The Crête des Baumes and the Combe du Jas

Drive up to the Super-Dévoluy resort and park in the largest car park at the top and to the west of the resort.

(S/E) Head towards the roundabout at the entrance to this car park and take the road on the left, following the sign for Crête des Baumes 3.0 km (hiking sign).

(1) After about 300 m, take the road on the left which runs alongside a group of chalets, following the signs for Saint-Étienne via Les Étroits. Continue straight on along the road, which turns into a track, until you reach a picnic area.

(2) At the junction where there is a post bearing yellow signposts, head towards Crête des Baumes, which is the main track.

(3) At a hairpin bend, at a place called Boucherac, the track branches off to the left towards La Joue du Loup via the small pass of the Tât. Continue straight on, still following the signs for Crête des Baumes.

(4) 300 metres further on, turn left where the best-maintained track continues, leaving behind a grassy path that runs horizontally opposite and, to the right, a faint path that descends into the woods. After that, simply follow the path – at times earthy, at times root-strewn, at times rocky – which leads right up to the summit plateau. Then, walk along the cliff face to the right, enjoying stunning views of the Joue du Loup, the Col du Festre and the western peaks of the Dévoluy.

The path passes close to two radio masts, then a large cairn, before descending quite steeply towards the small pass of the Collet du Tat, with lovely views of the Super-Dévoluy ski resort.

(5) The Collet du Tat is a vast clearing where you’ll cross the track coming from Super-Dévoluy, which descends gently towards the Joue du Loup.
Take the track heading due south towards the Combe du Jas, and follow this track for about 2 km until you reach the chairlift crossing and the signpost for the Combe du Jas – Altitude 1,686 m.

(6) At this signpost, head towards Super-Dévoluy – 1.5 km. The track first winds downwards, then follows the route of the chairlift before veering off to the right.

(7) Shortly afterwards, turn left onto the path which descends through the clumps of trees and rejoins the track next to the chairlift station.
Go round the largest building on the right.

(8) Once you reach the main road lined with car parks, head up it to the left, skirting the large building, until you reach the roundabout.
From the roundabout, you’ll reach the starting car park (S/E.)

Make sure you wear good walking shoes, especially for the descent from the ridge down to the small pass of the Tat, which is quite steep and can be tricky. Walking poles will also be useful.

There are no water sources along the entire route. The terrain is that of a causse, so there are no springs or streams.

One of the highlights of this walk is the numerous panoramic views – 360° in total – that it offers.
From this viewpoint, you can take stock and identify a large number of possible walks, with much of the route visible right before your eyes.