Chastel-Arnaud walks

Montagne de Faraud offers magnificent views of the Trois Becs and all the surrounding mountains. This hike offers an alternative to the classic hike, starting from the hamlet of Saint-Moirans (Chastel-Arnaud) rather than La Chaudière. At the start, you will have the opportunity to visit the 12th-century Church of Saint-Moirans and, during the hike, the charming Chapelle des Sadous chapel. The hike follows good paths or tracks, with a few slightly steep sections.

Another route across the ridges of the 3 Becs, which is quieter and more unspoilt.It is possible to do this without completing the return leg (a shorter route) by descending to the Col de la Chaudière; in this case, two cars are recommended (or hitchhiking). ⚠️ 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.

Like a ship, the massif rises at the foot of the Vercors and offers a panoramic view over the Drôme and Rhône valleys. In fine weather, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Alps and, on the opposite side, the Cévennes. Several moments of contemplation are needed to take in these landscapes. ⚠️ 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, which is assessed daily. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A beautiful hike to the summit of Rochecourbe (one of the 3 Becs) via one of the prettiest passes (Pas de Picourère) and back via the magnificent Rocher de la Laveuse and Pas de Siarra.Be careful, as the paths are steep and slippery, unmarked and close to cliffs. This route is therefore best suited to hikers who are used to this type of terrain. Please note that the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are closed between 15 May and 15 July. Special signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide users, seehere. 

A beautiful hike above the village of Espenel, providing access to the three peaks on the Cresta ridges.

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

This is a wild hike to discover the little Chapelle des Sadous chapel through the ravines of the Vallon de la Coullance, followed by a crescendo climb to the summit of Montagne de Faraud. From the top of this spur, you can enjoy views of the Trois Becs, the Grand Delmas and the Montagne de Couspeau, the Diois, the Dévoluy, the Vercors and the Grand Veymont.

Hike opposite the Trois Becs massif, which forms the eastern slope of the Saou forest and its Perched syncline. Beautiful views of this magnificent rocky ridge.

At the foot of the majestic Trois Becs massif and the Montagne de Couspeau, leave the charming village of La Chaudière for the Chapelle des Sadous, perched on a wooded spur.

A beautiful but long hike around the Rochers de Cresta, with the added bonus, if you feel up to it, of climbing to the top of the ridges: breathtaking views of the Trois Becs massif, the Drôme valley, the Vercors, Glandasse, and even a glimpse of Grand Ferrand... But only do this in dry weather with very good footwear that grips well, as there are steep slopes and secure rocks...

During this hike, the land of Clairette wine offers us a surprising encounter with a centuries-old chestnut tree. Standing alone at the foot of the Trois Becs and the Rocher de la Laveuse, a sign indicates its age and characteristics. One cannot help but admire this witness to history, which was most certainly a contemporary of Joan of Arc!

This is a lovely walk, with a route that differs from the other itineraries starting from Saillans. The path takes you over three passes. You start off on the Chemin de la Clairette, then head via the Col des Beaux. The ridge walk, after the Col de Pourcheton, offers views of the Diois and the Rhône Valley. At the Col de Sauzet, you descend towards Jomare to join a wide path that leads back to the village.

Visit the Trois Becs, the highest points in the Saou Forest. ⚠️ The route passes through a quiet zone for wildlife. Certain passages are closed between 15 May and 15 July.Specific signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide users, see here.

From the lively village of Saillans with its narrow streets, arcades and fountains, passing by the turquoise blue pools of Rieussec, climb up to the Saint-Christophe Chapel. It faces the Trois Becs!

An extension of the classic Tour de Chabrier hike, this figure-of-eight hike (with the Col des Vallons at its centre) takes you to the Pas de la Bernarde (magnificent views of the Vercors, Montagne de Glandasse and Drôme Valley on the Vercheny side) and into the Fond de Chabrier. In total, the Col des Vallons will have been explored from all four cardinal points!

Variation on the classic Tour de Chabrier hike via the Col des Vallons and the Pas de la Bernarde, with a return via a tiny path overlooking the Drôme and the D93 between Saillans and Vercheny. Splendid views guaranteed over the Drôme Valley, the Massif des Trois-Becs and the Vercors.

Tour of the Montagne de Chabrier starting from Saillans.

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

Although this circular walk can be done in either direction, in summer it is advisable to follow the route described to avoid the climb from Les Athénols to the Col de Gourdon, which is very exposed to the sun. It is possible to do just the Col de Gourdon–Fonderesse return walk via Floréal (6.6 km / +320 m / 2 hours 15 minutes). To avoid disturbing the wildlife, dogs must be kept on a lead.

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

A beautiful, long hike from Col de Gourdon with a significant elevation gain.Magnificent aerial view from the Trois Becs. The trail sometimes winds through heath, sometimes through pastures and also through undergrowth. Please note that the route passes through a quiet zone for wild animals. Certain sections are closed between 15 May and 15 July. Special signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide users, seehere. 

Starting from Vercheny-le-Temple (or Vercheny le Haut), a very pleasant hike along easy paths and trails, providing access to one of the ridges of the Grand Barry-Gaudichart, as well as the ruined Château du Barry. Exceptional views over the Vercors, the Baronnies and the Diois.The return route follows partly along the western slope, offering another view of the Saoû ridges, and finishes on the eastern slope via the Pas de la Bernarde, a path carved out between the rocks (no equipment required).

A very beautiful circuit, mostly in the forest and therefore quite shaded, with a magnificent view once you reach the ruins of Barry Castle.