Short tour of the Dentelles Sarrasines

A promising little tour of the Dentelles de Montmirail, without too much difficulty. After an initial climb, the rest is relatively easy.
After several comments, I would like to point out that this is a hike, not a short family walk suitable for all ages. It is steep and rocky, and you are at the summit. Otherwise, stay on the DFCI trail below and climb only to the Rocher du Midi.

Details

22016766
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.54 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 286 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 279 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 569 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 314 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park on the edge of Chemin du Cayron.

(S/E) Head to the back of the car park, then turn left to find Chemin du Cayron and follow it to the right until you reach Col du Cayron.

(1) Make a quick right/left turn to take a path that climbs south towards the Dentelles Sarrasines.

(2) At the foot of Rocher du Turc, turn right and follow the path that climbs gently towards the ridges. Then continue in the same direction.

(3) Descend, aiming to the right, and you will come out on the DFCI.

(4) Turn left for a few metres, then take the wooden stairs that climb up to Rocher du Midi.

(5) Turn back towards the DFCI track.

(4) Follow it to the right to return to Col du Cayron.

(1) Turn left and retrace your steps to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 314 m - Car park at Beauregard.
  2. 1 : km 0.69 - alt. 400 m - Col de Cayron, junction of the circular
  3. 2 : km 1.06 - alt. 508 m - Foot of the Rocher du Turc, on the right
  4. 3 : km 2.24 - alt. 483 m - Descent on the right
  5. 4 : km 2.47 - alt. 432 m - DFCI track
  6. 5 : km 2.59 - alt. 462 m - Rocher du Midi
  7. S/E : km 4.54 - alt. 314 m - Car park at Beauregard.

Notes

Between (S/E) and (2), the trail climbs through the woods.
Between (2) and (3), you walk along the ridges with magnificent views: not really shaded.
From (4) to (1), you will be in full sun on the DFCI track.
Bring water, a snack and a cap.
Wear good trainers, not necessarily hiking boots.
There are no water sources along the route.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 13 reviews

Reliability of the description
3.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.9 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
Lafalla
Lafalla

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

It's a very nice hike with beautiful views. I'll just point out that to get from point 1 to point 2, we left the red path to follow the small dotted trail on the map, of course, and we think it's a little less steep and rocky. We catch up to point 2 and walk along the rock. It's really nice and not very difficult. I highly recommend this hike

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var740vir
var740vir

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike, starting from the large car park after Gigondas. The climb is quite steep up to the ridge line, and the path along the ridge is quite technical, but what a view!
A truly superb little hike.

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hauteluce
hauteluce
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike: we were very close to the Dentelles. A few narrow passages between the rocks, but very manageable. We also ventured onto the Clapis massif, which was very safe, with beautiful views of the Dentelles Sarrasines. Thank you for this route!

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meunier
meunier

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The directions to the start of the hike are inaccurate. The name of the car park is wrong (it should be Parking des Florets) and it would have been enough to say: follow the signs for "Dentelles de Montmirail" to avoid getting lost.
It should also be added at the start of the hike: make a return trip to the Rocher Turc as it is magnificent.

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lacris64
lacris64

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful discovery,
easy circular to follow on gravel paths
thank you for the description

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patrick002
patrick002
• Edited:

A few slightly technical sections below the lacework. This route is enjoyable for its many viewpoints.
Thank you for this route.

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le coubil
le coubil

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Quite a difficult hike. The path from the Cayron Pass to the Dentelles Sarrasines is very steep and rugged. You may prefer the path that branches off to the right at the information boards, which is much easier to walk on.
Technical sections under the Dentelles. Nevertheless, there are some beautiful views. This route is not for everyone.

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patrick.hélène
patrick.hélène

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Thank you for this beautiful hike with stunning views.
It definitely deserves its MEDIUM difficulty rating.
Lots of scrambling.
The only downside is that it's very crowded.

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Franspoupas
Franspoupas

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

It is always a good idea to have a GPS to check the route at intersections that can sometimes be confusing.
The hike starts from the "Les Folets" car park, is 6.5 km long and can be classified as moderate.
The path at the foot of the wall reveals magnificent landscapes and offers a beautiful approach to the Dentelles.

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Benelec
Benelec

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very interesting route due to the beauty of the landscapes. Partially shaded, which is appreciated in hot weather.
But be warned, it is not an easy route...

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Etienne.VZ
Etienne.VZ

Overall rating : 4 / 5

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

This hike is described as easy because it is fairly short and the overall elevation gain is not huge, but it is actually quite difficult for older people because of the very steep ascents and descents on very rocky paths. It would be good to warn people about this. Otherwise, the site and the view are exceptional.

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pingouins
pingouins

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Thank you for this excellent itinerary, which I would definitely recommend.

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peden
peden

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 26, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant walk, although I would not describe it as easy. While the route is not very long, it is nevertheless physically demanding, with tricky and challenging sections in places.
In my opinion, it is not recommended for young children, elderly people or those in average physical condition. It is important to bear in mind that in the event of even a relatively minor accident (sprain, minor fall), it will be very difficult for the emergency services to intervene in these steep areas, even by helicopter... something that many people seem to forget.

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prielle
prielle

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 11, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Nice approach to the lace, but the route along the lace is sometimes technical.

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