Le Turzon and the ruins of Saint-Marcel de Crussol

At the northern exit of the hamlet of Château Rouge, head towards Saint-Georges-les-Bains and park immediately on the right along the road.

(S/E) Head to the banks of Lac du Turzon and follow the path to the right. Please note, there are no signposts along the entire route: follow the map carefully and push through where necessary if brambles seem to be blocking the path. You’ll come out onto Chemin de Chausson and turn left to cross the small bridge over the Turzon.

(1) Head right towards the Turzon estate. Turn left and follow the track to the first junction.

(2) Leave the track and take the path leading down to the right, carefully cross a small makeshift bridge and head northwards to join the tarmac road known as Chemin de la Vitaterne.

(3) Walk a few steps to the left, then take the path on the right overlooking the Turzon. After negotiating the left-hand bend, make a short detour to the right to see the magnificent waterfall.

(4) Retrace your steps and rejoin the route to the right.

(5) Turn right onto the path climbing through the chestnut trees: a sign warns that this path is not maintained and that a bridge (not yet visible) cannot be crossed. The somewhat steep climb leads to the Ruins of Saint-Marc de Crussol, where several paths allow you to move from one ruin to another, with no signposts. Continue climbing and you’ll reach a track near La Roche Noire.

(6) Turn left towards La Béraude.

(7) Before reaching the buildings, leave the track and take a path on the left. Turn right at the junction and head down towards Château Rouge. You’ll come to a fork in the path where there’s a water tank which serves as a landmark.

(8) Take the path on the left towards Lac de Turzon. You will emerge at the end of Allée des Genêts.

(9) Continue to the right, negotiate the hairpin bend to the right, then turn left to follow Allée des Mimosas. Turn left again before reaching the RD86, follow the banks of Lac du Turzon and return to the bridge you crossed at the start.

(1) Turn right to cross it and return to the car park (S/E).

There are no markings along this route; there is even a sign warning of the poor condition of the path. However, the path is still there, and there are no difficult sections. Let yourself be guided whilst enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding villages, as well as the Vercors and the Trois Becs.

This walk is best done in spring or autumn; it is very shaded and involves just one stream crossing via a small bridge, which is safe.

(4) The detour to the waterfall is well worth a look.

(5) The ruins of Saint-Marcel de Crussol, which can be seen from below, are extensive and well worth a few stops.