Pré de l'Âne through the heart of the forest - Saoû Forest

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A beautiful hike where the watchword is "diversity"! This superb route, zigzagging between two cliffs, will take you gradually uphill via the Grande Combe, amidst lush vegetation. The Pas de Siara offers a glimpse of the southern Alpine meadows of the Trois Becs, where sheep from neighbouring valleys graze during the summer. The descent is gentle through the beech forest, typical of the montane zone.

Details

n°2308886
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.66 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,697 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,697 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,229 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,532 ft
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Photos

View of Le Veyou.
Panorama
Just like me, he's an Adonis :)
Good luck!

Description of the walk

From Saou, take the D136 towards the Parking du Silo.

(S/E) From the Silo car park, walk alongside the Atlas cedars, past L’Auberge des Dauphins, to reach the Écogardes office.

(1) Continue straight on to reach the Chemin de la Grande Combe. It climbs gently up the valley floor.

(2) After 15–20 minutes, at the Les Douglas signpost, the path narrows and climbs more steeply. On the right, a wooden guardrail marks the site of an old stone dam.

(3) After about 2 hours and 15 minutes’ walk, the path leads to the Virage du Pré de l’Âne. Continue straight on towards the Pas de Siara.

(4) Enjoy a magnificent view of the Col de la Chaudière and the Couspeau mountain (round trip: approx. 1.5 km).
Then head straight left towards the Bergerie de Bois-Vert. Cattle may be present there to drink during the summer months.

(5) Continue towards the Porte de Barry. The view then opens up due south over the Bourdeaux region, with the Drôme Provençale on the horizon. Carry on to the next crossroads.

(6) Take the hairpin bend to the right and continue towards the Virage des Princes along the wide, winding path, which offers the shade of its undergrowth. Pass the Refuge des Princes, ideal for a break on the terrace, sitting on the benches designed by Maurice Burrus.

(7) A few dozen metres past the refuge, at the Virage des Princes, leave the stone path and head left towards Les Berches until you reach the first crossroads.

(8) Continue to the right towards Les Fourneaux. Head down to the next track.

(9) At the junction, cross the track and head north-east to the right, towards the Piste des Coupes (steep dirt descent).

(10) At the Piste des Coupes signpost, continue the descent north-west towards the Halte Équestre. Wind your way through the woodland before emerging onto a meadow. From here, there is a view of the cliffs of Pas de l’Échelette and Pas du Fau. Continue towards Le Pont en Béton.

(11) Then turn right to reach the Bureau des Écogardes.

(1) Turn left to return to L’Auberge des Dauphins and the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,532 ft - Silo car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.26 - alt. 1,578 ft - Écogarde Office. Along the - Vèbre (rivière) - Affluent du Roubion
  3. 2 : mi 0.97 - alt. 1,759 ft - Les Douglas signpost
  4. 3 : mi 3.56 - alt. 3,980 ft - Virage du Pré de l’Âne
  5. 4 : mi 3.86 - alt. 4,229 ft - Pas de Siara
  6. 5 : mi 4.85 - alt. 3,799 ft - Bois-Vert Sheepfold
  7. 6 : mi 5.97 - alt. 3,448 ft - Porte de Barry
  8. 7 : mi 7.33 - alt. 2,986 ft - Refuge des Princes
  9. 8 : mi 7.64 - alt. 2,808 ft - Les Berches
  10. 9 : mi 8.26 - alt. 2,369 ft - Les Fourneaux
  11. 10 : mi 8.56 - alt. 2,106 ft - Poteau Piste des Coupes
  12. 11 : mi 9.33 - alt. 1,611 ft - The Concrete Bridge
  13. S/E : mi 9.66 - alt. 1,532 ft - Back to the Silo car park

Notes

Please respect the work of farmers and shepherds by keeping well clear of herds and respecting their privacy, particularly at the Bergerie de Bois-Vert.

Dogs must be kept on a lead all year round and are prohibited on the Trois Becs mountain pasture from 15 June to 15 October.

From 15 May to 15 July: two temporary quiet zones will be in place to protect chamois in the Trois Becs area.
Please stay on the marked trails and follow the diversions put in place!

The metal tips of walking poles leave holes that damage the trail surface. If you use them, please ensure the plastic caps are fitted to the ends of your poles.

