The Tour of the Two Donons

(S/E) From the car park at the Maison Forestière du Haut Donon, located right next to the pass (D392), join the GR®5 via the path marked with Blue Diamonds.

(1)Once on the GR®5, continue left onto the Chemin du Haut-Donon.

(2) Then cross the road and continue straight ahead on the rocky path that climbs towards the esplanade below the temple, very close to the antenna (still marked with a Red Rectangle).

(3) From this small esplanade, take the path on the right which climbs towards the Temple du Donon.

(4) Behind the temple, relative to the arrival point, join the path (still the GR®5, Red Rectangle) which descends towards the pass between the two Donons. After a steep descent, followed by a short flat section and then another bend, you’ll reach a fork.

(5) Take the GR®5 to the right, following the Red Rectangle markings. You will soon reach the pass between the two Donons, where a hut provides shelter in bad weather.

(6) Keep straight ahead to continue on the GR®5, following the Red Rectangles and Red Rings, which leads to the Col de l'Engin.

(7) From the pass, head to the German military cemetery by taking the road straight ahead and then the second path on the left (Chevaler Bleu).

(8) Turn back towards the pass.

(7) Turn left and follow the Red Ring and Red Saltire trail. Then continue straight on until you reach the 726m mark.

(9) Continue straight ahead on the Yellow Disc trail, then turn right and continue straight ahead to the 798m mark.

(10) Turn right, follow the Red Ring and Yellow Disc markings, crossing a forest track, until you reach the 889-metre mark.

(11) Turn left for 200 m.

(12) Turn left to climb up to the Petit Donon memorial (Yellow Disc), which offers a stunning view.

(13) Retrace your steps.

(12) Turn left onto the path marked with a Red Ring, then turn right and head back to the pass between the two Donons.

(6) Follow the path opposite, in the opposite direction to the outward journey, for about 300 m.

(5) Continue to the right and go round the north side of the summit of the Donon. Following the Blue Cross markings,continue straight on until you reach the road and turn left.

(2) Follow the path in the opposite direction to the outward route, turning right to return to the starting point (S/E).

Hôtellerie Velleda-Donon: brasserie and restaurant, terrace with panoramic views. Hotel and spa.

The Donon Temple