The Knoll of Sara

Located between Mont Gerbier de Jonc and Mont Mézenc, the Suc de Sara rises to 1,521 metres. The ascent via the south face and then the east ridge leads to the summit, which offers a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding knolls and valleys as far as the Vercors, Mont Ventoux and the Alps. During the ascent of the south face, the crossing of the scree slopes offers beautiful landscapes.

Technical sheet

138087
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.02 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 434 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 437 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,516 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,232 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking: on the D378, from Mont Gerbier de Jonc, head towards Mont Mézenc. After about 2.5 km, park in the car park (S/E) on the right, at the Montouse hiking signpost (on the other side of the road) located at an altitude of 1398 metres on the IGN map.

There are no signposts for this route

(S/E) Take the track on the right which descends to a crossroads. The main track descends to the left, marked with a white and yellow sign. Opposite is a grassy path. On the right is a track with a large wheel-shaped rock on the edge.

(1) Descend the left-hand track, which winds down twice, to reach another crossroads. The main track descends to the left, making a hairpin bend. Opposite, a narrower track continues straight ahead.

(2) Continue straight ahead on this track. You will arrive at some pastures: there are two wire gates that you will need to open and close. The track makes two turns. Continue until you reach an elevation of 1285 metres.

(3) Continue along the track until you reach a new crossroads where three tracks meet. On the left, a steep, very rocky path climbs up towards the undergrowth. Opposite, a path continues along the current track. On the right, a beautiful track descends into the valley.

(4) Take the rocky path on the left. Climb for about a hundred metres. A cairn has been built on the embankment on the left. Just opposite, a small, very discreet path appears in the trees. Take this path (not shown on the 1:25,000 map), which will become more visible. It climbs diagonally up the south face of the Suc de Sara, crossing several scree slopes and groves. The view is magnificent. You will arrive at the east ridge. Continue to a cairn.

(5) Turn left onto a steep path and climb westwards to the top of the knoll.

(6) Continue west and descend via a steep track.

(7) Continue straight ahead (ignore the steep path that branches off to the left among the rocks).

(8) Turn left. The well-marked trail through the scree then winds through the undergrowth and crosses pastures to rejoin the beautiful track used on the way up, almost at the level of the first wire fence.

(3) Turn right. Return to the car park via the same tracks as on the way there.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,399 m - Parking D378. Near the - Aigue Nègre (ruisseau) - Affluent de la Loire
  2. 1 : km 0.83 - alt. 1,357 m - Crossroads
  3. 2 : km 1.61 - alt. 1,299 m - Crossroads
  4. 3 : km 2.26 - alt. 1,289 m - Rouzet - Crossroads
  5. 4 : km 2.9 - alt. 1,232 m - Start of the trail
  6. 5 : km 3.81 - alt. 1,352 m - East ridge
  7. 6 : km 4.18 - alt. 1,505 m - Knoll of Sara - Summit
  8. 7 : km 4.82 - alt. 1,356 m - West ridge
  9. 8 : km 5.03 - alt. 1,275 m - Leave the ridge on the left
  10. S/E : km 8.02 - alt. 1,399 m - Parking D378

Practical information

The route is not difficult. Only the climb to the summit is steep, after (5). The descent via the west ridge to (8) is steep, among stones and rocks; caution is advised.

It is advisable to bring binoculars to fully enjoy the immensity and beauty of the landscapes from the summit: 360° panoramic view.

In the nearby area

Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Le Mézenc.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 48 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 27585890

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : No

At first everything went well up to 3, but then I think there was a rockfall because it was difficult to see the route and there was a lack of markings
Otherwise, it was a very beautiful climb!

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Zedve
Zedve

Hike done with four children aged 8 to 12. In my opinion, not recommended for children under this age due to the climb and, above all, the very steep descent over scree. The long descent on the approach becomes a long climb on the return and dampens the spirits of young people. Otherwise, a very beautiful hike, well marked on the way up, a little less so on the way down. We took the scree slope to the left, whereas a green and white signpost to the right would have taken us higher up the trail through a cow pasture. Avoid in hot weather.