We strongly recommend taking IGN map no. 3138OT with you. Hikers must be self-sufficient; professional guides are available if required. Emergency number: 18 or 112.
Information from the Val de Drôme Tourist Office, Saoû branch: 04 75 76 01 72 / tourisme@val-de-drome.fr / www.valleedeladrome.com
Departmental Sensitive Natural Areas: 04 75 79 27 21 / esnvironnement@ladrome.fr / www.ladrome.fr/ens-foret-de-saou

Worth a visit

The Saoû Forest
Acquired under the Sensitive Natural Areas policy, the Saoû Forest is the largest property in the Drôme Department (2,500 ha). Designated a ‘listed site’ in 1942 and recognised as being of European interest under the Natura 2000 scheme, it is managed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development in consultation with local stakeholders.

A history of tourism
You are following part of the tourist route created by Maurice Burrus in the 1930s. This route was listed by the Touring Club de France and the Abri des Princes was a stop-off for tourists visiting the site by car. This shelter is now used by hikers.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 14 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
Fabjack
Fabjack

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike in good weather, on 10 cm of snow, sheltered from the wind for most of the route through the forest. Progress on snow is more in line with the advertised difficulty.

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Nadine E
Nadine E

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Moderately difficult hike due to significant elevation gain shortly after departure. The beauty of the location makes up for the difficulty. The end of the route takes place in the woods for several kilometres.

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Mu&Jp-du-Jura
Mu&Jp-du-Jura

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

In my opinion, a little overrated: moderately difficult.
The climb between the cliffs is magnificent; you climb steadily without really noticing.
When I arrived at Pré de l'Âne, I was greeted by fog, hail and rain, so I didn't continue on to Pas de Siara.
The return trip was more monotonous, but not without interest, along a beautiful forest trail.
To be repeated on a fine day.

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marie celine
marie celine

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A gradual climb in the shade in beautiful green surroundings. The descent is monotonous, even if you pass by the Bois Vert and Princes mountain huts. Still very pleasant in all seasons.

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Isa84100
Isa84100

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,

A very beautiful hike with an easy climb through the valley, in the shade and cool. The valley and forest are superb, it's truly enchanting.
At the donkey meadow, I chose not to go to the Siara pass but to the Floréal pass, which I didn't know and which also offers a beautiful view.
I didn't find the descent that tedious; the path is well shaded, the Princes' Refuge is very pretty, and there are trees all along the way.
A very beautiful hike that I recommend for a wonderful day in the superb Saou forest. Thank you very much!

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indiendaogibbslorka
indiendaogibbslorka

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

very beautiful hike

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Stradius
Stradius
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 24, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk, the climb between the two cliffs offers a wide variety of vegetation and difficulty levels.
Arrival at the partially snow-covered Siara Pass, beautiful viewpoint.
The descent from the sheepfold is of little interest.

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EMMAQUIMARCHE
EMMAQUIMARCHE

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike, with an ascent into the heart of the Saou forest, which has a somewhat magical feel to it. The arrival at the top of the hill at the donkey meadow is superb, and gives you the energy to continue on to the Siara pass to admire the landscape.
For my part, I returned via the valley.

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ajmart
ajmart
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 24, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Magnificent forest. Best visited on hot days for the shade and to avoid slipping on wet stones.

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laulau1
laulau1
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 15, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

the walk through the forest is very pleasant, but the return trip along the carriage road is not particularly interesting.
However, I would recommend continuing on towards Le Veyou. Once you reach the donkey pasture, keep climbing and you'll be rewarded with a superb view. It's the only place on this hike where you can enjoy such a view, so don't miss it!
the Saou forest is truly exotic

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321
321
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing

Hello,
The return journey, which follows a 6-metre-wide track for several kilometres, is not particularly interesting.

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patrick furminieux
patrick furminieux
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 02, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A beautiful hike, part 1 zigzags between two cliffs with a gradual climb via the large valley surrounded by vegetation. At the donkey meadow, a flock of sheep and two sheepdogs welcome you without a shepherd, a mandatory detour!!!!!!!!! The gentle descent on a forest path leads to the Auberge des Dauphins

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JoaquimD
JoaquimD
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good


during hot weather, this hike is very pleasant.
I set off at 8:30 a.m. when it was still very cool.
I can confirm that this hike is not for everyone.
I extended the walk by climbing Pic Veyoux.
the descent was more leisurely.
A total of 19 km in 3 hours and 15 minutes at a good pace.

