The Vautour Mountain

Departure from the old cemetery of Saint-Ferréol-Trente-Pas. To get there from the village, head towards Chaudebonne, old village (D186), pass the church on the right and, at the cemetery, turn left towards the old cemetery. Continue along a small road that climbs up to the old cemetery on the left. The turn is not very visible, but there are green post boxes just at the turn.

(S/E) Leaving the car park, take the Chemin du Col du Renard which climbs uphill and continue for about 1 km on the tarmac road, with the Montagne du Vautour opposite and the ruins of the old village on your left. Pass a house on your left and continue to the start of the path which climbs uphill on the left. Please note that the start of the path is not very visible.

(1) Follow the path and continue on a fairly steep climb, without any technical difficulties. Enjoy beautiful views along the way, with vultures keeping you company. Note the yellow markings on this fairly steep path. Continue to the crossroads.

(2) Turn left for a round trip to a 360° panorama. Admire the mountains, hamlets, old villages of the Drôme and the Ventoux.

(3) Return to the trail at the previous fork.

(2) Continue straight ahead where a long path begins in the forest that goes around the Montagne du Vautour on the left, almost flat and very pleasant, allowing you to rest before tackling the summit.

(4) At the Col du Vautour , where there is a beautiful property, follow the path on the right, which is not shown on the IGN map but is very easy and winds its way almost to the top of the mountain. The owner is very friendly but likes to be informed when groups of hikers are passing through .

(5) Arrive at the small rocky summit. From here, there is no longer a path, but you can easily reach the second peak and then the summit by descending a little through the vegetation. Make sure you note the route you take for the return journey. There are no major difficulties, but you need to watch your step.

(6) Enjoy the magnificent panorama at the summit, then return to the first peak. You can picnic out of the wind while admiring the scenery. Then descend to the Col du Vautour via the same route you took on the way up.

(4) At the signpost, take the Col du Renard path opposite, which climbs gently. Pass by a beautiful ruin, unfortunately not restored, and continue straight on to the Col du Renard.

(7) At the pass, take the easy path on the right that descends to the old village of Chaudebonne. Admire the imposing Montagne du Vautour rising up on the right.

(8) At the old cemetery of Chaudebonne (worth a visit), take the path that descends to the right to Les Angelettes.

(9) At the tarmac road, continue to the left and descend to the bottom of the valley. You will come to a fork with a villa on your right and a farm opposite. Turn right, walk about 40 metres and you will reach the end of the hedge at the side of the road.

(10) Take the small, grassy path on the right, which is not very visible, and descend to the stream. Cross it and follow it for a few metres on the right-hand side. Then climb up into the woods and, via a fairly steep slope, join a track.

(11) Follow it to the left and walk to the orientation table. Do not stray from the main track to avoid ending up on private property!

(12) Continue down the track and rejoin the route you took at the start.

(1) Continue downhill along the same path you took on the way up and return to the old cemetery car park (S/E).

The hike is difficult - Effort level 5 - IBP 102.
There are no water points along the route.
The route is not fully marked. There is a short section off-trail at the summit of Le Vautour.
Good shoes and walking sticks are recommended. There is a possibility of retreating if necessary between (4) and (11).

The church of Saint-Ferréol-Trente-Pas contains treasures such as the altar painting depicting the martyrdom of Saint Ferréol, a beautiful gilded wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, and a Way of the Cross in Épinal prints. Not to be missed!