Saou walks

The west summit of Saou forest, which marks the beginning (or end) of this forest.

Roche Colombe is the stern of the great ship formed by the Saoû Forest, offering a remarkable view of the Vercors, the Drôme and the interior of the forest. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel plateau in the event of a fire risk , assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

At the foot of the Aiguilles, you will pass through a wide variety of environments. Wetlands and arid areas alternate between the Vèbre and the Mediterranean slopes of the Pas de l'Estang and the Palloir.

A route in the Saou forest, where you’ll follow the tourist trail before heading down the Sentier Muletier. Please note that this descent is technical; some stony sections require caution!

A beautiful route that will take you through the Saou Forest, then to the foot of Rochecolombe Mountain. The route follows fun and varied paths through the woods. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A challenging route, with a short section where you’ll need to carry your bike on the climb up to the Pas de l’Échelette. Enjoy the panoramic views of Crest, the Drôme valley and the Trois Becs! ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A discovery trail in the heart of the Saou Forest, along easy paths and tracks suitable for the whole family. In the heart of the forest, don’t miss the Auberge des Dauphins and its remarkable architecture.The Saou Forest, acquired as part of the Sensitive Natural Areas policy, is the Department’s largest property (2,500 ha). Listed as a protected site since 1942, it is now managed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, in consultation with local stakeholders. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

Head east to explore the tourist trail created by Maurice Burrus in 1930. The route passes at the foot of the Trois-Becs. To round off this walk, a descent along forest paths and tracks will make you forget the long climb. The Saou Forest, acquired as part of the Sensitive Natural Areas policy, is the Department’s largest property. Listed as a protected site since 1942, it is managed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, in consultation with local stakeholders. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

From the top of this cliff, you have a beautiful view of the Vercors, the foothills of the Ardèche, the Rhône valley and the entire Saoû forest with the Trois Becs at the other end.

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.

Following paths and small tracks, mostly through woodland, this walk offers some beautiful views and the remains of an ancient hilltop fortified village. The top of the village, where three crosses stand, offers a magnificent viewpoint with an orientation table. There is a 270° panorama of the foothills of the Vercors and Diois, Roche Colombe, the Trois Becs, the Montagne de Couspeau, the northern Rhône valley and the Ardèche mountains.

After swimming in the Roubion, you can finish the descent at nightfall: Vaire is a remarkable platform for stargazing, at the foot of the southern slope of the Saoû syncline. Please note: the route is impassable when the Roubion is in flood.

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.

A family walk, starting from the Roubion valley, to discover the old village of Soyans, dominated by the Romanesque church of Saint-Marcel and the castle ruins. Perched on the edge of the cliff, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Roubion Valley, the Saoû Forest to the north and the Couspeau Mountain to the east.

In the heart of the Diois region, the Saou Forest is home to some lovely treasures.The Saint-Médard Chapel is one of them: a viewpoint offering a unique vista of the Trois Becs. Although the path up is a bit steep, it makes for a lovely family walk. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

This walk will take you on a journey through the agricultural landscape of the Saoû Forest. The walk begins along the hay meadows at the foot of the forest. You will then pass close to the ruins of Raillon and Fuoc, remnants of the many farms that once stood at the foot of the forest. This walk is suitable for all-terrain pushchairs.Dogs must be kept on a lead. ⚠️ 1 July 2026: Between 1 July and 15 September,Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of afirerisk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

This walk takes you along various historic routes through the Saoû Forest.You can start this circular walk from the Écogardes Office, heading towards Le Chemin de la Grande Combe, then follow the directions in the text.Dogs must be kept on a lead. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A very beautiful walk for regular walkers which, in good weather, will allow you to discover the ridges of the Eyzahut rocks, Saint-Maurice, Mont Ventoux, the Lance massif, the Montagne d’Angèle, the Trois Becs and the Grand Delmas. ⚠️ 1 July 2026: Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk , assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A 10 km circular route, the first part of which offers a pleasant walk in the shade through the beautiful Saoû Forest, whilst the second, sunnier part offers splendid panoramic views of the perched syncline. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A short exploratory walk through the Saou Forest on the northern side of the syncline and through the woodland.Beautiful views during the ascent and, at the end of the descent, of Piegros Castle, the Drôme valley and the Vercors foothills. A stunning 360° panorama from the Chapel of Saint-Médard. ⚠️Between 1 July and 15 September,Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of afirerisk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

This walk allows you to discover the remains of an ancient fortified village on a hilltop, at the top of which are three crosses and a magnificent viewpoint with an orientation table. 270° panorama of the foothills of the Vercors and Diois, Roche Colombe, the Trois Becs, the Montagne de Couspeau, the northern Rhône valley and the Ardèche mountains.

