From Saint-Auban-sur-l'Ouvèze to Izon-la-Bruisse via the summit of Chamouse

Departure from the centre of Saint-Auban-sur-l'Ouvèze. Parking is available near the town hall.

(S) Walk up through the village until you reach Place de la Fontaine d'en Haut, behind the church. Turn left towards Chemin de la Cîme des Blaches. Climb up Chemin de la Cîme des Blaches, which turns into a path after a few dozen metres. Follow this path, GRP® Tour des Baronnies Provençales, along the magnificent, tree-lined ridge of Serre de Rioms.

(1) At Serre, you will find a few houses and tarmac. Continue to follow the GRP®, then the track. The track passes through the forest, on the north-facing slope of the Croc and Bouvrège mountains, until it reaches Pas de Bouvrège.

(2) At Pas de Bouvrège, there is a splendid view of Mont Ventoux and the hamlets around the Old Fort of Mévouillon. Leave the GRP® and follow the PR® towards Col de la Trappe and Col d'Izon, along a series of small ridge trails leading to the lavender fields. The path to La Conche is sometimes a little confusing and poorly marked, but it's worth the detour: make sure you go around the lavender fields and pay attention to the trail. The Visorando app is recommended.

(3) At La Conche, you will rejoin the GRP®. Follow it along the ridge to Col d'Izon.

(4) Leave the GRP® and head towards Montagne de Chamouse. If the weather is threatening, you are tired or short on time, you can descend to Izon-la-Bruisse in an hour's walk by following the GRP®.

(5) At Col d'Izon Nord, follow the signs for Crêtes de Chamouse along a steep path. Once you reach the horseshoe-shaped Crêtes de Chamouse, follow them to the summit and then on to La Tussie. Enjoy exceptional views over the Méouge and Ouvèze valleys, the peaks of Provence and the Alps.

(6) Descend the hairpin bend on the right to follow the signs for Sous la Tussie and Izon-la-Bruisse. Then follow the signs for Izon-la-Bruisse to Devès.

(7) At Devès, turn left towards Col de Roubuousse and Col Saint-Jean.

(8) At Col de Roubuousse, turn right towards Col Saint-Jean, onto a discreet path that climbs steeply for a few metres.

(9) When you reach the tarmac road from Izon, at a hairpin bend, take this road downhill to the right.

(10) Take another hairpin bend to the right at the Fontaine de Bayle. Continue along the road for 1.5 km until you reach Izon-la-Bruisse.

(E) Arrival in Izon-la-Bruisse: unusual accommodation, guest rooms and table d'hôte at Izon Nature.

Accommodation in Izon-la-Bruisse: Izon Nature, guest rooms and table d'hôte, unusual accommodation (cabins, tiny houses, rooms).

If the weather is likely to turn stormy in the afternoon, it may be wise to descend directly to Izon-la-Bruisse from the Col d'Izon.

This hike is best undertaken in April-May-June and September-October-November. In summer, it can be very hot in the Baronnies Provençales, and in winter, some paths may be impassable or snow-covered.

Make sure you take plenty of water with you, as there are no water sources along the route!