The Rocher de Don

This route is dotted with varied landscapes and ends with superb panoramic views of all the surrounding mountains. This rock, less well known than Mont Mézenc or Gerbier de Jonc, nevertheless offers equally impressive views.

Details

1406919
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.25 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 357 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 358 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,165 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 806 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Access to the car park: in Mezilhac, take the D102 towards Saint-Christol. At the first crossroads, 600 metres further on, turn left onto the D204 to the Col des Fourches. At this crossroads, turn right onto the hairpin bend towards Saint-Genest-Lachamp. Continue for 3.8 km. The car park is on the left (large space) just opposite a descending forest track.

Markings: White-yellow to Rocher de Don.

(S/E) Go down the forest track opposite the car park to the bottom of the valley.

(1) Pass above the hamlet of Curins and continue straight ahead. Cross Crouset after a hairpin bend to the left. The tarmac road continues along a path (there is a sign saying "No entry except for residents").

(2) Leave the forest track in front of a large chestnut tree (there is a wooden sign saying "Croix de Don" and a sign saying "Réserve de chasse et de faune sauvage" [Hunting and wildlife reserve]) and take the path on the right that goes up into the forest. Continue straight ahead, ignoring the paths on the left and right. At the top, you will come to a forest track.

(3) Turn right and walk a few dozen metres to reach another four-way crossroads. Take the path opposite, slightly to the right.

(4) When you reach the Croix de Don crossroads (marked by a wooden cross), turn right. Then keep to the right at the junction overlooking the buildings of Villard and continue straight ahead until you reach a new track.

(5) Turn left. Cross the fences and then turn 90° to the left (south) to reach the summit of Rocher de Don.

(6) Turn around and head back to the previous crossroads.

(5) Take the track opposite, until you reach the road. Turn right and follow this road back to the D409a car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,004 m - Car park D409a
  2. 1 : km 1.75 - alt. 875 m - The hamlet of Curins below.
  3. 2 : km 3.12 - alt. 814 m - Large chestnut tree
  4. 3 : km 3.93 - alt. 955 m - Forest track, on the right
  5. 4 : km 4.32 - alt. 978 m - Croix de Don
  6. 5 : km 5.48 - alt. 1,079 m - Track - Access to Rocher de Don
  7. 6 : km 6.51 - alt. 1,165 m - Summit of Rocher de Don
  8. S/E : km 10.25 - alt. 1,005 m - Car park D409a

Notes

The existing signposting allows you to reach Rocher de Don from the car park via a round trip. The return route proposed here is not signposted between (5) and (S/E). It is shorter but includes a section of road for about 2 km.
Rocher de Don is a neck with basalt columns and offers a magnificent 360° panorama. In June 2019, developments suggest that the destroyed orientation table is being rebuilt.
This hike is particularly recommended in June when all the broom is in bloom. The panoramic view is magnificent at this time of year.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 7 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Phil42
Phil42

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike with an exceptional view of the Don rock! Not a single hiker in sight at the beginning of March!
To find the starting point, use the interactive link "go to starting point" with the written directions, which will take you there via Waze, maps, etc. Otherwise, as there are no signs, you're unlikely to find it.
It took us 4 hours, including a 50-minute lunch break and stops to admire the view. Nothing too difficult.

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jesuisenrandonné07
jesuisenrandonné07

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with stunning scenery.
Be sure to visit the church at St Genest Lachamp, as it is well worth the detour.

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Tassigny
Tassigny

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike.
Lovely little hamlets and panoramic views.
Very easy to follow.

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DURIVAL
DURIVAL

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hikes, but best done early in the morning in summer as the route is in full sun. Very beautiful view at the end!

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Cyrille2
Cyrille2

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful walk, superb views from the Don rock, magnificent basalt columns, castle ruins...worth doing again and again!

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gamakl
gamakl

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 01, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike amid flowering broom. Superb 360-degree views. A perfect day.
Thanks to the author.

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Aaron
Aaron

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 04, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Wonderful walk. Magnificent view of the Rock. Thank you.

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