Les Clos - Saoû Forest

de fr

A short circular path through the forest, perfect for enjoying the shade. You’ll walk through a splendid beech forest on a north-facing slope.
Dogs must be kept on a lead.

Details

n°2308887
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.05 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 630 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 620 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,113 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,526 ft
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Description of the walk

Start from the Silo car park.

(S/E) Walk alongside the Atlas cedars, passing in front of L’Auberge des Dauphins to reach the Écogardes office.

(1) Turn right, reach the concrete bridge and cross it. Immediately after, turn left to reach the Halte Équestre. Continue towards the Piste des Coupes and, 40 metres further on, cross a narrow stream bed on the right, which may be dry or wet depending on the season.

(2) Start the Montée des Coupes. Remember to adjust your pace to suit your ability. Follow the wide path to the Piste des Coupes signpost.

(3) Turn sharply right towards Les Clos.

(4) At the Les Clos crossroads, head down to the right towards the Ancienne Route Touristique Maurice Burrus until you reach the river.

(5) Cross the Vèbre via the footbridge with wooden railings to reach the car park on the left (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,529 ft - Silo car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.27 - alt. 1,578 ft - Turn right towards the bridge at - Vèbre (rivière) - Affluent du Roubion
  3. 2 : mi 0.57 - alt. 1,647 ft - Logging operations
  4. 3 : mi 1.11 - alt. 2,106 ft - Poteau Piste des Coupes
  5. 4 : mi 2.15 - alt. 1,860 ft - Les Clos signpost
  6. 5 : mi 2.93 - alt. 1,562 ft - Footbridge with wooden railings
  7. S/E : mi 3.05 - alt. 1,529 ft - Silo car park

Notes

Dogs must be kept on a lead.

The metal tips of walking poles leave holes that damage the trail surface. If you use them, please ensure the plastic caps are fitted to the ends of your poles.

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.
Information from the Val de Drôme Tourist Office, Saoû branch: 04 75 76 01 72 / tourisme@val-de-drome.fr / www.valleedeladrome.com
Departmental Sensitive Natural Areas: 04 75 79 27 21 / environnement@ladrome.fr / www.ladrome.fr/ens-foret-de-saou

Worth a visit

The Saoû Forest
Acquired under the Sensitive Natural Areas policy, the Saoû Forest is the largest property in the Drôme Department (2,500 ha). Designated a ‘listed site’ in 1942 and recognised as being of European interest under the Natura 2000 scheme, it is managed according to the principles of sustainable development in consultation with local stakeholders.

A beech forest
The beech forest is the characteristic forest formation of the montane zone: it is the climax forest. In ecology, climax is synonymous with equilibrium: there will be no further natural influx of new species, but simply the renewal of individual trees. In the Saoû Forest, the beech forest is tending towards this equilibrium.

Sustainable management
The Saoû forest has long been exploited by its various owners and rights holders, particularly for firewood. Today, the Department does not aim to make intensive use of the forest for profit. Like almost all public forests, its sustainable management is entrusted to the National Forestry Office. The two institutions work in close collaboration to preserve this natural heritage.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 7 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
tronchenko
tronchenko

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A perfect little afternoon stroll through the woods before enjoying an ice cream at the Auberge des Dauphins!

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fandemaubec
fandemaubec
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An easy walk despite a steady climb in the first half. The undergrowth is pleasant in warm weather. I recommend it for families.

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squale69006
squale69006

A very pleasant walk rather than a hike

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squale69006
squale69006

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with no particular difficulties

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timale42
timale42

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 25, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Short walk in the forest, exactly as described: peace and quiet guaranteed, and easily accessible.
Well-marked car park and pleasant facilities at the start/finish point, which are currently being upgraded.

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Kraftval
Kraftval
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk, easy to do with children. Visit the beautifully restored Auberge des Dauphins nearby, which also serves drinks (and ice cream, I believe) on its relaxing terraces. An ideal short hike for a quick walk in the forest. Park at the end of the road where there is a large car park. Thank you to the author and contributors.

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nicou
nicou

Hello,
Thank you for clarifying. It must be my GPS!

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Département de la Drôme
Département de la Drôme

Hello,

Thank you for your feedback... but the starting coordinates on the form and the starting point on the map do correspond to the Silo car park...
To be absolutely clear, this is the car park at the end of the road; it is impossible to go any further by car!

Enjoy your hikes in Drôme!

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nicou
nicou

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very interesting route, shaded, which must be nice in summer. The car park was packed, but once on the route, you don't see many people.
Please note that the GPS coordinates marked as "parking su silo" will actually take you to the "sable blanc" car park. The silo car park is much further away.

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luludu07
luludu07

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb walk,
Signs and markings are excellent.
Ideal in hot weather as it is completely shaded.
We saw lots of different butterflies.
Thanks to the author.

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