Les Costes ridge and return via the castle

There is a car park just before the village, at the guinguette, or you can start from the church in Beauvoisin (there is a car park behind it).

(S/E) From the car park, walk up the small road towards Beauvoisin and at the^first crossroads, turn right onto Chemin de la Bastie. At the small tarmac road, continue straight ahead.

(1) At a flat section with an olive grove on the left, continue straight ahead on a track.

(2) Leave the path that branches off to the left and continue straight ahead on the track. Continue climbing along the ridge, with a few flat sections, until you reach the Col de Milmandre. As you approach the pass, join another track, follow it to the left, and approach two large menhir-style rocks (climbing site).

(3) Turn right, passing by the paragliding area. The clearly visible trail climbs steadily and straight towards Malpertuis.

(4) From the summit, there is a beautiful view of Buis-les-Baronnies and Rocher Saint-Julien. Retrace your steps to Col de Milmandre, where you will find the GR®9.

(3) Continue straight ahead, passing between Montagne de Baume Noire and Montagne de Linceuil, and head towards Col de Linceuil.

(5) At the pass, continue straight ahead for a few metres towards Col de la Posterle.
Be careful, as the signpost at the pass can be confusing, pointing towards a small path that climbs steeply up Montagne de la Baume Noire: stay on the track for a few more metres. Leave the GR® about 20 metres after the pass and turn left towards Col de la Posterle.

(6) Leave the tracks at Col de la Posterle and follow a path that stays on the Crête des Costes ridge. There are green markers at regular intervals.
Please note: although this section is not dangerous, it can be tricky with children. You will reach the highest point of the hike (altitude 964 metres).

(7) Begin a fairly steep descent. You will soon find yourself in the undergrowth and reach the Col des Moulins.

(8) From the pass, you will come back onto a wide track which you simply follow to the next pass.
Notice, further down to the west, the Chapelle Saint-Jean-d'Ollon on its rocky outcrop.

(9) From the Col de la Croix, where you can once again enjoy beautiful views, begin your descent to Beauvoisin, staying on the track, heading due south.

(10) Leave the track and turn right onto a pleasant little path through the woods, where a sign points towards the castle ruins. The little path climbs towards the ridge, staying in the undergrowth but offering occasional views. Without really noticing, you will eventually arrive at one of the remaining towers of the castle. There is a clear view towards Mont Ventoux.

(11) Don't hesitate to explore the nooks and crannies of the ruins, including a cave. It's quite surprising to find a castle that once stood in such a small space.
Retrace your steps to return to the main track and descend to the village of Beauvoisin.

Warning: You may be tempted to descend on the south side towards the Col de la Viare, but we have tried this and do not recommend it. Once at the bottom, you will find yourself stuck between brambles and broom. What's more, the descent is very steep (which is probably why the new path was created).

See comment: a path has been opened to reach the Col de Viare

(10) Continue right on the track and head towards Beauvoisin.

(12) Cross the village, passing in front of the town hall and the church, to return to the car park (S/E).
This section is on tarmac but there is very little (if any) vehicle traffic.

There is no water along the route.
Remember to protect yourself from the sun, given the nature of the hike. There is no shade on the ridge sections.

If you have children, you will need to be careful on the ridge line and around the castle ruins.

Excerpt from the Beauvoisin website: Castrum de Bello Vicino (Beauvoisin)
"From medieval times, there are remains of a circular tower and the walls of the old castle located near the Col de la Viare, which gave access to the Eyguemarse valley. In a strategic position, standing on the foothills of Moure Frey, opposite the Déroute rock, this aerial sentinel, along with the castles of Bénivay, Ollon, Propiac and Mérindol, prevented any offensive action from the west against Le Buis, the capital of the Barony."

The road to Beauvoisin takes us straight into the heart of nature (Beauvoisin is a cul-de-sac). If you are coming from the south, from Mollans-sur-l'Ouvèze, we recommend taking the road that passes through Propiac.