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User 19509054
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful hike to climb to the highest point of the Knoll of Sara: magnificent panoramic view. The hike is not well marked, however, so it is important to follow the route on the app and check your location regularly. There was a group with a guide that day, so it was quite busy, and we were there on a Sunday, so the trail is probably less busy at other times. I would also advise against doing this hike with children as there are some difficult sections along the cliff edge, especially on the way back.

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almati07
almati07

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

the multitude of secondary drovers' roads (used for herding livestock and forestry) makes route planning interesting and requires careful attention.

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Gwendal43
Gwendal43

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very interesting hike, one of the most beautiful knolls in the area.
However, the hike is quite difficult and not accessible to everyone. The descent from the knoll is perilous, but I still recommend this hike, which is well worth the detour.
The view from the top of the knoll is truly magnificent.

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gamakl
gamakl

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Beautiful view from the top of the knoll, but although the climb is a little steep, the descent down the rocks is downright dangerous. We couldn't find a well-marked trail as indicated on the map and ended up descending at random. We were glad to make it down safely.
I would classify this hike as "difficult".
Not recommended with children

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ardechom
ardechom

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very beautiful hike. Magnificent 360° panorama despite the fog that day.
Thanks to the author.

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jalac
jalac

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A beautiful route that is easy to follow despite the lack of signposts. Perhaps add a warning about the difficulty of the descent for people who are not used to rocks.

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randovaldemer41
randovaldemer41

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very beautiful hikes, but the route could be better
Like many others, we had trouble finding the route, but we were able to help each other.
The lack of signposting forced us to take risks or extend the route, particularly on steep slopes.
It's a real shame
Not recommended for anyone who can't read an IGN map

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xbdv77
xbdv77

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Magnificent hike with superb views of the Ardèche countryside.
The trail is easy to follow except on the descent, where much of the path deviates from the ridge. However, as the road to be joined is visible from above, it is difficult to get lost.

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randovaldemer41
randovaldemer41

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A hike not to be missed.
Ideally, it should be done in reverse
The route is a bit unreliable, but luckily the Visorando app makes up for any errors.

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philbrige
philbrige
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 26, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful hike, a little challenging and steep, which we thoroughly enjoyed despite being 80 years old! The landscapes are varied and the views are magnificent!
The only thing to note is that the approach walk on a track was too long and tedious for our liking. Luckily, we met some regulars who showed us a shorter way back: at point 3 on the map (fence gates to open and close), instead of turning right onto the track you came from, cross this track and climb up opposite. Grassy track. You will come to a T-junction on a wide, level dirt track. Take it to the right. At the next crossroads, there are several paths: continue straight ahead on the main track. You will arrive at point 1. There you will recognise the wheel-shaped rock and the track that takes you back to the car park.

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PA12
PA12

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 04, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful and varied hike offering superb panoramic views. The approach (and return) trail is a little monotonous, but the circuit on the knoll is well worth the effort! The climb up the south face crosses several scree slopes where the "bench" path is excellent. The descent to point 8 is along a fairly challenging trail (good hiking boots recommended). Before reaching point 8, note that there is a section of scree where the path is less clearly marked but several large cairns help you find your way.
Definitely worth doing again, and in the opposite direction to vary the (minor) difficulties!
Thank you for this beautiful route.

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didiergou
didiergou

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 31, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Superb walk.
Please note that at point 4 there is also a cairn on the main track indicating the rocky path to the left.
Also note that the descent between points 6 and 7 is a bit 'acrobatic'

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jpblanc43
jpblanc43

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 21, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The description initially mentions and describes the paths for each crossroads, which is a source of confusion. In my opinion, it is better to stick to the direction to follow without getting lost in unnecessary descriptions. The part of the description referring to the return to the ridges is the least obvious to find and is practically non-existent, just like the path itself. Arm yourself with patience and observation skills if you want to find your way. Despite these few hiccups, the view from the summit is magnificent and breathtaking

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