Roche Colombe in the Saoû Forest region

Parking is available in the large car park at Le Clos.

(S/E) From the car park, head north towards the football pitch to reach the Travers crossroads, in the top right-hand corner of the car park.

(1) Take the road opposite heading north until you reach a 90° left turn.

(2) Follow the road that climbs up the hillside towards Roche Colombe. After the bench (view of the village), you will come to a bend.

(3) Leave the road and continue straight ahead towards the large rocky peak of La Poupoune. The path leads to the foot of the spur. Climb the rocky passage, go around La Poupoune on the left and reach the top of the cliffs.

(4) Turn left, and the trail gradually heads west. Climb through the beech forest, exit the woods and reach the first rocky summit. Continue along the ridge, pass a second rocky peak, and shortly afterwards reach the actual summit at 886 m (boundary marker, cairn and bench).

(5) Continue along the path, which is sometimes difficult to see, along the ridge through the beech forest. The descent becomes steeper. The path becomes steep and rocky before leading to Pas de l'Échelette (altitude 710 m).

(6) Cross the Pas de l'Échelette (rocky passages equipped with a metal ladder). The path branches off to the left at the foot of the cliffs. Sometimes difficult to see in the woods, it descends gently around Roche Colombe. Ignore all the paths on the right and leave the forest. Continue along the wide path that passes above a farm and reaches a crossroads.

(7) Continue left on the track and, at the next crossroads, descend to the right, gently downhill along the narrow path through the woods. Further on, it turns left. Continue along the track towards the south (at the edge of the woods, view of La Poupoune) and stay in the same direction before coming out at the edge of the field, below the Blaches farm.

(8) Turn right to go around the field. At the Les Blaches junction (elevation 457), continue straight ahead along the path and then along the small road. It makes two large bends, first to the left and then to the right, before arriving at a water catchment.

(9) Just before the water catchment, take the path on the left. Continue straight ahead along the road and you will come to the Les Travers crossroads (altitude 335 m).

(1) Walk along the football pitch and return to the car park (S/E).

Caution: rocky and ridge passages are tricky. This route is reserved for experienced hikers and should not be attempted in wet or foggy weather. The wind can blow violently on the ridges.

We strongly recommend that you take IGN map no. 3138OT with you. Bring sufficient water and food and wear suitable clothing for walking. Hikers must be self-sufficient, but professional guides are available if required. Emergency numbers: 18 or 112

Information fromthe Val de Drôme Tourist Office: 04 75 63 10 88

Hunting within the ENS:
- driven hunt between 01/09/24 and 12/01/25 on Tuesdays and Saturdays,
- information on the areas hunted during the day is available on the signs at the entrances to the site and car park, the eco-guard office and the tourist office,
- no individual hunting is permitted on the site.

Traditions: the legend of Sainte-Colombe

According to legend, Colombe was a saint who lived in a cave in the rock to which she gave her name. She cared for the inhabitants with plants and flowers and lived in harmony with the animals around her. One day, while the villagers were working in the fields, an eagle came and carried off a baby sleeping under a tree to its nest not far from Colombe's cave. The saint, who knew how to command animals, had no difficulty in rescuing the child. It is from this legend that the name of the rocky outcrop next to Roche Colombe was born: La Poupoune (from the word "poupon" meaning baby).