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(S/E) Leave the car park and head towards the church, which you will go around at the bottom.
At the La Placette crossroads, the starting point for several walks, follow the signs for Chapelle de la Roche on the right (yellow and redGR®9andGRP® tour du Pays de Dieulefit signs).
The paved road climbs between the houses.
(1) At the first fork, turn left onto Chemin du Rastelet, which serves a few more houses, and continue uphill.
Pass in front of the Château de la Roche (private property - sign with explanations) and continue straight ahead to the Chapelle de la Roche with its cemetery (to visit, open the gate closed with a chain - close it when you leave).
Continue along the path for a few dozen metres.
(2) Take the path on the left (GR®9, red and white markings) towards Étournelle/Dieulefit. A steep climb leads you to a crossroads.
(3) Take the left-hand path, still markedGR®9, and continue climbing until you reach the Col de la Roche.
(4) On the slope on the other side of the valley that opens up before you, you will have a beautiful view of the ruins of Beconne.
Follow theGR®9, descending into the valley, first through the forest, then a final steep descent alongside a lavender field will take you to a crossroads with several paved roads.
(5) A signpost indicates the location of L'Étournelle. Continue opposite theGR® towards the Col de Dieu Grace/Dieulefit. After crossing a bridge over the Riaille ravine and after the first house, theGR®9takes the path on the left, then leaves this path by turning left just before the first bend.
(6) Follow the path on the left that climbs up to the ridge and continue to the ruins of Beconne.
TheGR®9bypasses the ruins at the bottom, but it is worth entering this ruined village and passing between the houses to the chapel and two round towers. Retrace your steps and continue right on theGR®9.
(7) At the bottom, cross the D538 and follow the tarmac road opposite. Pass a mill, then cross the bridge over the Lez. A sign explains that there used to be a power station here.
At the edge of the woods, take the wide path that branches off to the left.
From there, follow the yellow markings until you reach your destination (the markings are doubled by yellow and redGRP® markings on some sections).
You will approach the Lez before climbing again.
(8) Please note: there is a newPR® route, marked in yellow, which avoids passing by a house with a large number of dogs running free. This route is not (yet) shown on the IGN map, but it follows the same direction as the path indicated on the IGN map, although it is much higher up. Although the markings are recent and sufficient, many "goat paths" require caution until you reach the highest point, just above the Château d'Alençon, whose square tower is visible from afar. Here, you will rejoin theGRP® (yellow and red markings).
(9) Take a wide path on the left which, after a cattle gate that you close behind you, takes you to the ruins of the old Château d'Alençon. Descend to the tarmac road and turn right. At a car park, a sign explains the history of the castle. From here, you have a beautiful view of the ruins. Follow the tarmac road downhill and continue straight ahead until you reach a large building.
(10) On the right, look for a fortified farmhouse that has become the new Château d'Alençon (information sign). Continue straight ahead, ignore a road on the right and then turn left.
(11) At the first crossroads, signposted La Condamine 345m, continue straight ahead towards La Roche Saint-Secret 0.4km. Shortly after the bridge over the Lez, join the main road and follow it to the right towards the south.
Cross the village to return to the car park (S/E).
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