Flank of Montlaud from the Col d'Ey

de fr

From the Col d'Ey, hike through the Ennuye valley, which offers beautiful views of the village of Sainte-Jalle, and return via the Montlaud hillside.

Technical sheet

n°1604381
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.23 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 370 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 370 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 812 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 508 m
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

Bésignan

Description of the walk

Park in the Col d'Ey car park.

(S/E) From the car park, head north-east along the path that descends below the "Route de Buis" sign (yellow markings). This balcony path stretches for 1500m, offering beautiful views of the village of Ste-Jalle and the Ennuye valley.
Follow this path to Route de Saint Quentin (elevation 566), ignoring the paths and trails coming from the left and right.
At Route de Saint Quentin (D25), turn right towards the east and continue for 200 metres until you reach the first bend.

(1) At this bend, leave the road. Turn left onto the path that runs alongside the lavender field, first skirting it on the right, then above it. Cross the hedge above the large oak tree (yellow markings) and follow the dirt track for 50 metres. N.B. The path that skirts the lavender field is not shown on the IGN map.

(2) Leave this path and descend to the right into the valley, cross a small stream, continue uphill to join a path through the grass, which continues for 1700m along a stony path.

(3) At the fork in this path, turn left, heading east (yellow markings) towards the village of Les Granges. Cross the village to the D162 road (elevation 529). Turn left, heading north-east, for 500 metres.

(4) Leave the road by turning right, heading east, onto a path that crosses the apricot orchards, leaving the Chemin des Marcelins on your right, pass elevation 510 and join the D593.

(5) Arrive at the junction with the D593. Turn right, heading south-east, towards Bésignan.

(6) In Bésignan, turn left into the village, continue along the path to the end of the village and, opposite the last house, take the path that climbs to the left, heading south-east towards the Col d'Autanne.

(7) Join the track below the Col d'Autanne and turn right, heading south then west, until you reach the bottom of the Col d'Oure.

(8) Below Col d'Oure, take the path that descends north-west (rather than the track signposted towards Col d'Ey, heading west) to return to Col d'Ey (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 718 m - Car park &gt - Col d'Ey
  2. 1 : km 1.64 - alt. 572 m - Turn left onto the path.
  3. 2 : km 1.89 - alt. 570 m - Stony path.
  4. 3 : km 2.65 - alt. 551 m - Turn left heading east.
  5. 4 : km 3.98 - alt. 522 m - Turn right heading east.
  6. 5 : km 4.87 - alt. 510 m - Turn right heading south-east.
  7. 6 : km 5.58 - alt. 573 m - path at the end of the village.
  8. 7 : km 6.84 - alt. 762 m - Turn right heading south.
  9. 8 : km 7.83 - alt. 802 m - Take the path that descends north-west. - Col d'œuvre (813m)
  10. S/E : km 11.23 - alt. 718 m - Col d'Ey car park.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Franck D
Franck D
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Very good description, very useful for points 1 and 2.
Like other comments in point 8, we went to the Col d'Oure, which offers a different view. When we reached the pass, we climbed up to the right to go even higher on the rocks, which gave us a better view
After the pass, we stayed on the yellow markings, which seemed clearer

Automatically translated

fm84
fm84

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 01, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Magnificent views over the valley.

Automatically translated

Jippy01
Jippy01

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful, easy walk that should be classified as easy rather than moderate.
At point 3, the fork is not very visible, especially since you would expect it to be 1,700 metres from the start of the path.
In fact, it descends towards an orchard that you walk alongside.

Automatically translated

viricel jacques
viricel jacques

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 30, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

we set off from Bésignan, which was good because there was a hunt taking place on the lower part of the trail until midday. Even though at this time of year we are in the shade until we reach the pass, there are some beautiful views along this route. There were no other hikers this Sunday, just a group of quad bikes. Thank you for this hike.

Automatically translated

Pylg92
Pylg92

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 24, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No


beautiful views of the Saint-Jalle valley.
Running for 1 hour 15 minutes
Walking 2 hours 15 minutes
No difficulty

Automatically translated

Catmon
Catmon

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 30, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : No

We set off from Besignan and started climbing straight away. You absolutely must climb up to the Col d'Oure to enjoy a beautiful view of the valley.
Avoid doing this in summer as it gets very hot

Automatically translated

Xorkkgul
Xorkkgul

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 13, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A pleasant walk, beautiful scenery, well-marked trail. Starting the walk from Bésignan is a good idea so that you can make the climb during the coolest hours of the day. If you are as lucky as we were, a black dog named Nala will accompany you from Bésignan throughout the walk :-)

Automatically translated

Bab13
Bab13

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 04, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Personally, it took me 3 hours, not 4 hours and 15 minutes, and I don't think I walked very fast.
At point 1, I would like to add a clarification because I couldn't find the large oak tree. After "then at the top", I would add: "at the end, descend slightly along the field and cross the hedge at a very large rock to take a dirt path on the left"

Automatically translated

canto89
canto89

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 01, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Hike done in the rain. Recently marked in yellow. Very good despite poor visibility and bad weather.

