Les Trois Becs and the Saou Forest

de fr

Like a ship, the massif stands at the foot of the Vercors and offers a panoramic view of the Drôme and Rhône valleys. In good weather, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Alps and, on the opposite side, the Cévennes. Several contemplative breaks are necessary to discover these landscapes.

Please note that the route passes through a quiet zone for wildlife. Certain sections are closed to the public between 15 May and 15 July. Special signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide users, see here.

Details

n°598
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 18.68 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 10h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,659 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,652 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,575 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 512 m
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

Panorama from Le Veyou
Roche Courbe from Le Signal
in good company
La Laveuse

Description of the walk

Leave your vehicle at the Col des Réchats car park

(S/E) Take theGR®®9southwards to reach the ruins of La Grange Vieille.

(1) Cross theGR®®9variant. Continue straight ahead and, after 700m, you will come to a new junction with a path coming from the left.

(2) Continue straight ahead on the red and white markedGR®®9, continuing to Pas de la Motte.

(3) Turn right towards the east, leaving a path that descends to the right, and continue along the ridge to Trou de la Laveuse. (4) 1,376 m. This is a pierced rock that offers a view of the village of Saillans to the north.

(4) 100 m further down, leave theGR®®9for a marked trail that leads successively to the peaks known as the Trois Becs:

(5) La Roche Courbe (or La Pelle) 1549 m,

(6) Le Signal 1559 m,

(7) Le Veyou 1589m.
Then descend to Pas de Siara (1295m).

(8) Continue along the ridge to Pas de Floréa.

(9) Head towards the Bois Vert sheepfold to rejoin theGR®®9. Take it to the right to cross the path coming from Pas de Siara at Virage du Pré de l'Âne.

(10) Stay on theGR®®9on the left and reach the crossroads of the path leading to the Refuge des Girards.

(11) Take this track on the left to reach the Refuge.

(12) Continue straight ahead. The track turns left and crosses a path.

(13) Take it north to reach Pas de la Motte, after skirting the Saou Forest.

(3) Join theGR®®9trail again, which you took on the way up, and return to the crossroads you passed on the way there.

(2) Follow the same route back to the Col des Rechats car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 512 m - Col des Rechats car park
  2. 1 : km 1.03 - alt. 694 m - Crossroads with the GR9 Variant.
  3. 2 : km 1.47 - alt. 784 m - Crossroads
  4. 3 : km 2.77 - alt. 1,159 m - Pas de La Motte
  5. 4 : km 4.85 - alt. 1,370 m - Trou de la Laveuse
  6. 5 : km 5.87 - alt. 1,468 m - Roche Courbe
  7. 6 : km 6.67 - alt. 1,535 m - Signal (le)
  8. 7 : km 7.46 - alt. 1,564 m - Veyou (le)
  9. 8 : km 8.39 - alt. 1,292 m - No Siara
  10. 9 : km 9.57 - alt. 1,257 m - Pas de Floréal
  11. 10 : km 11.08 - alt. 1,213 m - Intersection of the Virage du Pré de l'Ane. Towards the - Vèbre (rivière) - Affluent du Roubion
  12. 11 : km 12.58 - alt. 1,198 m - Intersection where you must leave the GR9
  13. 12 : km 13.64 - alt. 1,191 m - Refuge des Girards
  14. 13 : km 14.69 - alt. 1,122 m - Intersection. Turn right.
  15. S/E : km 18.68 - alt. 516 m - Col des Rechats car park

Notes

Hiking boots are strongly recommended. Please note: in sunny weather, there are no trees on the ridge trail. This trail has been reinforced in certain sections to limit erosion.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
Chavezdominguez
Chavezdominguez

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike in the cool, shady Saou forest – a real pleasure. At times, the climbs were a little steep and required a lot of stamina. Then, when we reached the magnificent summit, what a wonderful reward. We forgot everything. A fantastic hike. WARNING: do not go from 8 to 9, as a prohibition sign has been put up. People have had a hard time, with nettles, etc., dangerous in places and unable to see the path. We cut across 8 towards 10. For the return trip, be careful going down, because it's very difficult... we should have taken another route from 2 to make it easier to get back to the car park. Honestly, it was fantastic... a real treat, we had a great time... thank you... go for it... you won't regret it... shade, fresh air and panoramic views were there...

