Saillans walks

Tour of the Montagne de Chabrier starting from Saillans.

During this hike, the land of Clairette wine offers us a surprising encounter with a centuries-old chestnut tree. Standing alone at the foot of the Trois Becs and the Rocher de la Laveuse, a sign indicates its age and characteristics. One cannot help but admire this witness to history, which was most certainly a contemporary of Joan of Arc!

Like a ship, the massif stands at the foot of the Vercors and offers a panoramic view of the Drôme and Rhône valleys. In good weather, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Alps and, on the opposite side, the Cévennes. Several contemplative breaks are necessary to discover these landscapes. Please note that the route passes through a quiet zone for wildlife. 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 users, see here.

A beautiful hike above the village of Espenel, providing access to the three peaks on the Cresta ridges.

A lovely little hike to the summit of Pégarnier, which offers magnificent views of the villages of Espenel, Vercheny and Aurel en Diois.

Walk through the Clairette de Die vineyards. Views of the Trois Becs, the Glandasse, and the Drôme valley.

Another, quieter and wilder route across the ridges of Les 3 Becs.It is possible to do this without returning (shorter) by descending to the Col de la Chaudière, in which case two cars are recommended (or hitchhiking). Please note that the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are closed between 15 May and 15 July. Special signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide users, see here.

Starting from Vercheny-le-Temple (or Vercheny le Haut), this is a very pretty hike on easy trails and paths, providing access to one of the ridges of the Grand Barry-Gaudichart, as well as the ruined castle of Barry. Exceptional panoramic views of the Vercors, the Baronnies and the Diois. The return journey is partly via the western slope, offering another panorama of the Saoû ridges, and partly via the eastern slope, via the Pas de la Bernarde, which has been cleared between the rocks (no equipment required).

A very beautiful circuit, mostly in the forest and therefore quite shaded, with a magnificent view once you reach the ruins of Barry Castle.

A long walk with beautiful views, with no difficulty other than the length, on trails and paths through fairly sparse pine forests.

From Saint-Benoît, a hilltop village and strategic point, climb up the paths once used by farmers through the sunny south-facing slopes. They offer breathtaking views of the Roanne Gorges.

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.

Discover the south-western ridge of the famous Saou Forest.

This is a wild hike to discover the little Chapelle des Sadous chapel through the ravines of the Vallon de la Coullance, followed by a crescendo climb to the summit of Montagne de Faraud. From the top of this spur, you can enjoy views of the Trois Becs, the Grand Delmas and the Montagne de Couspeau, the Diois, the Dévoluy, the Vercors and the Grand Veymont.

Visit the Trois Becs, the high points of the Forest of Saou. Correction: the elevation is 750 m instead of the 1071 m described.

This chapel is on the ridge of the Forest of Saoû, above the ruins of an old priory. At the top of the climb from La Clastre, hikers have breathtaking views of the hanging valley of Saoû.

This is an 11 km loop, the first part of which is a pleasant walk in the shade of the beautiful Saoû Forest, while the second part, which is sunnier, offers splendid views of the perched syncline. Please note: at point (9), if the passage through the undergrowth is still closed (fallen trees and impassable), continue straight on along the "Circuit des Anciennes Fermes" to the "La Prade" signpost (altitude 415 m), then turn right to reach the Sables Blancs car park.

This walk takes you along various historic communication routes in the Saoû Forest. You can start this loop from the Ecoguards' Office by heading towards Le Chemin de la Grande Combe and then following the directions in the text. Dogs must be kept on a leash.

This walk will take you back in time to the farming history of the Forêt de Saoû. The walk begins along the hay meadows at the bottom of the forest. You will then pass by the ruins of Raillon and Fuoc, the remains of the many farms in the lower part of the forest. This walk is accessible to all-terrain pushchairs. Dogs must be kept on a lead.

In the heart of the Diois region, the Saou Forest is home to some beautiful treasures. The Saint-Médard Chapel is one of them: a viewpoint offering a unique view of the Trois Becs. Although the access is a little steep, it makes for a lovely family hike.

On a clear day, the Serre Chauvière plateau offers a magnificent 360° panorama of the peaks of Devoluy, Vercors, Baronnies and Diois. A major effort has been made to re-mark and clear the trails on this superb hike, which adds considerable value.

Explore the hilltop village of Mirabel, with views of Charsac Hill and the Col de l'Armurier.

A circular walk on Couspeau mountain, with the summit of the Grand Delmas offering views over the surrounding mountains, particularly the 3 Becs.

Climb up to the Grand and Petit Pomerolle from the Pas de Lestang, offering beautiful views of Saoû, its forest and its legendary three peaks.

The massif is a perched syncline. This small mountain offers exceptional views of the Diois and southern Vercors regions. On a clear day, there is a superb view of the Grand Veymont, the 3 Becs, Roche Colombe and the syncline of the Saou forest. Chapel and viewpoint at the Croix de Saint-Pancrace.

Tour of the small villages and hamlet of the Quint valley.

The Crête de Ramiat is the flagship hike from Sainte-Croix, and rightly so! Admittedly, there is a bit of road at the start, but then there are wide paths or well-marked trails and, above all, splendid panoramic views of the Drôme Valley and the Vercors. The passage along the ridge can be tricky in short sections for those prone to vertigo and requires sure-footedness in places. However, it is possible to avoid this section without missing out on the beauty of the landscape.

Sheltered by the imposing wall of the Saoû syncline, you will pass by the ruins of Pradas and enjoy unobstructed views of the Roubion valley.

This is an easy walk to stretch your legs while enjoying a beautiful variety of landscapes: panoramic views of the majestic syncline of the Saou Forest, dry pine forests, the cool banks of the Roubion inviting you to take a dip, and even lavender fields to finish off before crossing the pretty village of Francillon.

This trail crosses a property where Scottish Highland cows graze. The trail then climbs up to the Savel Plateau, where a panoramic view opens up before you.