Automatically translated

Mangemanche
Mangemanche

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 05, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A very pleasant, unpretentious walk.
four and a half hours of leisurely walking and strolling.
As suggested below, I started the walk in Bésignan, which suited me fine: it allows you to schedule your snack break on the heights (depending on your departure time, of course). And you start in the middle of a charming hamlet of beautifully restored old stone buildings, which puts you in a good mood right from the start!
At point 8, you can make a very short detour to the Col d'Oure for a lovely little viewpoint to the south over a tiny valley lost on the side of Montlaud mountain.
Under a beautiful autumn sun, there is a lovely view of the Ennuye valley for much of the walk.

Automatically translated

ffrantz
ffrantz
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 19, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A beautiful hike offering stunning views. Please note that in the height of summer, many areas are exposed to direct sunlight, so be sure to bring enough water.
I agree with the suggestion above: start in Bésignan so you can do the climb first. This way, when you reach the pass, you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful view, which is perhaps best appreciated after the climb. We are good walkers and did it in 2 hours 50 minutes with a short break.

Automatically translated

gallanpa26
gallanpa26

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 12, 2019
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

On the way back, if you follow the upper trail, you can climb a small path near the rocky escarpment to reach the ruins of "Saint Lucie". The start of the steep path is marked by a cairn. Once at the top, the platform is a nice spot for a snack.

Automatically translated

Janpimo
Janpimo

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 01, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A lovely walk, ideal for a gentle return to exercise after an injury.

Automatically translated

Olivier Chaix
Olivier Chaix

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 25, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

stunning view of the Ennuye valley, especially in winter when the trees are bare.

Automatically translated

heredis
heredis

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 19, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

we really enjoyed this hike! Great views all along the way! And very well marked!
suggestion: perhaps start from Bésignan to begin with the climb rather than the descent

Automatically translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Circular starting from Besignan via the Col d'Autanne and Col d'Anjuan passes.

Visorando member
Boucle au départ de Besignan par le Col d'Autanne et le Col d'Anjuan
↔14.05 km ↗+585 m ↘-592 m ◔5h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Bésignan (Drôme)
A hike where you can enjoy permanent views of the surrounding mountains, from La Vanige to Montagne de Raton and the summit of Linceuil. You will be in the centre of a magnificent mountain cirque. Sometimes on forest paths, sometimes on trails, this walk offers you magnificent landscapes. You will cross no less than four passes and impressive reliefs. This hike is not suitable for dogs! See practical information.

Walking Tour of Rocher des Mieyes

Visorando member
Tour du Rocher des Mieyes
↔11.60 km ↗+491 m ↘-493 m ◔4h 45 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Bésignan (Drôme)
Beautiful view of the Ennuye Valley.

Walking Gorges and passes in the Baronnies

Visorando member
Gorges et Cols dans les Baronnies
↔15.87 km ↗+571 m ↘-569 m ◔6h 10 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Buis-les-Baronnies (Drôme)
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.

Walking Around Rocher Saint-Julien

Visorando member
Autour du Rocher Saint-Julien
↔8.54 km ↗+479 m ↘-479 m ◔3h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Buis-les-Baronnies (Drôme)
From Buis-les-Baronnies, walk around the Rocher Saint-Julien enjoying the views of the Baronnies and Mont Ventoux.

Walking At the foot of Roche Saint-Julien

Visorando member
Au pied de la Roche Saint-Julien
↔4.04 km ↗+299 m ↘-293 m ◔2h 00 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Buis-les-Baronnies (Drôme)
A pleasant walk above Buis-les-Baronnies, along the foot of Roche Saint-Julien

Walking Beauvoisin via the six passes and the Crête des Costes

Visorando member
Beauvoisin par les six cols et la crête des Costes
↔12.74 km ↗+426 m ↘-433 m ◔4h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Beauvoisin (Drôme)
Hike starting from the village of Beauvoisin, in the heart of Drôme Provençale, nestled in its magnificent mountain setting. The Baume Noire massif, the Linceuil and Taillade mountains, the Ventoux and the Baronnies will be your landmarks throughout your walk. You will cross no fewer than six passes to return to Beauvoisin. The breathtaking views over the long Costes ridge are sure to stay with you.

Walking From Beauvoisin to Pas de l'Estret via the 6 passes

Visorando member
↔15.77 km ↗+616 m ↘-608 m ◔6h 15 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Beauvoisin (Drôme)
A hike over hill and dale that will allow you to discover the natural treasures of the Drôme Provençale. Sometimes on the ridges, sometimes in the forests, you will discover magnificent nature. To be done in all seasons! You will pass no less than six passes with breathtaking views, sometimes as far as the Mediterranean, and opposite the Dévoluy.

Walking Walk in the Baronnies

Visorando member
Balade en Baronnies
↔9.39 km ↗+416 m ↘-420 m ◔3h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Vercoiran (Drôme)
A beautiful walk through vineyards, lavender fields and olive groves, as well as forests. Glimpses of stone lacework and a pretty chapel. A Mediterranean landscape with hilltop villages stretching as far as the eye can see.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of the author. Do not copy them without permission.