Serre de Barre - Croix de Bancillon - Alauzas

Date of your route : Sep 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Although the route is not very long, I would classify it as difficult . The first part is really very tough.
In terms of signage, the route is sometimes difficult to find in the broom, the yellow markings are few and far between or completely faded, so you can never be quite sure you're on the right track. Once you reach the summit, it's easy to follow the route.
The magnificent view is your reward.
Michel

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Date of your route : May 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A challenging climb for experienced walkers
The reward on arrival at Serre de Barre is well worth the climb!
Incredible views over the Cévennes ridges

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Date of your route : May 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

By 2025, the ‘Serre de Barre’ signpost had disappeared, and further up the path was lost in the broom, whilst the yellow markings were fading. It is important to note that for those with ageing legs, this climb is gruelling and difficult, not because of the steep gradient—which is to be expected given the slope’s profile up to point 1—but because of the constant need to navigate over rocks, some of which are slippery, where walking poles get in the way. Best avoided after wet weather, or when descending! At point 1, it’s nice to take the GR to the right for a return trip to the first summit, before completing the circular route suggested, which is much more peaceful afterwards.
Jacques, 77

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Date of your route : Apr 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

It’s a really steep climb right from the start and goes on for ages, with sections where you have to use your hands. But the view is well worth it! The descent through the chestnut trees is lovely.

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I only walked part of this route, with the aim of reaching the “lookout” at Serre de Barre, which offers a superb view - There are indeed several ways to get there, but all involve a steep climb, naturally – you can set off from Brahic (route on Visorando), or from Naves (a very pretty village with lovely scenery on the way there, starting from the path just before Naves when coming from Les Vans; easy going up to Alauzas) (And what a return journey, heading down to Naves!) - The Bancillon cross is a must-see on all the routes - You can’t go wrong and they’re all worth it – take your pick, depending on their length...
I would have added some photos, but I don’t know how to do it.

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Date of your route : Apr 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

There’s no doubt that the section starting at point 1 is superb, but it’s clear that an inexperienced hiker or one who isn’t in great shape will reach the summit feeling completely knackered. It’s a technical climb: you often have to use your hands.
I’ve done it myself and I’m 76, but I’ve been hiking for... 40 years.
As the leader of a hiking club, I have to say that the climb isn’t easy.

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Hello LUCO07,
That is precisely the appeal of this route: reaching the Serre de Barre via a path which, although physically demanding (but without any particular difficulty), as I state right at the start of the guide, offers us a constant view of the Chassezac valley and the mountains in the background.
There are, of course, other routes leading to the Serre de Barre, which I have, in fact, taken in previous years, but the one I discovered this year and have just published is, in my view, the most appealing… precisely because it is open and unobstructed throughout the ascent.
It goes without saying that if you prefer crossing through forests with no views at all (or even on tracks), it’s better to take the other routes, which are also listed on the Visorando website.
Have a good day.

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Date of your route : Apr 05, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

physical difficulties right from the start.... See another start

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