Roc de Toulau and Rochers de la Sausse

A lovely spring walk, partly off the beaten track, with the added bonus of discovering two beautiful arches.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.15 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 710 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 712 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,578 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,311 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Access via the Col de la Bataille. Park in the car park at the entrance to the tunnel coming from Léoncel or wherever you can find a space if you arrive late.

(S/E) From the car park, cross the road and take the track that climbs opposite and goes around the northern end of the Rochers de la Sausse and the tunnel to reach the Col de la Bataille.

(1) Take the wide track heading south and quickly turn left onto the Col de Toulau path.

(2) At the pass, turn left towards Roc de Toulau and, after a hairpin bend to the right, leave the path heading west and join a grassy ridge between the two rock bars. Pass just below several caves.

(3) From here, the route is obvious and numerous animal tracks will guide you to the exit. A marmot guards a cave near the exit.

(4) The exit is marked by a rocky outcrop that you can go around on the right or left to reach the grassy plateau and the path leading to Roc de Toulau.

(5) At the summit, admire the 360° view and especially the Rochers de la Sausse to the west, which is the continuation of the route. From the summit, head east on a grassy ridge that turns north. Look for a hump topped by a large cairn.

(6) This bump overlooks four rocks, one of which is pierced by the Arches de Toulau. After the arches, climb back up the ridge and head for the north-east summit to admire the view towards Bouvante and its lake.

(7) From the summit, following the contour lines more or less, head towards the north-west ridge and begin the descent to the Col de la Bataille. Go through the tunnel to return to your starting point.

(S/E) Take a path on your left to reach the ridge near the Rochers de la Sausse. The path is well marked, runs along a fence and offers views of the landscape on all sides. Be careful of the impressive drop on the east side. You will arrive at the end of the fence.

(8) Pass underneath it to continue your progress to the Pas de la Sausse.

(9) Enjoy the view of the Crête de Bouchère, which extends the ridge, and the nearby Grandes Pennes, which conceal a magnificent arch. Retrace your steps.

(8) Go back under the fence and cross the mountain pasture without losing too much altitude to re-enter the woods. The path is not very well marked, but numerous blue dots on the trees or rocks will guide you. Stay close to the wide ridge to the west if you lose the trail; it will lead you directly to Pas de Chovet and its pylon.

(10) Go through the fence to the right of the pylon to enter the woods and head north-east to find a path that leads north towards point 1407. A short descent will take you to the Rucla Arch on the left.

(11) From here, the view overlooking Léoncel is magnificent. Retrace your steps towards Pas de Chovet.

(10) Stay on the path that heads left towards the east and joins a track after a steep descent.

(12) Continue straight ahead on the track that takes you back to the Col de la Bataille road, then turn right at the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,337 m - Tunnel car park
  2. 1 : km 0.59 - alt. 1,314 m - Col de la Bataille
  3. 2 : km 2.22 - alt. 1,383 m - Col de Toulau
  4. 3 : km 2.51 - alt. 1,494 m - Grassy ridge
  5. 4 : km 2.98 - alt. 1,547 m - Outing
  6. 5 : km 3.18 - alt. 1,578 m - Roc de Touleau (1581m)
  7. 6 : km 3.78 - alt. 1,536 m - Cairned hill
  8. 7 : km 4.27 - alt. 1,475 m - North-East summit
  9. 8 : km 7.64 - alt. 1,391 m - Fence
  10. 9 : km 7.86 - alt. 1,418 m - Pas de la Sausse
  11. 10 : km 9 - alt. 1,375 m - Pas de Chovet
  12. 11 : km 9.35 - alt. 1,380 m - Rucla Arch
  13. 12 : km 10.01 - alt. 1,311 m - Track
  14. S/E : km 11.15 - alt. 1,337 m - Tunnel car park

Notes

There is no water on this route.
The car parks on either side of the tunnel are very busy and it is not uncommon to see a long line of cars heading towards Léoncel. There are a few steep sections under the Roc de Toulau which could be classified as D, but it would be a shame to deprive hikers of the attractions of this walk.
You may see chamois at Roc de Toulau if you arrive early.
On the way back from Pas de la Sausse, do not go down to the bottom of the meadow, as there seems to be a trail leading into the slope. The undergrowth is very pleasant in summer between points (9) and (11).
Allow at least 4 hours without dawdling for this route and 630 m of elevation gain.

Worth a visit

- Enjoy the sights and the various panoramic views.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
fletcher_fr
fletcher_fr

Hello,
Thank you for your review.
The incline and slope did not seem particularly impressive to me, compared to what I have already experienced, but I have nevertheless modified the "Practical information" section.

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FDHS
FDHS
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A hike that combines two. Although this hike is fantastic, I have the following comments to make.

Roc de Toulau section
It is exposed in many places (especially the western ledge): not suitable for those prone to vertigo. The proposed route is very technical. It is intended for experienced, well-trained hikers. Visorando offers other possibilities. Take inspiration from these and plan your own route (I may suggest one myself one of these days).

Sausse rock section
A family walk that is definitely worth it (avoid taking young children who are a bit boisterous, as you walk along a ridge... unless you want to get rid of them). For those who have done the Fond d'Urle ridges, it's the same idea but wilder and, above all, much less crowded!
Point 9: I don't see the point.
Descent from point 8: I don't trust the suggested route. I followed the well-marked path and then veered left at the three-way junction.
Point 10: be careful, barbed wire fence.
Point 11: It would be a shame to miss it because the barbed wire fence put you off.

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Claude R3.
Claude R3.

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A few slightly steep sections

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yoya
yoya

Hello
The Battle Pass is currently closed for repairs, and the road ends at the Gardiol refuge when coming from Chaud Clapier.
Yoya

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