L'Échelette in the Saou Forest

From Bourdeaux, take the D538 towards Saou. Park by the town hall.

Mountain bike route no. 3

(S/E) From Saou, head straight on along the D136 towards the forest. Turn right, then right again towards Château d’Eurre.

(1) Turn left towards Chantebise, and cross one junction to reach a second one.

(2) Follow the track to the left, then leave it to go round the campsite on the right. Pass the Pas de Lestang (alt. 370m), and turn left to reach Le Pertuis via the D70.

(3) Follow the road to the right, then turn left onto the cycle path. Follow it until you reach the wide track. Turn left to reach Les Abeilles.

(4) Follow the path to the right to reach the Virage de Raillon, keeping to the left of the track.

(5) Turn left onto the path and follow the track to the Bergerie Pâturel, continuing straight on until you reach the road.

(6) Turn right, then left after the building, and climb up to the small pass junction.

(7) Head straight ahead. The track climbs and turns into a footpath (carry your bike for 200 m) before reaching the Pas de l’Échelette.

(8) Continue straight on, down a fun descent. Take care in the Ravin des Tourares – don’t miss the fork to the right which leads back to the small pass.

(7) Follow the “Retour” signpost straight ahead. Descend to the green gate, go round it on the left to follow the path and rejoin the road.

(9) Cross the road, follow the path to the track, and turn right onto it to reach Les Abeilles.

(4) Return to Le Pertuis by following the same route as on the way up.

(3) Turn right, then left onto the D136, then left again until you reach the entrance to the campsite.

(10) Follow the track straight ahead (ignore the turn-off to the left towards the campsite) until you reach Chantebise.

(2) Turn right and then straight on, towards the castle.

(1) Follow the small road to the left past the old ball bearing factory, then turn right onto Rue de l’Oume to return to the starting point (S/E).

The Saou Forest, acquired under the Sensitive Natural Areas policy, is the Department’s largest property (2,500 ha). Designated a “listed site” in 1942, it is now managed according to the principles of sustainable development, in consultation with local stakeholders.

We strongly recommend taking the IGN map, referenced on these pages, with you. Mountain bikers must be self-sufficient; professional guides are available if required. Emergency number: 18 or 112.
Information fromthe Val de Drôme Tourist Office, Saoû branch: 04 75 76 01 72 / tourisme@val-de-drome.fr
Departmental Service for Sensitive Natural Areas: 04 75 79 27 21 / environnement@ladrome.fr

- Saoû Forest.