Saint-Maurice via the ridges

The Montagne de Saint-Maurice is famous for its chapel and ridges. This route offers beautiful views of the Trois Becs, the Grand Delmas and the Montagne de Couspeau to the north, and the Montagne de la Lance to the south. On clear days, you can even see Mont Ventoux.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.71 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 525 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 523 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 931 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 468 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Start at the entrance to the "Hutopia" campsite in the "Chalaval" district of Dieulefit. Coming from Nyons or Montélimar, head towards Bourdeaux on the D638 and turn left towards "Les Vitrouillères" just after and opposite the fire station and gendarmerie. Park before the campsite entrance.

(S/E) Continue along the road, pass the barrier and follow the track towards the combe or Ravin de Saleras.

(1) Leave the track that branches off to the right and follow the valley floor. Climb gradually up this small track until you reach a right-hand bend opposite a rock (La Mare).

(2) Just after this, leave the track and turn onto a path on the left that goes around the rock on the right and enters the woods. After a fairly steep climb, you will reach the ridge at the pylons.

(3) Continue along the track that follows the ridge to the next crossroads (Les 3 Pins).

(4) Turn left onto the path that enters the woods and reach the Chapel of Saint-Maurice.

(5) Continue climbing, following the summit along a less distinct path through the woods. Pass the summit (point 939) and descend to a path on the right.

(6) Continue straight ahead on the ridge trail. After a few metres, ignore a trail that branches off to the left and continue straight ahead until you quickly reach a viewpoint on a rock to the left of the trail.

(7) Turn around and return to the start of the trail on the left (ignore the first trail on the right).

(6) Take the path on the left that descends to the forest track and follow it to the left. At the edge of the woods, continue for a few metres until you find the start of a path on the right.

(8) Follow this trail into the woods and reach a hairpin bend in the track.

(9) Take the path that descends to the right and joins a small meadow on the edge of the ridge, above the valley. Continue on the path that turns left. Cut across two more hairpin bends and rejoin the track in a curve with a path opposite.

(10) Continue along this path on the right and rejoin the trail taken at the bottom of the valley.

(1) Turn left onto the track. Return to the start of the hike via the same route (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 468 m - Entrance to the Hutopia campsite
  2. 1 : km 1.02 - alt. 508 m - Ravin de Saleras crossroads
  3. 2 : km 2.58 - alt. 657 m - Rock, path on the left
  4. 3 : km 3.72 - alt. 931 m - Pylons
  5. 4 : km 5.13 - alt. 903 m - Crossroads, left
  6. 5 : km 5.33 - alt. 910 m - Chapel
  7. 6 : km 5.66 - alt. 909 m - Crossroads, opposite
  8. 7 : km 5.75 - alt. 911 m - View
  9. 8 : km 7.31 - alt. 870 m - Path on the right
  10. 9 : km 7.53 - alt. 838 m - Hairpin bend, path on the right
  11. 10 : km 9.16 - alt. 528 m - At the junction with the track, turn right
  12. S/E : km 10.7 - alt. 468 m - Entrance to the Hutopia campsite

Notes

No water source.

This hike allows for a quicker climb to the pylons via a path that is also steeper than the route through the valley.

Some paths are not marked on maps.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 24 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
stephcygne
stephcygne

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

It is preferable to do the circuit in reverse order

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Robin63
Robin63
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The climb is a bit tricky, so be careful if you're not very flexible. The descent can also be dangerous without walking sticks, as there are lots of rocks and it's a bit steep for those who are afraid of heights. Fortunately, there is a wide alternative path if needed. I did this hike on a hot morning, and I recommend doing it when it's warm, as most of it is in the cool forest and there are a few clear viewpoints where you can enjoy the unobstructed view. The area is well marked with lots of hiking signs, and I didn't see many people (maybe I was lucky). A relay antenna means there are no network problems either if needed. It took 4½ hours, taking our time and stopping for a bite to eat halfway through.

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Sandrine.B
Sandrine.B

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely little walk, but with a challenging climb. I've done it many times and there have always been lots of people at all times of year, except this time. It's a distillation of all the best bits, whether it's the climb, the top with the runway, the chapel with its magnificent view, the cave, the descent along the edge of the cliff... I love doing it.

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souche serge
souche serge

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A circuit that deserves to be classified as difficult.
Very steep climb, which fortunately does not last long.
For the descent along the ridges, you follow the edge of a cliff for about 200 metres. Be careful if you are afraid of heights. You can take the forest road instead, either for part or all of the descent.
Otherwise, the scenery is magnificent. Superb views.

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Rurustl
Rurustl

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant climb with beautiful views, but make sure you wear good shoes as there are quite a few stones. The view is even better on the ridge, with a 360-degree panorama. The chapel is cute and has been restored, but we don't recommend picnicking there as it gets too crowded. We didn't go through the 25 metres of the hermit's cave as it was too muddy due to the rain. The descent on the way back was easy and pleasant. We did this hike as a family with a 10-year-old child and had no difficulties.

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Kattymini
Kattymini

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A wonderful surprise! We went hiking on Sunday 1 December. It was a nice climb but not difficult, with an easy route to follow. When we reached the plateau, we were treated to a magnificent 360° view.
Access to the hermit's cave just below the Saint Maurice chapel, caution advised for those with a fear of heights.
I recommend this lovely hike. Thanks to the author for the route

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DidierRando26
DidierRando26

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike on Sunday, 21 April 2024, in very cold (6°C) and windy weather, discovering anemones! We did the route in the opposite direction to Visorando. A sign near the antennas warns of the danger of the descent between 3 and 2. And I can confirm this. Caution and walking sticks are essential. The steep climb between 10 and 8 was made even more difficult by the strong wind.
A beautiful hike to discover with magnificent views and anemones at the antennas, frozen like us!
The markings need refreshing, but there are plenty of signs at the crossroads to guide you easily.
Thanks to the author and our guide.

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catche
catche

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike with beautiful views

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Jessichou
Jessichou

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with superb views. We also went as far as the hermit's cave, below the Saint Maurice chapel (caution advised for those who are afraid of heights).

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Frédéric Garlan
Frédéric Garlan

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful walk that is worth it for the breathtaking views of the Valdaine and the Roubion valley that can be seen from the ridges. But also for the beautiful beech forests you pass through (a walk best done in autumn?)

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Monveymont
Monveymont

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 20, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The hike was more beautiful than expected. Well worth the detour.
Be careful where you put your feet on the ridges on the way back
Beautiful views, bring your camera.
The best place for a picnic is the Saint-Maurice chapel.

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Sébou26
Sébou26

Hello,

From the chapel, you can avoid the section under construction by following the trail to the path leading to the valley.

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amone
amone

Overall rating : 2.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 23, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

trails ravaged by bulldozers, construction underway on a new forest road

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Sébou26
Sébou26

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 08, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This is undoubtedly the best and most beautiful route to climb up to the St Maurice chapel. The climb is a little steep, but once you reach the plateau, you won't regret the effort. The 360° view is extraordinary (avoid climbing when it's windy)
I recommend returning along the trail, which is more enjoyable than descending towards the valley.
There aren't many people at this time of year, but in summer, with the Huttopia campsite nearby, it must get very busy.
A really nice hike.

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BENOIT ANDRE26
BENOIT ANDRE26

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 03, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb view of the syncline and the three peaks, among other things...

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