Montagne de Lure

Ascent of Montagne de Lure from Saint-Vincent-sur-Jabron. A beautiful circular route allowing you to reach the summit via the north-facing slope of Lure and its marl, then cross most of the ridges of Montagne de Lure from east to west.
Magnificent panorama of the Écrins, the Dévoluy (Plateau de Bure, Grand Ferrand), the Vercors and the Diois.

Details

n°849216

Creation:
28 Oct 2017

Last update:
12 Apr 2021

Last review:
22 Jun 2025

Activity: Walking
Distance: 30.19 km
Duration according to the author: 7 hrs
Difficulty: Very difficult
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 1,715 m
Descent: - 1,715 m
Highest point: 1,821 m
Lowest point: 620 m

Country: France
Areas: Alps, Monts de Vaucluse, Montagne de Lure
District: Saint-Vincent-sur-Jabron (04200)
Start/End: N 44.166381° / E 5.746663°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3339OT, 3341OT
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Photos

North-facing slope of the Montagne de Lure

Description of the walk

Access: from Saint-Vincent-sur-Jabron, take the D303 (towards Châteauneuf Miravail), cross the bridge and park on the right at the wooden signpost marking the start of the hike. The parking area on the side of the road is quite small (maximum 3-4 vehicles).

(S/E) From the bridge, take the small tarmac road on the left, following the^GR®946(red/white markings), which is shared with the^GR® de Pays de la Grande Traversée des Préalpes (yellow/red markings).

(1) At the first hairpin bend, leave the tarmac road and continue straight ahead on the path that climbs up following the^GR®946(red/white markings).
After 120m, the path rejoins the small tarmac road. Continue along this road for about 400m, staying on the^GR®946and ignoring a turn-off to the right.

(2) At the entrance to the small hamlet of Fréméson, leave the tarmac road and take the track on the right, continuing on the^GR®946. You will come to a track suitable for vehicles.

(3) After about 450-500 metres, continue straight ahead on the^GR®946, ignoring the turn-off to the right. Stay on the track suitable for vehicles.

(4) After about 300 metres, continue on the^GR®946to the left, staying on the track. Ignore the faint path on the right.

(5) At the next intersection, continue on the^GR®946to the right, staying on the track. Ignore the turn-off to the left.

(6) After 250 metres, continue straight ahead on the^GR®946, staying on the same track.
After 100 metres, ignore the faint turn-off to the right.

(7) After travelling approximately 1.3km on the track, at the intersection, continue on the^GR®946to the right. Leave the track for a narrow path that climbs more steeply.

(8) At the fork marked by a tree in a small clearing, continue left towards "Pas de la Graille" (^GR®946- red/white markings).
The track then winds its way near the north-facing slope and cliffs of Montagne de Lure. You will cross four marl deposits (with scree and numerous rocks).

(9) At the fork, continue on the^GR®946to the left via the small path. Ignore the start on the right on the wide track.
You will arrive at the "Courboures" sign.

(10) Continue straight ahead on the^GR®946.

(11) At the junction of several tracks coming in from the right, continue straight ahead on the^GR®946, taking a wide forest track that is slightly uphill. Continue for about 2km until you reach the access barrier and the junction of two wide tracks suitable for vehicles.

(12) Continue on the^GR®6towards "Pas de la Graille" by taking the forest track on the right for 200 metres.
Then leave the forest track and continue on the^GR®6to the right. The track becomes narrower and steeper.
The D53 departmental road will be crossed three times. Continue on the^GR®6, following the track which runs almost straight ahead. Below Pas de la Graille, the slope becomes much steeper.

(13) At Pas de la Graille, turn right towards "Crête de Lure" and "Sommet de Lure" on the^GR®6.
Then start walking along the ridges of the Montagne de Lure in an east-west direction and arrive at the Crête de Lure.

(14) Continue right towards Sommet de Lure on the^GR®6.

(15) At the Sommet de Lure, continue towards "Les Relais" and "Station de Lure" on the^GR®6. When you reach "Les Relais", continue west along the ridges towards "Station de Lure" and "Ponchon du Roux" on the^GR®6.

(16) After walking about 1 km from Les Relais, continue along the ridges to the west and leave the^GR®6at an altitude of 1,716 m towards Les Barres.

(17) At "Barres", follow "Crête des Cavalets" and "Pré du Fau", marked in yellow.

