The Monks' Path in Serres

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Discover the historical heritage of Serres, with views of the Buëch valley.
The trail winds its way up to the Fontarache ridge and descends in stages to the village.

Details

n°1161197
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.82 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,302 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,302 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,468 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,165 ft
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Description of the walk

Parking in front of the Tourist Office.
(S/E) From the fountain opposite the Tourist Office, go up Rue Saint-Claude on the right. At the top of the street, turn left onto Chemin de la Guérite, which continues onto Chemin du Château.

(1) Take Chemin de La Chapelle, which climbs to the right to the start of the Sentier des Moines trail, pass at the foot of the Tour de Molend tower and go around a small cemetery. Continue climbing to the Col de Saumane pass.

(2) At the Col de la Saumane, follow theGR®® which descends to the left along a path that crosses the forest track several times.

(3) Pass in front of the Chapelle de Saumane and continue along the track.

(4) Enter the village of Serres and walk alongside the village school. Continue along Rue du Portail.

(5) Go around the town hall on the right and take Rue de Varanfrain (D994) on the left to return to the Tourist Office (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,165 ft - Tourist Office/fountain - Buëch (rivière)
  2. 1 : mi 0.34 - alt. 2,297 ft - Chemin de la Chapelle
  3. 2 : mi 1.88 - alt. 3,363 ft - Col de Saumane (1029 m)
  4. 3 : mi 2.59 - alt. 2,795 ft - Chapelle de Saumane
  5. 4 : mi 3.48 - alt. 2,267 ft - Entrance to Serres
  6. 5 : mi 3.68 - alt. 2,224 ft - Town hall
  7. S/E : mi 3.82 - alt. 2,165 ft - Tourist Office/fountain

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
grefrog
grefrog

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 02, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

"A lush green valley (May) opens up between two rocky massifs covered in forest. Higher peaks, still snow-capped, complete the picture, beneath a blue sky streaked with thin wisps of cloud. The scene as a whole conveys a sense of space, tranquillity and depth."
This was the main impression gained during this hike.

This route was walked in the opposite direction.
The ascent is gentler.
The views are magnificent and well worth the hike.
There are plenty of parking spaces at the start.
There are no difficulties and the exposed sections aren’t really that challenging. However, keep young children close to you on the higher sections.
Superb!!!!!
Thanks to the trailblazer!!!!

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hela.mar
hela.mar

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The view is magnificent

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Chris'wild M.
Chris'wild M.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

After a beautiful climb, we have a superb view, and on the way back we visit Serres, which turns out to be a very interesting medieval town.

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Thalie63
Thalie63
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Interesting circular, slightly steep at the start, magnificent view of the Buech and Dévoluy from the ridge. A few rocky sections, caution advised for those who are sensitive to vertigo. Very pleasant and easy path on the descent from the ridge.
Allow for an additional 200m of elevation gain on top of what is advertised.

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Born in Bresse
Born in Bresse

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 25, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I had already discovered this rather short hike (about three hours) a few weeks ago, and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share it with others as soon as possible. With the autumn colours, it was magical! Discovering the heights of Serres on the climb, with a beautiful view once you reach the ridge, over the Buëch valley to the south and the Alps (Bure plateau, Barre des Ecrins, etc.) to the north.

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charpenel
charpenel

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk. On the ridge, there are some rocky sections that may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you are prone to vertigo. Avoid wearing flip-flops! The view from the ridges is beautiful.

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bancaus
bancaus

A very pleasant walk, with a fairly steep start. On the ridge, there are some rocky sections that may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you are prone to vertigo.
The Buëch hiking guide classifies it as "family-friendly", but I would still advise caution if you are going with young children.

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MChG
MChG
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An interesting and varied circular, which I completed in the time indicated on the map. Be aware that the start is quite steep and there are several sections where you have to climb over rocks. I did the walk in dry weather, but the layer of leaves must be slippery in wet weather. I did it in February, which is why there were patches of snow in the shaded areas. The last part is an easy path, which I think is accessible to everyone, unlike the beginning. The whole route is well signposted.

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jpg13490
jpg13490

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 26, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely route for a short hike with a beautiful panoramic ridge trail.

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jeannoel42410
jeannoel42410

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 30, 2021
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike. A gradual climb with just enough shade to allow for occasional breaks. Beautiful views on both sides throughout the trail. This trail is short but very interesting and well marked by the local council.

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GG05 et Calou
GG05 et Calou

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful climb with superb views on both sides of the ridge. An interesting visit to old Serres on the way back.

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LettieB
LettieB

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 15, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely little walk that took 1 hour and 45 minutes. Beautiful views! A great way to get some fresh air and enjoy nature quickly.

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patembrun
patembrun

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 15, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A lovely little walk with a variety of attractions.

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