary tanks reminiscent of ancient work dating back to Gallo-Roman times (millstones, known as "sacrificial stones", ancient wine presses dating from late Antiquity to the 12th or 13th century). Medieval fiefdom of the Adhémar family in the 12th century.

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.

The Druise waterfall, an impressive 72-metre drop, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Vercors. The view from below is breathtaking: the high waterfall looks like a bridal veil, accompanied by a thunderous roar and a huge blast of air.

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.

Most of the walk is through the woods in the Drôme Provençale. This route offers beautiful views of the Rhône valley and lavender fields, as well as a village classified as one of the most beautiful in France, with some buildings dating back to the Renaissance.

Walk in the hills above Barcelonne to enjoy views of the plain from the tower of the old feudal castle and discover the Sainte-Marguerite Chapel perched above Combovin.

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

This loop leads to the moving ruins of the former Aleyrac Abbey. Along the way, you will enjoy views of the Grignan plain and the valley.

A magnificent walk, although the slopes are sometimes quite steep on both the ascent and descent. The landscapes and flora are remarkable.

A short walk to discover the surroundings of Chateauneuf-sur-Isère. Part of the route is on small, quiet tarmac roads, but it is nonetheless pleasant.

A classic peak in the Drôme Provençale, offering a magnificent 360-degree panorama stretching from the Rhône Valley to the Hautes-Alpes, Ventoux and Diois. The departure point from the Fontlargias lodge offers a shorter loop route than other options, on good paths with no technical difficulties.

A short, wild loop very close to Baume-Cornillane, which can be adapted for a short half-day outing.

La Baume Cornillane is an exceptional site due to its geography and history. La Raye is a superb viewpoint: Baronnies, Vercors, Roc de Toulaud, Tête de la Dame and Plateau d'Ambel. The ridges are superb.

The summit of the Tête de la Dame offers superb views of the Diois, the Drôme valley and the Vercors massif.

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.

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 is an easy hike that alternates between cool woodland and wide open trails on the plateau. You will pass through the hamlet of CÎtelles with its small chapel and waterfall, which is only accessible from above. The return journey follows the stream, where you can take a dip in places. The route crosses the river four times via small bridges or large stones. This is a very pleasant walk in summer, and the breaks by the water are very welcome.