(18) At "Crête des Cavalets", continue westwards, staying on the ridges. The path is marked by a cairn. Leave the yellow markings. Reach the "Sommet de l'Homme" marked by a large cairn.

(19) Continue along the ridges as you descend. A few cairns mark the trail. The trail then passes along the edge of the forest with a steeper slope. At the bottom of the slope, pass close to the ruins of a jas (sheepfold) on the right.

(20) At "Baisse de Malcort", take the path on the right that descends into the forest. Continue along the relatively wide main track for 2.5km, ignoring the paths on the right and left.

(21) At the crossroads of several wide tracks (near the Parandière sheepfold), take the track on the left.

(22) After 400 metres, leave the track and take the path on the right. Yellow markings.

(23) After about 500m, continue straight ahead, following the yellow markings. The path climbs, then runs alongside a canyon above the Pissais river.

(24) After 1.5km, continue left on the main track (yellow markings). The path straight ahead is not very clear. The track then widens until it becomes a road.

(25) At the edge of a meadow, continue left on the track suitable for vehicles.

(26) After 600 metres, at the fork, continue right on the track suitable for vehicles. Stay on this track and continue for about 1 kilometre to reach the D303.

(27) Turn right, following the yellow markings, onto the downhill road.

(28) After the hamlet of Les Costeliers, ignore the turn-off to the left with the yellow markings. Continue along the road until you reach the bridge at the start (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 621 m - Departure from the bridge on the - Jabron (torrent) - Affluent de la Durance
1 : km 0.45 - alt. 645 m - First hairpin bend, straight ahead
2 : km 0.93 - alt. 687 m - Hamlet of Fréméson
3 : km 1.37 - alt. 723 m - Straight ahead GR946
4 : km 1.75 - alt. 758 m - Left GR946
5 : km 2.14 - alt. 761 m - Right GR946
6 : km 2.44 - alt. 783 m - Straight ahead GR946
7 : km 3.8 - alt. 829 m - Right GR946
8 : km 4.96 - alt. 1,027 m - Right GR946
9 : km 6.86 - alt. 976 m - Left GR946
10 : km 7.77 - alt. 1,082 m - Les Courboures
11 : km 8.56 - alt. 1,094 m - Straight ahead GR946
12 : km 10.62 - alt. 1,125 m - Right GR6
13 : km 13.26 - alt. 1,591 m - Pas de la Graille (1599m)
14 : km 14.56 - alt. 1,711 m - Crête de Lure
15 : km 16 - alt. 1,817 m - Montagne de Lure (1825m)
16 : km 17.46 - alt. 1,724 m - Straight ahead on the ridges
17 : km 18.28 - alt. 1,606 m - The Bars
18 : km 19.06 - alt. 1,692 m - The Easels
19 : km 20.74 - alt. 1,637 m - Sommet de l'Homme (1640m)
20 : km 21.76 - alt. 1,368 m - Baisse de Malcort (1369m)
21 : km 24.05 - alt. 1,061 m - Left-hand track suitable for vehicles
22 : km 24.76 - alt. 1,021 m - Right, yellow markings
23 : km 25.2 - alt. 990 m - Straight ahead, yellow markings
24 : km 26.98 - alt. 942 m - Left, yellow markings
25 : km 27.71 - alt. 826 m - Continue to the left
26 : km 28.29 - alt. 762 m - Right, carriageway
27 : km 29.31 - alt. 652 m - Right D303, yellow markings
28 : km 29.6 - alt. 654 m - Continue on the D303
S/E : km 30.19 - alt. 621 m - Bridge arrival

Notes

No water points along the entire route.

A pair of walking sticks is not essential but may be useful at the end of the climb up the Pas de la Graille (steep slope) and on the descent after the Baisse de Malcort (steep slope).

The summit is completely exposed and therefore subject to wind. Bring a windbreaker or warmer clothing depending on the season.

Highest point (Signal de Lure) at 1,826 metres, not 1,816 metres.

Markings
(S) to (12) Red/White via^GR®946
(12) to (17) Red/White via^GR®6
(17), (18), (22) to (24) and (27) Yellow markings
No markings after (18) until (22).

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5

Based on 8 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5

Route interest
4.9 / 5

User 26257430

22 Jun 2025 at 20:28 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent and uncrowded route, you have to hang on because it's very physical from start to finish, but it's worth it. I set off at 4.30 p.m. and arrived at 1.30 a.m., so it took 9 hours.

I recommend at least 6 litres for the entire route, although there are a few water sources along the way that are perfectly drinkable with a filter bottle, but they are very rare.

