The mountains of Bouvrège and Croc via the old Fort de Mévouillon

Arrive in Mévouillon via the D546 and park in the car park next to the local bistro in the hamlet of Gresse.

(S/E) Carefully cross the main road opposite the car park and take a path below the village. Cross a small footbridge over the stream. Follow the track straight ahead, then take the left-hand path where the track splits, joining the D546 via this very pretty path through the woods.

(1) Carefully cross the main road and climb the track opposite to the Church of Barbentane.

(2) Here, it is worth stopping to admire this building at the foot of the cliffs and surrounded by lavender. Follow the track to the right. A few metres further on, turn left. Please note: the path is not very visible. Follow this path along the mountainside, climb up to the bottom of the cliffs, then turn left to climb up to the plateau of the old fort. The climb is steep but not technically difficult.

(3) A magnificent site, once the location of the castle of the powerful Baron of Mévouillon. Walk around the plateau for breathtaking views of the Méouge and Ouvèze valleys and unforgettable landscapes. Retrace your steps, go around the rock on the left and take the path that descends towards the south. The path joins a beautiful track that leads to a road.

(4) Turn left and follow this road towards Pelleret, passing Saint-Luc Church (or Saint-Cirey Chapel) on your left and the cemetery on your right. Legend or truth, it is said that when the fort was destroyed, the church bell was thrown off the cliff. Saint-Luc Church was built on the spot where the bell came to rest.

(5) Continue north-east, passing Ravin Nègre and Ravin de la Gourgette, until you reach Pelleret.

(6) Just before the cemetery, take the road that climbs to the left, then turn right. Ignore the other paths on the left and, further on, a path on the right, and climb up to Pas de Bouvrège.

(7) Here, take a break (picnic) to enjoy the 360° view of the Drôme peaks. Two paths branch off to the left. Take the less visible one on the left, which is quite steep and climbs up the ridges of the Bouvrège mountain. There are a few technical rocky sections where you need to be careful, especially if it is windy, and sometimes use your hands.

(8) At the summit of Bouvrège, enjoy the scenery before continuing along the ridges towards the Croc mountain. The path is fairly visible. Continue climbing a little further before arriving at a large plateau.

(9) From the summit of Croc, continue to follow the path along the ridges, which becomes quite stony on the descent to Col des Grenouilles.

(10) Leave the path that continues straight ahead and take the path on the left into the woods that descends to the village, which is not very visible at first.

(11) At the crossroads, follow the path on the right that descends (it is also possible to continue on the track to reach the village, which is a little longer but less stony), admiring the view of the old fort at the Gresse cemetery. Take Rue de l'Église, which descends to the centre of the village.

(12) Last stop in front of the 11th-century Church of the Assumption. Pass by the local pub, where you can quench your thirst at the end of the hike, and arrive at the car park (S/E).

There are no water sources along the route, and it can be very hot in summer, so take care during the climb to the Fort and on the ridges. Walking poles are useful.

The hike is quite difficult, effort level 4, IBP 83. Technical difficulty level 4, risk level 3 (low).

The old Fort of Mévouillon. The church of Barbantane, the Church of Saint Luke, the Church of the Assumption in Gresse. Unforgettable landscapes in autumn with golden poplars along the small roads, seen from the Fort.