Sainte-Croix (Drôme) walks

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.

This lovely hike goes all the way around Taillefer, passing through Saint-Andéol-en-Quint, Vachères-en-Quint and the two Col de Vachères (north and south). Beautiful views of Vercors, Bec Pointu, Tête de la Dame, Montagne de Glandasse and Les 3 Becs. Good news at the end of the route: you no longer have to wade through the Sépie river, but can cross via a very pretty footbridge!

A circular walk starting from the village of L'Escoulin in the wild Sépie valley, with the highest point being the Taillefer (932 m). The route, which follows little-used paths and trails, is often through forest with beautiful views of the Drôme mountains (Bec Pointu, Tête de la Dame and the southern edge of the Vercors, Glandasse, Trois Becs).

Alternating between trails and forest tracks, you will discover the small Saint-Christophe Chapel and its tiny cemetery, perched on the heights of Véronne in the Grand Barry Forest, as well as the Roury Forest House, all in a setting of absolute tranquillity.

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

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 beautiful walk starting from Marignac-en-Diois, which provides access to the Vercors balcony. Very beautiful view to the south. Numerous possible extensions on the Vercors plateau.

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.

Circular on trails, paths and tracks, visiting some of the characteristic sites of the Justin mountain, Pas du Renard, forest lodge, Bât de l'Âne. Beautiful views of the peaks of the southern Vercors and more wooded areas.

The Druise waterfall, an impressive 72-metre drop, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Vercors. The view from below is breathtaking: the high waterfall looks like a bridal veil, accompanied by a thunderous roar and a huge blast of air.

Randonnée permettant de parcourir sur la journée l'ensemble des cascades et des particularités des gorges.

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

At the gateway to the Vercors, at the end of a long ridge at an altitude of 1,000 metres, this rocky promontory is visible for dozens of kilometres around. The site offers a remarkable panorama of the village, which it overlooks by nearly 200 metres, the Rieussec and Gervanne valleys and the high plateaus of the Vercors, the Diois, the Trois Becs and the Montagne Saint-Pancrace. The place is peaceful at sunrise and offers an interesting view of the plateau stretching around the village with its farms, temple, chapel and castle. The elevation gain is modest and the distance is short. The loop makes the climb less difficult. We chose to start from the Church of Notre-Dame, at the bottom of the village, to discover this well-renovated Romanesque heritage site.

Variation on the classic Tour de Chabrier hike via the Col des Vallons and the Pas de la Bernarde, with a return via a tiny path overlooking the Drôme and the D93 between Saillans and Vercheny. Splendid views guaranteed over the Drôme Valley, the Massif des Trois-Becs and the Vercors.

Tour of the Montagne de Chabrier starting from Saillans.

This is a very beautiful hike, but should only be undertaken in very good weather. The first part follows the course of the Gervanne river, crossing numerous fords and wading through water, until you reach the magnificent Druise waterfall. The second part leads, via theGR®9, to the plateau and the Croix de Vellan overlooking the small village of Plan de Baix, where a 360° view allows you to admire some of the peaks of the Vercors and Baronnies.

The summit of the Tête de la Dame offers superb views of the Diois, the Drôme valley and the Vercors massif.

A wild hike, allowing you to reach the summit of Bec Pointu and then return via Courcousson and the Pré des Chaux meadow. The circuit follows several panoramic ridges, offering 360° views of the Gorges d'Omblèze, the Roc de Toulau, the Tête de la Dame, the Vercors ridges, the Glandasse, and the Quint and Gervanne valleys.

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

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!

This unusual spot offers a complete change of scenery, with a crevasse that plunges into nowhere and a calm, sombre atmosphere among rocky outcrops, lichens and ferns. The return route takes you along a track with seven hairpin bends that illustrate the art of building passages carved into the rock on the mountain side and masonry on the side facing the void.

Enjoy a complete change of scenery in this superb canyon between two narrow cliffs. An unusual spot with a crevasse that descends into nowhere, offering a calm and sombre atmosphere among rocky outcrops, lichens and ferns. Please note! The route has been changed to avoid the Ferme du Pêcher du Bas. At (1), go straight ahead, then take a path on the right and head straight for (3).

This unusual spot offers a complete change of scenery, with a crevice that plunges into nowhere and a calm, dark atmosphere among rocky outcrops, lichens and ferns. Access to the canyon is via a track with seven hairpin bends that demonstrate the art of building passages carved into the rock on the mountain side and masonry on the side facing the void.

The Cols de Vassieux offer breathtaking views of the Marignac en Diois valley, Die, the Col du Rousset, the Glandasse, the Grand Veymont and the entire chain up to the Pic Saint-Michel above Villard-de-Lans and the Chironne rocks. Breathtaking ravines, flowers and butterflies everywhere, a marvel and, as a bonus, the passage of griffon vultures reintroduced to the region!

A family hike that will allow you to discover both sides of the Diois and the Vassieux plateau. No major difficulties in finding your way, just follow theGR®93.

The start is at the Col du Rousset, on the Chamaloc side. If you want to see the Col de Rousset from a different angle, take this hike, which follows a magnificent path carved into the mountainside, with a via ferrata above if you feel so inclined. This path was used by mule drivers to reach Vassieux via the Col de Chironne. You will also admire the magnificent Chironne rocks overlooking the Chamaloc valley.

From the Col de Rousset, a panoramic view of the vultures. From the But de l'Aiglette, close-up view of these beautiful creatures.

Loop starting from the Col du Rousset, setting off along the superb old mule track carved into the hillside, then skirting the plain of the Bergerie de Chironne to reach the Col de Vassieux refuge in the forest. Return via the path overlooking the Diois valley, via the But de l'Aiglette and the Rochers de Chironne. A hike offering a variety of landscapes, overlooking the Diois valley, without being vertiginous. Some hikers have even spotted vultures here.

A superb hike offering breathtaking views of the Vercors plateau accompanied by the flight of vultures! Best done in good weather for unobstructed views.

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 peaceful hike with the panorama of the Croix du Vellan as our destination. View of the entire Diois valley and some of the peaks of the Vercors. A panoramic table invites you to learn about all these peaks.