Machine-translated

VaninaMJ
VaninaMJ

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Wonderful hike!!!! 🤩
No particular technical difficulties. Given the elevation gain, walking poles are a must 😊. A short hike in terms of distance, which allows you to take the time to admire the breathtaking panoramic views ⛰️!!! One thing to note: at the first viewpoint, to reach the Pas de Siara, take the climb up the rocky ridge (which is not signposted), and you will soon find a path (not visible from below). Do not venture onto the path behind the viewpoint (there is no yellow cross, but it would be wise to mark one), as this path runs along the cliff edge and is not part of the hike. Enjoy your walk, everyone! 🥾🎒

Machine-translated

Broud
Broud

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Best done outside peak times and in good weather to enjoy the scenery

Machine-translated

Broud
Broud

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Not ideal weather for enjoying the scenery

Machine-translated

Fred et Sand
Fred et Sand

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 20, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike with views of both the Rhône Valley and the Vercors.

Machine-translated

louguit
louguit

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Hello,
I didn't use the ".gpx" track because I know the area. However, as I didn't use the ".gpx" track but the IGN 75000 map, after "Roche Rousse" at the edge of the woods, you have to go down into the valley to reach the track and the forest house. Do not take the grassy track on the right.
After the walk through the woods on the GR, which is great, especially when it's hot
Great walk.

Machine-translated

randonneeroro2018
randonneeroro2018

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike, but a bit too crowded at Les 3 Becs.
We were lucky because it looked like rain and all the other hikers left, so we had this wonderful place to ourselves in the rain... Great!

Machine-translated

Ritalex
Ritalex

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 24, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A lovely little loop, a complete change of scenery with a steep climb right from the start, sheltered from the sun.

Breathtakingly beautiful scenery at the top of the cliffs, mountainous landscapes, forests, large plateaus, meadows...
Stop three-quarters of the way around the loop at a refuge.

Unfortunately:
- we brought back about ten ticks as souvenirs...
- The end of the route follows the same path as at the start for about 5km

Alex & Cécile

Machine-translated

Paola34
Paola34

Yes, I did it in 7.5 hours for 22 km and 1,800 m of elevation gain. I didn't have GPS anymore, so I took the slope I had climbed at the beginning, descending it, because that was the part I knew and it was getting a bit late... And I didn't want to get lost... thanks for the reply. A very beautiful hike, I really enjoyed it. I'll do it again

Machine-translated

slinky
slinky ★

Hello Paola,

Everything is in the information sheet: the average duration is estimated at 9 hours and 5 minutes, walking at 3.5 km/h with short breaks.

Machine-translated

Paola34
Paola34

hello, what is the average duration of the hike, please?

Machine-translated

guillaume j
guillaume j

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Superb circuit completed in approximately 4 hours 20 minutes. the climb to the Pas de la Motte is steep, but the view at the top is beautiful. Long route along the ridges to the 3 Becs, which is magnificent, with breathtaking views! The return trip is much less interesting, along DFCI paths, which is a bit of a shame, but at least they are in the shade
A few comments on the description:
- 22 km circuit with 1,800 m elevation gain for me!
- at Pas de la Motte, the eastbound route is actually to the left, not the right.
- after Pas de Siara, I couldn't find the path along the ridge, but I did make it to Pas de Florea.

Be careful, this is a dangerous section and I would not recommend bringing children!

I highly recommend it!!!

Machine-translated

gazok54
gazok54 ★

Ah, okay, so the route itself isn't the issue, since you started from a place that's off the circuit. And without any description from that place, you were lost and couldn't find the trail.

