The Saint-Médard Chapel

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.

Details

2787
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.96 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 429 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 429 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 848 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 416 m

Photos

Description of the walk

From Saou, follow the D136 and park at the Sable Blanc car park.

(S/E) Cross the road and take the path opposite, slightly to the left. Keep to the right-hand path, continuing uphill through the meadows.

(1) Cross the Trois Becs circuit trail and turn right. The path becomes more uneven and steeper. There are a series of switchbacks on the slope, which can be tricky to walk on at times. Turn around to admire the view.

(2) At the summit, follow the ridge to your left. After one last step on the rocks, you will see the Saint-Médard Chapel. It is also open, but please respect the site.
To return, start at the foot of the chapel and head west, but veer slightly to the north-west for a while. You will pass some ruins before reaching the Pas Court, sheltered by a wood.

(3) The descent southwards is much easier and follows a good path, then a track to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 419 m - Sable Blanc car park
  2. 1 : km 0.73 - alt. 510 m - Three Peaks Trail
  3. 2 : km 1.95 - alt. 840 m - Summit and chapel on the left
  4. 3 : km 2.58 - alt. 705 m - Not short. Start the descent heading south
  5. S/E : km 4.96 - alt. 419 m - Sable Blanc car park

Notes

No water. Bring some with you as it's a steep climb.
Hiking boots recommended.
Windbreaker for the summit.
Accessible with dogs (in good shape) and motivated children!

Worth a visit

The Saou Forest offers a multitude of hikes for all levels.
In Saou and many other villages in the area, discover little treasures of local craftsmanship. However, avoid tourist periods.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 50 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
tronchenko
tronchenko

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

It is very steep both on the way up and on the way down, where the path is more rugged and seems to be less well maintained. The chapel is of course the reward – and what a view! – but there is little space around it to picnic and rest.
On the way back, Visorando's explanation between 2 and 3 is a little succinct in my opinion; we hesitated several times, particularly about whether to go to the right or left of the ruined abbey. You have to go left!
As for the time indicated, being hikers in our eighties, we did it in four hours, and Saint Médard, being a charitable saint, helped us a lot!

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User 3025687

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The climb is quite steep, but the view from the chapel is beautiful. Personally, I couldn't find the recommended route for the descent, as there were no signs. In the end, I went back down the same way I came up, which was a shame...

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User 9105805

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent walk accessible to all with good walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness. The climb takes less than an hour, during which you will be treated to some splendid scenery! It is a little steep towards the end of the climb but easily manageable. A walking stick is a plus for the descent through the old monastery. This descent is very slippery in places. The chapel is a great place to stop and enjoy the scenery, or even stop for a hearty lunch. A small sign explaining its origins, if known, would be a nice touch. Perfectly oriented, it is bathed in light from the east. If you are quiet, you may spot hares and chamois roaming around. Finally, the cleanliness of this place is remarkable!

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Hugues 26-69
Hugues 26-69

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant short walk in the Saou forest. The climb was shorter than expected (48 minutes). Be careful of slippery ground and loose stones on the descent in dry weather.

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GM2S
GM2S

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike along the mountainside.
However, it should be noted that this hike is physically demanding. There are many steps of varying heights and the climb is arduous. But the view is simply magnificent... definitely worth doing again

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d'almeida
d'almeida

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A shaded trail, both on the way there and back. Magnificent views. Although the climb is a little steep, this hike is suitable for everyone.

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Mu&Jp-du-Jura
Mu&Jp-du-Jura

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Steep climb on a well-maintained and sometimes spectacular trail, especially before reaching the chapel.
I didn't regret choosing my hiking boots.
The views from the summit are magnificent.
Thank you

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doumé69
doumé69

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Chapel overlooking a beautiful site. Steep climb but not long, the descent in the shade was very slippery due to layers of damp, frosty leaves.

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emmafvr
emmafvr

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A short climb that really warms up your legs, but it's worth it! Superb view at the top

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1847XQLG2347PB
1847XQLG2347PB

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hiking boots are essential. Do not attempt in wet weather, as it is too dangerous. A magnificent destination, don't forget to look back on the climb up to the chapel... Breathtaking views of the Saoû forest and the 3 peaks. Don't forget to pack a windbreaker in your bag, as we encountered many hikers who were not equipped for the wind at the chapel...

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bravodeltafr
bravodeltafr

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 19, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

The climb is moderately difficult but safe, as the trail is well secured.
You can stop for a picnic on the way down, five minutes after the chapel, at an old ruined monastery in the shade of the trees.

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Maffalda
Maffalda
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 28, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very good climb with flat sections. Risky descent on the north side to Pas Court, with icy leaves and stones.

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Paragore
Paragore

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 25, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Path with magnificent views. Beautiful climb.

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Myraphy
Myraphy

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 27, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb views on this hike.
However, the ascent and descent are a little steep.
The route is clearly marked

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CélineF.
CélineF.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 21, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely family hike (dad, mum and four girls aged 2, 4, 6 and 13).
The climb was a little steep, but our 4-year-old led the way the whole way (she's used to it, of course, but with a little courage and a few sweet treats along the way, it's easy!). The descent after the Pas Court is tricky at first: Dad had to be very careful with our youngest in the backpack (14 kg), but a little further down, work has been done to make the path safer (thank you!).
The chapel is very pretty but there isn't much room for a picnic, especially on a sunny Sunday. It's better to continue along the path to the monastery just below the chapel and have a picnic in the woods, where there are no cliffs nearby, which is better for children!
Times for our little walkers:
-ascent from the white sand car park to the chapel = 1 hour 30 minutes.
-Descent via the Pas Court = 2 hours.
Horses will be waiting for us for a snack when we arrive in the field just opposite the car park.
In short, a wonderful day!

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