Sheltered by the imposing wall of the Saoû perched syncline, you will pass close to the ruins of Pradas and also enjoy unobstructed views over the Roubion valley. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû forest and the Ambel plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A hike with a significant elevation gain but no particular difficulty apart from its length; a good part of the route is shaded in case of hot weather.See Practical Information regarding the section near the cliffs.Reserved for experienced hikers. Please note: the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are off-limits between 15 May and 15 July.Specific signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide users; seehere. 

A beautiful, long hike that alternates between forest, alpine meadows and ridge paths before returning through the forest.A gentle climb through the forest via the Grande Combe, which zigzags between two cliffs. Then the view opens up between the Pas de Siara and the Pas de la Laveuse, passing by the Veyou and close to the other peaks of the Trois Becs. Descent through the beech forest.The effort is richly rewarded by the variety of landscapes and superb views over the Vercors and the Saou Forest syncline. Please note: the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. 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 walkers; seehere. 

This route offers a good introduction to this hilltop forest, its tranquillity and the birdsong. You’ll come close to the Trois Becs without actually climbing them. Just enough to make you want to come back and tackle them. ⚠️ The route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are off-limits between 15 May and 15 July. Specific signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide walkers; see here. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saoû forest and the Ambel plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A short circular path through the forest, perfect for enjoying the shade. You’ll walk through a splendid beech forest on a north-facing slope.Dogs must be kept on a lead.

A lovely walk where ‘diversity’ is the watchword! This superb route, winding its way between two cliffs, takes you gradually uphill via the Grande Combe, amidst lush vegetation. The Pas de Siara offers a glimpse of the southern Alpine meadows of the Trois Becs, where sheep from neighbouring valleys graze during the summer grazing season. The descent is gentle through the beech forest, typical of the montane zone. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September,Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saoû forest and the Ambel plateau in the event of afirerisk, which is assessed daily. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

A lovely, gentle round-trip walk that will take you in the footsteps of the Huguenots through the Saoû Forest. The walk is fully accessible to all-terrain pushchairs.

Explore the south-western ridge of the famous Saou Forest. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

From the Auberge des Dauphins, a magnificent climb via the Grande Combe leads to the Rocher de la Laveuse and the Trois Becs – a legendary hike in the Saou Forest. ⚠️ The route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are off-limits between 15 May and 15 July. Specific signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide walkers; see here. ⚠️ Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning the temporary restriction of access to the Saou Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk, which is assessed daily. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

The heart of the Saou Forest has a very distinctive atmosphere for the region, with its dense vegetation, gorges and cliffs. You might feel as though you’re in another country. A few routes published on Visorando pass through this forest, but they all differ in terms of the return route. Here we suggest a relatively challenging route that will take you along the northern ridges and through its beautiful landscapes. Please note that the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are off-limits between 15 May and 15 July. Special signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide walkers; seehere. 

The hilltop village of Le Poët-Célard offers a journey back in time as you wander through its medieval streets leading up to the castle. Then discover the local area, including the Château de Saint-André.

A superb hike in the Saoû Forest, ideal for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts – a challenge for us as novice hikers. Despite the fairly long route, we were delighted and, above all, pleasantly surprised by the untamed beauty of the landscape and the view of the Trois Becs. ⚠️ 1 July 2026: Between 1 July and 15 September, Prefectural Order DDT-SEF-2026-0176 of 4 June 2026 concerning temporary restrictions on access to the Saoû Forest and the Ambel Plateau in the event of a fire risk , assessed on a daily basis. A map is published every evening (around 5.30 pm) for the following day.

Pleasant circular path, mostly shaded. The ascent and descent are steady and present no technical difficulty. After rain, the path is easier to walk in the opposite direction.

A short hike in a magnificent setting. The undergrowth alternates with open views of the landscape and beautiful panoramas. Taking the loop in an anti-clockwise direction allows for a more gradual climb and a descent with a beautiful view overlooking Pont-de-Barret in front of you.

This wild route offers beautiful views of the village of Pont-de-Barret, the meanders of the Roubion, the Montagne de Sainte-Euphémie, the Marsanne plain, Miélandre, Saint-Maurice and the Eysahut rocks.

The first part of the route is wild and offers beautiful views of the village of Pont-de-Barret and the meanders of the Roubion, as well as the Montagne de Sainte-Euphémie and the Marsanne plain. On the western side of the plateau, there is access to a viewpoint over Roche Colombe, the Trois Becs and the Montagne de Couspeau, then on the southern side, Saint-Maurice and the Eysahut rocks as you descend the track. Finish with a wild trail in a small valley.