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Ranbaz
Ranbaz
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 15, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

For someone accustomed to dry, rocky landscapes, the Saou forest is a real change of scenery. This hike has surpassed all others in my heart for its first part up to the Pré de l'Âne bend. The immersion in the forest is total in this first part. It is important to understand that there are two parts to this hike: the magical ascent through the forest and the boring descent along forest roads.
The difficult classification is overrated. This hike is not difficult at all, it just climbs. I did it with two non-athletic teenagers and my wife (a hiker but with a knee prosthesis). If you take regular breaks, there's no problem. So, in my opinion, it's more of a medium classification, but it's good to keep it as difficult, as I only came across one couple during the entire climb on 15 July. However, once you arrive at Pré de l'Âne and head towards Les Trois Becs, it's "the place to be!"
In conclusion, the Saou forest is a superb place and this hike is the only way to appreciate it.

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Walking In the footsteps of the Huguenots in the Saoû Forest

Local authority
↔2.27 mi ↗+381 ft ↘-381 ft ◔1h 25 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Saou (Drôme)
A lovely, gentle round-trip walk that will take you in the footsteps of the Huguenots through the Saoû Forest. The walk is fully accessible to all-terrain pushchairs.

Walking Les Clos - Saoû Forest

Local authority
↔3.05 mi ↗+630 ft ↘-620 ft ◔1h 55 ▲Easy
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A short circular path through the forest, perfect for enjoying the shade. You’ll walk through a splendid beech forest on a north-facing slope.Dogs must be kept on a lead.

Walking Long circular in the Saou forest

Visorando Member
↔12.97 mi ↗+3,937 ft ↘-3,934 ft ◔8 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Saou (Drôme)
A route offering a good introduction to this hilltop forest, its tranquillity and the birdsong. You approach the Trois Becs without actually climbing them. Just enough to make you want to come back and tackle them. Please note: the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are off-limits between 15 May and 15 July. Special signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide walkers; see here.

Walking Les Pomerolle

Visorando Member
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↔7.50 mi ↗+2,244 ft ↘-2,238 ft ◔5h 25 ▲Moderate
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Discover the south-western ridge of the famous Saou Forest.

Walking Les 3 Becs via the Grande Combe, then Pas de Picourère and Pas de la Laveuse

Visorando Member
↔11.39 mi ↗+4,222 ft ↘-4,222 ft ◔8h 55 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Saou (Drôme)
A beautiful, long hike that alternates between forest, alpine meadows and ridge paths before returning through the forest.A gentle climb through the forest via the Grande Combe, which zigzags between two cliffs. Then the view opens up between the Pas de Siara and the Pas de la Laveuse, passing by the Veyou and close to the other peaks of the Trois Becs. Descent through the beech forest.The effort is richly rewarded by the variety of landscapes and superb views over the Vercors and the Saou Forest syncline. Please note: the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. 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 walkers; seehere. 

Walking The Trois Becs via the Grande Combe

Visorando Member
Les Trois Becs par la Grande Combe
↔13.30 mi ↗+4,911 ft ↘-4,898 ft ◔10h 25 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Saou (Drôme)
From the Auberge des Dauphins, there is a magnificent climb up the Grande Combe to reach the Rocher de la Laveuse and the Trois Becs, a legendary hike in the Saou Forest. Please note that the route passes through a quiet area for wild animals. Certain sections are closed between 15 May and 15 July. Specific signage and a diversion from the GR®9 trail have been put in place to assist users. See here for more information.

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A hike with a significant elevation gain but no particular difficulty apart from its length; a good part of the route is shaded in case of hot weather.See Practical Information regarding the section near the cliffs.Reserved for experienced hikers. Please note: the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are off-limits between 15 May and 15 July.Specific signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide users; seehere. 

Walking Saoû Forest

Visorando Member
Forêt de Saoû
↔12.68 mi ↗+2,799 ft ↘-2,812 ft ◔8h 15 ▲Difficult
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A superb hike in the Saoû Forest for those who love nature and sport, a challenge for us budding hikers. Despite the fairly long route, we were delighted and pleasantly surprised by the wild beauty of the landscape and the view of the Trois Becs.

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