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To reach Les Guilles by car, leave Valréas and head towards Nyons. Pass Saint-Pantaléon-les-Vignes and, at the Pont de Novézan roundabout, turn left towards Rousset-les-Vignes on the D538. Before Rousset, just after a bridge, in a sharp left-hand bend, take the small road on the right that leads into the valley. Follow this road until you reach the first houses (on the right and a little higher up). Park in the (private) space in front of a beautiful property or, as suggested by Visorandonneur URVOYP07, at point 1.
(S/E) Leave the road that descends to the left and follow the one that climbs to the right and quickly turns into a carriageway.
(1) Turn right into the woods, climb the winding path and arrive at Ruisseau la Couronne, near its source.
(2) Cross it and continue up the winding path. Along the way, you will come across a barrier, which you should go through. You will climb steadily for about 30 minutes and may be lucky enough to spot a chamois.
(3) Around the fifth bend, at a cairn, leave this path and take the one that climbs steeply to your right and crosses theGR®9with its red and white markings.
(4) Follow this path to the summit. This section ofthe GR®9is a shaded but very steep trail through the woods. It will take you a good half hour to reach the top, where you will find yourself on a wider path lined with wild lavender.
(5) After about 600 metres, leave the path on your left and continue on theGR® which climbs slightly to your right. You will climb for a good 20 minutes until you reach the gate at 1,140 metres.
(6). A sign will then show you the direction to follow. Obviously, it's the summit of La Lance that you're interested in, and you're almost there!
(7) Continue straight ahead. It will take you another half hour to reach the Croix de la Lance, marking the summit at 1,340 metres. Enjoy the panoramic view of the plain and the foothills of the Alps. The wind is often strong here (you are in mistral country!), so wrap up warm.
(8) The descent to Les Guilles is quicker than the climb but also much less exciting (as is often the case). Descend to the first fork in the road.
(7) Take the barely visible path that descends below the summit towards the Col de la Lucie.
(9) Continue down the looping descent. You will pass a ruined drystone shelter.
(10) After a very steep descent and a left turn, you will come to a fork.
(11) Turn right and then, a little further on, right again.
(12) The path is now wide enough for vehicles and you may encounter 4x4s...
At the end of the route, you will arrive at a farm and the path is then lined with a very pretty stone wall. Return to the fork in the road from the outward journey.
(1) Continue straight ahead to the car park (S/E).
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