In the footsteps of the Huguenots in the Saoû Forest

From Saou, take the D136 towards the Silo car park in the Saou Forest.

(S/E) Walk alongside the Atlas cedars, passing L’Auberge des Dauphins, to reach the Écogardes office.

(1) Continue straight on to reach the Chemin de la Grande Combe. Very shaded and fairly wide, this path climbs gently. The whole family can take it at a leisurely pace and stop at one of the picnic areas lining the path. Continue to the Les Douglas signpost.

(2) The path, running alongside the old bed of the Vèbre, narrows as the vegetation becomes denser.

(3) On the right-hand side of the path, a guardrail, near an old stone dam, indicates that it is time to turn back. Stay on the path you took on the way out to return to the car park (S/E).

Dogs must be kept on a lead.

It is strongly recommended that you take IGN map no. 3138OT with you. Hikers must be self-sufficient; professional guides are available if required. Emergency number: 18 or 112.
Information from the Val de Drôme Tourist Office, Saoû branch: 04 75 76 01 72 / tourisme@val-de-drome.fr / www.valleedeladrome.com
Departmental Sensitive Natural Areas: 04 75 79 27 21 / eenvironnement@ladrome.fr / www.ladrome.fr/ens-foret-de-saou

The Saoû Forest
Acquired under the Sensitive Natural Areas policy, the Saoû Forest is the largest property in the Drôme Department (2,500 ha). Designated a ‘listed site’ in 1942 and recognised as being of European interest under the Natura 2000 scheme, it is managed according to the principles of sustainable development in consultation with local stakeholders.

A land of refuge
Local Protestantism originated just south of the Saoû Forest, in Le Poët-Célard. The Reformation was quickly adopted by the majority of the inhabitants and local lords.
Following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, the forest became a place of refuge for followers of the Reformation. They gathered there during the ‘Desert’ period to practise their faith in secret. Isabeau Vincent, a shepherdess from Soyans, was part of the movement of the ‘little prophets’.
This tradition of refuge and resistance endured until the Second World War, when members of the Resistance hid there.