Col de Saumane (1029 m) walks

Set off in style on this revisited Tour des Baronnies. Throughout the morning, the narrow path winds along the ridges overlooking Serres, winding its way between beautiful rocks and twisted Scots pines. At Serre de la Bouisse, the view of the Baronnies and the Alpine peaks is breathtaking. Then, between the bucolic Col d'Arron and the finish, the path progresses delightfully, like a balcony, under the Montagne de l'Aup. Finally, the Praboyer lodge is located in the heart of nature.

A grand finale for this revisited Tour des Baronnies. Along the ridges of Aumage and Eyglière, the peaks of Dévoluy and Écrins have never seemed so close. The Buëch Valley stretches out below us, and the 360° views allow us to retrace the path we have travelled over the last seven days: Serre de la Bouisse, Chamouse, Chabre and other peaks emerge on the horizon, bringing back fond memories.

This stage is different from the previous one, less airy, but the second half has some wonderful surprises in store. From the Col des Pins, the view opens up onto the wide agricultural valley of Rosans, which is magnificent. Above all, the final stretch is particularly fabulous. Directly above Rosans, the trail literally plunges down towards the old village, a marvel of the Baronnies.

Setting off from the village of Le Saix is an alternative to starting from Veynes station. This stage leads to Lake Peyssier and continues the trek. It offers a variety of attractions: a ridge walk, a bird’s-eye view of the Gouravour Gorge, unique views of the Buëch Valley and the Dévoluy massif, a walk through the former hamlet of La Péguière, a visit to the site of Clausonne Abbey and a walk across the Peyssier plateau. An easier alternative route to reach Lake Peyssier is via the forest track from the village of Le Saix, passing through the Gouravour Gorge; it takes 1 hour to climb to Clausonne Abbey.

A short but very pretty stage, especially the second part. The exit from Orpierre, via the heights, is fantastic, thanks to the bird's eye view of the narrow village nestled in the cliffs. After Le Suillet, a beautiful ridge and a memorable passage through the black marl, the GR® passes by the Mont Garde lodge.

Connecting these two beautiful little villages is a very varied stage, which takes the time to explore the Provençal countryside between meadows, orchards and hamlets. The summit of La Vanige, which is optional, is clearly worth the detour for its adventurous climb and aesthetic rocky ridge.