Thank you for these magnificent views!

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mimipat38

10 Oct 2023 at 21:26 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The view from the top of Lure is breathtaking, 360 degrees.

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Crisdarkwolf

01 Aug 2023 at 07:57 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Breathtaking hike. Magnificent scenery. Please note: this hike is for experienced hikers; do not attempt without training. 100% magnificent.

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Le Gabian

20 May 2022 at 14:36 7200 • Edited: 20 May 2022 at 22:18 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 20, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello.
Finally, a really challenging hike that's been very well planned. A few years ago, I did (unintentionally) a similar hike
but it was shorter, only 27 km. I didn't climb the ridges, I just did a circular around Jas Madame.
I'd like to make a small suggestion in case you do it again: from point 11, turn right S/W, after 1 km make a hairpin turn to the left N/E at elevation 1154, then head east to arrive at 1127 (an old track where nature is reclaiming its rights, barely any longer).
What's more, there's free entry to the car museum along the route.
Points 23 and 24: a really amazing section.
In St Vincent there is a community bistro, but I don't know the opening hours.
Cheers and well done.

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Lalie

23 Aug 2021 at 09:46 7200

Overall rating : 2 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2021
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : Not used / Not applicable
Very busy route : No

Hello

I followed the GPX route and at one point found myself clearing brush without being able to find another path. I was definitely on the route I had downloaded.
As a result, after an hour of being scratched by plants while searching for the path, I turned back.
I'm disappointed that I couldn't make it to the summit. However, next time I'll take a closer look at an alternative trail.

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La Grave For Ever

24 Jun 2020 at 22:42 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Many thanks for designing and describing this magnificent route! A paradise from start to finish, with extremely varied vegetation, geological features and views, all of which are splendid. Even on 23 June, with sunny and almost scorching weather, such a hike provides a lot of pleasure and serenity, on the north side, with a large part in the undergrowth, and a crossing of the ridges, admittedly exposed, but at an altitude of between 1,600 and 1,800 metres, which lowers the thermometer by a few degrees.
The only moment of doubt and hesitation was between points 23 and 24: I think it would be useful to clarify the description of this slightly confusing passage (you think you're at the bottom, you think you're done with the escarpments and the climbs and can finish "easily", when in fact we are far from being "out of the woods" and have to climb back up and take a path overgrown with broom, "à la Cévenole"): the path does indeed climb back up to run alongside a canyon (wild, impressive and very beautiful, by the way), but it eventually winds its way up to a ridge where a small cairn on the left draws attention to a vague path that leads only to rocks and brambles at the edge of the ravine, which can be misleading and/or cause doubt (you may think you are already at point 24). This is especially true since the large cairn on the right invites you to continue straight ahead on a path that quickly disappears, buried under tall grass, before turning downhill towards Saint-Vincent, where marker 24 is located. If you don't pay enough attention to the contour lines (which was my case), you may be surprised not to see the famous marker 24 sooner and start to hesitate once you reach the ridge after the hairpin bends above the canyon.
Otherwise, I can confirm what has already been said: you need to take plenty of water with you, and walking poles are a good idea on the very steep descent to the "Baisse de Malcort" (between 19 and 20).
Be careful! Many trees have been uprooted and block the path fairly regularly along the entire route.

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Jacques Plan

23 Jul 2018 at 17:49 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 11, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

My hike went according to Visorando's description and the indicated timing. I left the car park at 5:30 a.m. and finished the circular at 6 p.m. The weather was magnificent and the scenery spectacular.
Just three tips for future hikers:
1- Remember to bring 2 to 3 litres of water as there is no way to refill along the way.
2- Be very careful when crossing the four ravines carved into the marl beneath the northern cliffs between points 8 and 9. The markings on the right bank are invisible from the left bank, and the path along the riverbed is very difficult to follow due to the boulders carried by recent floods.
3 - The slope between points 19 and 20 (descent from the Sommet de l'Homme) is very steep and difficult on limestone tiles: in my opinion, walking sticks are essential.

I confirm the "very difficult" rating due to the cumulative elevation gain (my GPS indicates 1,675 m), the distance to be covered (31.15 km on my GPS) and the hiking time (12.5 hours including a 40-minute lunch break at the summit).

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michelmicoud

24 Nov 2017 at 11:13 3600

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 24, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Is it possible to do the Lure mountain but with fewer kilometres?
Thank you, Michel.

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