Francillon-sur-Roubion walks

This is an easy walk to stretch your legs while enjoying a beautiful variety of landscapes: panoramic views of the majestic syncline of the Saou Forest, dry pine forests, the cool banks of the Roubion inviting you to take a dip, and even lavender fields to finish off before crossing the pretty village of Francillon.

Sheltered by the imposing wall of the Saoû syncline, you will pass by the ruins of Pradas and enjoy unobstructed views of the Roubion valley.

At the foot of the Aiguilles, you will pass through a wide variety of environments. Wetlands and arid areas alternate between the Vèbre and the Mediterranean slopes of the Pas de l'Estang and the Palloir.

The west summit of Saou forest, which marks the beginning (or end) of this forest.

Climb up to the Grand and Petit Pomerolle from the Pas de Lestang, offering beautiful views of Saoû, its forest and its legendary three peaks.

In the heart of the Diois region, the Saou Forest is home to some beautiful treasures. The Saint-Médard Chapel is one of them: a viewpoint offering a unique view of the Trois Becs. Although the access is a little steep, it makes for a lovely family hike.

This is an 11 km loop, the first part of which is a pleasant walk in the shade of the beautiful Saoû Forest, while the second part, which is sunnier, offers splendid views of the perched syncline. Please note: at point (9), if the passage through the undergrowth is still closed (fallen trees and impassable), continue straight on along the "Circuit des Anciennes Fermes" to the "La Prade" signpost (altitude 415 m), then turn right to reach the Sables Blancs car park.

This walk will take you back in time to the farming history of the Forêt de Saoû. The walk begins along the hay meadows at the bottom of the forest. You will then pass by the ruins of Raillon and Fuoc, the remains of the many farms in the lower part of the forest. This walk is accessible to all-terrain pushchairs. Dogs must be kept on a lead.

This walk takes you along various historic communication routes in the Saoû Forest. You can start this loop from the Ecoguards' Office by heading towards Le Chemin de la Grande Combe and then following the directions in the text. Dogs must be kept on a leash.

From the top of this cliff, you have a beautiful view of the Vercors, the foothills of the Ardèche, the Rhône valley and the entire Saoû forest with the Trois Becs at the other end.

Following paths and small tracks, mostly through woodland, this walk offers some beautiful views and the remains of an ancient hilltop fortified village. The top of the village, where three crosses stand, offers a magnificent viewpoint with an orientation table. There is a 270° panorama of the foothills of the Vercors and Diois, Roche Colombe, the Trois Becs, the Montagne de Couspeau, the northern Rhône valley and the Ardèche mountains.

A beautiful hike where "diversity" is the watchword! This superb route zigzags between two cliffs, allowing you to climb gradually, via the Grande Combe, amid lush vegetation. The Pas de Siara offers a glimpse of the southern Alpine meadows of the Trois Becs, where sheep from the neighbouring valleys graze during the summer. The descent is gentle through the beech forest, typical of the mountainous region.

Discover the south-western ridge of the famous Saou Forest.

From the Auberge des Dauphins, there is a magnificent climb up the Grande Combe to reach the Rocher de la Laveuse and the Trois Becs, a legendary hike in the Saou Forest. Please note that the route passes through a quiet area for wild animals. Certain sections are closed between 15 May and 15 July. Specific signage and a diversion from the GR®9 trail have been put in place to assist users. See here for more information.

The Poët mountain is the last foothill of the Pre-Alps above the Rhône plain, and Serre Gros is its highest point at 971 metres. Caution: very steep climb in the rock chimney (do not attempt in wet weather).