Machine-translated

rené13
rené13

i set off from Col de la Chaudière. Fortunately, there was a hiker who had a GPS and was able to give me directions for the return journey, but everything went well. Thank you and well done again for these beautiful hikes
i also really enjoyed the hike to the Chapel of St Medard

Machine-translated

gazok54
gazok54 ★

Thank you, rené13
It seems you've encountered some issues with the layout. What kind of issues are they?

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Les 3 Becs from Les Auberts via Col de la Motte

Visorando member
Les 3 Becs depuis les Auberts par le Col de la Motte
↔16.17 km ↗+1,685 m ↘-1,686 m ◔9h 25 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Chastel-Arnaud (Drôme)
Another, quieter and wilder route across the ridges of Les 3 Becs.It is possible to do this without returning (shorter) by descending to the Col de la Chaudière, in which case two cars are recommended (or hitchhiking). Please note that the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are closed between 15 May and 15 July. Special signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide users, see here.

Walking Saint-Sauveur-en-Diois

Visorando member
Saint-Sauveur-en-Diois
↔4.77 km ↗+122 m ↘-131 m ◔1h 45 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Saint-Sauveur-en-Diois (Drôme)
Walk through the Clairette de Die vineyards. Views of the Trois Becs, the Glandasse, and the Drôme valley.

Walking Tour of the Rochers de Cresta and Auberts from Saillans

Visorando member
Tour des Rochers de Cresta et des Auberts depuis Saillans
↔14.22 km ↗+1,038 m ↘-1,041 m ◔7h 00 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Saillans (Drôme)
A beautiful but long hike around the Rochers de Cresta, with the added bonus, if you feel up to it, of climbing to the top of the ridges: breathtaking views of the Trois Becs massif, the Drôme valley, the Vercors, Glandasse, and even a glimpse of Grand Ferrand... But only do this in dry weather with very good footwear that grips well, as there are steep slopes and secure rocks...

Walking The Chestnut Tree of Bellieux

Visorando member
Le Châtaignier des Bellieux
↔13.96 km ↗+489 m ↘-486 m ◔5h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saillans (Drôme)
During this hike, the land of Clairette wine offers us a surprising encounter with a centuries-old chestnut tree. Standing alone at the foot of the Trois Becs and the Rocher de la Laveuse, a sign indicates its age and characteristics. One cannot help but admire this witness to history, which was most certainly a contemporary of Joan of Arc!

Walking Saint-Christophe and Les Trois Bornes - Pays de Saillans

Local authority
↔14.08 km ↗+468 m ↘-469 m ◔5h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saillans (Drôme)
From the lively village of Saillans with its narrow streets, arcades and fountains, passing by the turquoise blue pools of Rieussec, climb up to the Saint-Christophe Chapel. It faces the Trois Becs!

Walking Tour de Chabrier from Saillans to Pas de la Bernarde

Visorando member
Tour de Chabrier depuis Saillans jusqu'au Pas de la Bernarde
↔13.90 km ↗+796 m ↘-796 m ◔6h 15 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saillans (Drôme)
An extension of the classic Tour de Chabrier hike, this figure-of-eight hike (with the Col des Vallons at its centre) takes you to the Pas de la Bernarde (magnificent views of the Vercors, Montagne de Glandasse and Drôme Valley on the Vercheny side) and into the Fond de Chabrier. In total, the Col des Vallons will have been explored from all four cardinal points!

Walking Another Tour de Chabrier from Saillans

Visorando member
Un autre Tour de Chabrier depuis Saillans
↔11.88 km ↗+678 m ↘-685 m ◔5h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saillans (Drôme)
Variation on the classic Tour de Chabrier hike via the Col des Vallons and the Pas de la Bernarde, with a return via a tiny path overlooking the Drôme and the D93 between Saillans and Vercheny. Splendid views guaranteed over the Drôme Valley, the Massif des Trois-Becs and the Vercors.

Walking The Chabrier mountain

Visorando member
La montagne de Chabrier
↔9.78 km ↗+531 m ↘-526 m ◔4h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saillans (Drôme)
Tour of the Montagne de Chabrier starting from Saillans.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.