The Gourdon Circuit – Dieulefit-Bourdeaux region

Start from the Col de Gourdon car park below the Col de la Chaudière, heading towards Bourdeaux.

(S/E) From the car park, head south down a small path running parallel to the road (towards Bourdeaux). About
200m further on, at the crossroads, turn right. Head down towards the Tour de Bézaudun along a winding path.

(1) Near a water reservoir, continue straight down the track. Walk alongside fields, go round a building and then reach Les Athénols.

(2) Carry on towards Floréal along the small tarmac road which climbs to a flat stretch, where the tarmac ends. Continue along the lovely track suitable for vehicles to reach the Carrefour de Floréal.

(3) Take in the magnificent panoramic view of Fond de Bîne, the Ruisseau de Merdari and the Grand Delmas. Further south, there’s a lovely view stretching from left to right across the Angèle, Miélandre and La Lance mountains.
Turn left to join the^GR®9at Fonderesse.

(4) Enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area and return to Floréal via the same route.

(3) On your return, cross the track and follow the path opposite, heading towards the Col de Gourdon.

(5) Cross the Ruisseau de Roland (fording) and head uphill along a path through Scots pines and box trees. Continue to the Col de Gourdon car park (S/E).

To avoid disturbing wildlife, dogs must be kept on a lead.

It is strongly recommended that you take IGN map no. 3138OT with you. Hikers must be self-sufficient; professional guides are available if required. Emergency number: 18 or 112.
Further information is available from the Dieulefit-Bourdeaux Tourist Office: 04 75 46 42 49 / www.pays dedieulefit.eu / ot@dieulefit-tourisme.com

The Tower of Bézaudun
Private property
The village of Bézaudun-sur-Bîne is situated at the junction of the Montagne de Couspeau and the Forêt de Saoû. It lies on the route between the Roubion and Drôme valleys, via the Col de la Chaudière. The site, first mentioned in 739, was part of the County of Die. The tower is a former^13th-century keep, built at the heart of a^12th-century castle. Below it lay a village that was gradually abandoned during the^16th century in favour of a more scattered settlement pattern. This pattern of ‘dispersal’ was also seen in the neighbouring communes of Mornans, Truinas and Les Tonils.