Rochecolombe in the Saou Forest

From Bourdeaux, take the D538 towards Saoû. Park in the car park by the town hall.

Mountain bike route no. 4

(S/E) From Saoû, head straight on the D136 towards the forest. At the first junction, turn right, then right again towards Château d’Eurre. At Route du Roc, turn left to reach Chantebise, cutting across a junction.

(1) Follow the track to the left, then leave it to go round the campsite on the right. Pass Pas de Lestang and end up on the D70. Turn left to reach Le Pertuis.

(2) Follow the road to the right, then turn left onto the greenway. Cross the Vèbre and follow it to the wide track. Turn left to reach Les Abeilles.

(3) Follow the path to the right and, after two hairpin bends, you’ll come to a track. Turn left to reach the Virage de Raillon.

(4) Turn left, pass Fuoc and Chauvet, and follow the track to Bergerie Pâturel, continuing straight on until you reach the road.

(5) Continue along the road and follow the signposting to the right to reach the Pas de Lauzens (waterfall). Descend to the right onto the D70. Continue straight on at the first junction to reach a second one. Pass Lausens by about a hundred metres.

(6) After Lausens, take a sharp left onto the track which climbs and winds through the forest. Keep left at the first junction, then right at the next and, finally, left at the last (elevation 503). Then leave the track and take a path on the left to reach another junction (elevation 522).

(7) Turn right onto the track, then take a path descending to the left until you reach a small road, Chemin des Blaches. Turn right to reach Les Blaches (elevation 457m).

(8) Continue left along the path, which then becomes a road. After the first 90° right-hand bend, you’ll arrive in front of the Abbey. Turn left onto a path leading to Les Travers and the centre of Saou. Continue straight ahead, then take the first turn right then left to reach Rue des Abbayes. Take the first right onto a path leading to the church. At the church, turn left to reach the town hall (S/E).

The Saou Forest, acquired under the Sensitive Natural Areas policy, is the Department’s largest property (2,500 ha). Designated a “listed site” in 1942, it is now managed according to the principles of sustainable development, in consultation with local stakeholders.

We strongly recommend taking the IGN map referenced on these pages with you. Mountain bikers must be self-sufficient; professional guides are available if required. Emergency number: 18 or 112.
Information fromthe Val de Drôme Tourist Office, Saoû branch: 04 75 76 01 72 / tourisme@val-de-drome.fr
Departmental Service for Sensitive Natural Areas: 04 75 79 27 21 / environnement@ladrome.fr

- Saou Forest.