The Dentelles tour

Following the paths that wind through the rows of vines, this tour takes you to the foot of the rocky bars of the Dentelles de Montmirail, finely chiselled against the Provencal sky, with Mont Ventoux as a backdrop.
Risk of fire and hunting: risk of fine! See the practical information section for details of local regulations.

Details

2406
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.13 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 386 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 394 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 470 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 142 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(S/E) In Lafare, walk past the fountain (on your right) and a little further up, on your left, take the small road heading towards "les Dentelles de Montmirail" (route de Gigondas).

(1) Take the track on your left and then, 180m further on, turn right to rejoin the road.

(2) Turn right onto a narrow path to see the Chapelle Saint-Christophe (Lafare). Then retrace your steps.

(3) Follow the road as far as the Cassan wine estate, which has signs informing visitors that it is part of the Gigondas cru. The road continues along a carriageway to the Col de Cayron.

(4) At the pass, where there is a car park, take the DFCI track around the Dentelles. At the Rocher du Midi picnic area, make a diversion and climb right through the undergrowth to the orientation table to admire the panorama.

(5) From the summit, the view stretches from the plain of the Rhône valley to the peaks of the Dentelles Sarrasines. After enjoying the view, return down the forest track to the Col d'Alsau.

(6) At the Col d'Alsau, take the path to the left, but do not continue left, but go straight ahead towards the log steps. Take it and follow the blue markings on the rock. The path offers views of the Dentelles and the walls of the Clapis mountain range, where climbing is practised.

(7) After following the slope of Grand Montmirail for 800 metres, as soon as you reach a pass between Grand Montmirail and the Clapis range, do not continue towards the Clapis range but fork right (blue signs) to begin the descent along a path.

(8) Join the road (Chemin du Grand Montmirail). Turn left along the buildings. Continue for 1.5km, then take the first road on the left and go straight ahead.

(9) After the bridge, turn left onto the D90 to reach your starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 168 m - Lafare
  2. 1 : km 0.34 - alt. 166 m - Left-hand path
  3. 2 : km 2.04 - alt. 290 m - Chapelle Saint-Christophe
  4. 3 : km 2.54 - alt. 266 m - Cassan wine estate
  5. 4 : km 4.39 - alt. 398 m - Col de Cayron
  6. 5 : km 5.73 - alt. 464 m - Rocher du Midi orientation table
  7. 6 : km 7.24 - alt. 446 m - Col d'Alsau car park
  8. 7 : km 8.08 - alt. 435 m - Go down on the right
  9. 8 : km 9.05 - alt. 232 m - Road junction, left
  10. 9 : km 10.81 - alt. 149 m - D90, left
  11. S/E : km 11.13 - alt. 168 m - Lafare

Notes

Fire risks during the summer period (15/06 to 15/09)
Find out the day before after 6pm for the day after if the forest is open or closed to the public . Anyone present in a closed forest is liable to a fine of €135 per person.

Hunting season from 14/09/23 to 9/01/24
Favour days when there are no big game drives and therefore no shooting.
Between 14/09 and 12/10, avoid Mondays and Thursdays.
Between 13/10 and 9/01, avoid Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Don't leave by car without first having a drink on the terrace of a café in the little square lulled by the chirping of the fountain, in the shade of the plane trees.

In summer, it's best to choose a cool day or leave early in the morning.

If you're used to using walking sticks, take them with you, as they'll make the rather steep descent below the Clapis range (after crossing point 7) much easier.

Worth a visit

The Dentelles de Montmirail site is renowned for its climbing. There are 650 routes for all levels.

The Saint-Christophe waterfall, unexpected in this arid landscape in the middle of the gorge.

The Chapelle Saint-Christophe, with its magnificent views over the gorge and valley.

The Church of Saint-Sixte.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 178 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
baca
baca

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 01, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk around the magnificent lace formations, with beautiful views...

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touitou muriel
touitou muriel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I did it on 08/02/2026 backwards with my hiking club, and finishing the route by road didn't bother us at all. On the contrary, we enjoyed the stunning scenery of the Dentelles. We made the round trip to the Rocher du Midi with a magnificent view of the Vaucluse plain.

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Gouriev
Gouriev

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A hike in the Dentelles is always an exceptional experience. On a cold, dry and sunny November day, when you want to take your time without too much effort, this route is perfect. Unlike others, three quarters of it follows roads and wide paths, skirting the beautiful vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône and the region's valleys. The last quarter offers the breathtaking views you would expect when exploring this mountain range.
A short 2-hour walk that is accessible to all – but make sure you wear the right footwear, as the final descent requires good grip – and which is sure to delight you.

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User 15349449

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful route, with a challenging descent on the last part of the hike. We thoroughly enjoyed the scenery!

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amelielebec
amelielebec

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very nice route but a lot of roads along the way.

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PAQUITO 85
PAQUITO 85

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful route around the Dentelles de Montmirail. Several viewpoints not to be missed.
At the start of the hike, there is an uphill stretch along the road, but don't hesitate to take a detour to visit the chapel.
The final descent to the Domaine du Grand Montmirail is a little steep in places.
In summer, check that access to the massif is open before setting off.

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basarapcha71
basarapcha71

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike completed on 25 August after checking the fire risk (thanks for the link)
At point 7, take the alternative route via the Clapis mountain range, which is a little more physically demanding but offers superb views.

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User 26812703

Hello,
It is not possible to comment on the Montmirail lace circuit, as all the Vaucluse mountains are closed due to fire risk. Please call 04 28 31 77 11 the day before at around 6pm before planning a hike.
Best regards

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elisabeth tumiati
elisabeth tumiati

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The only slight downside is that there is quite a lot of tarmac. The scenery is magnificent.

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Franspoupas
Franspoupas

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A well-described walk to be avoided on hot days; the DFCI forest track is in direct sunlight!

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SAUNIERMARTINE
SAUNIERMARTINE

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

it was clearly stated that there was a road at the beginning, but I think it should be added that you walk along the road for a long time because it's a bit long.
in 2, the little chapel is worth a visit and in 4, don't hesitate to climb up for the view.
on 7, the descent is long and full of stones, so poles are really useful.
superb view of the lace, well worth the effort

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jofro1
jofro1

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful walk, done in the spring sunshine with a little mistral, but very bearable.
Don't hesitate to stop and turn around on the first part to get a view of the Ventoux.

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Pluy
Pluy
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Nice, fairly well-detailed walk in fine sunshine, a few markings missing on the ground but easy enough to follow with the app and good views almost the whole way.

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brageole
brageole

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Walk on a cold (-1 at the start) winter's day, fortunately without the mistral!
From the start to the chapel of St Christophe (well worth the diversions), a pleasant walk through the vines, but on tarmac.
Halfway between the Col du Cayron and the Col d'Alsau, don't miss the return trip to the Rocher du Midi, which offers a magnificent view over the plain and a sunny picnic spot sheltered from the mistral.
A very fine walk, perfect for discovering the Dentelles.
Thanks to the designer

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Zaza Casset
Zaza Casset

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent trail around the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Clear explanations, no worries about following the route, regular blue markings. Perfect for all levels.

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