A splendid medieval village, a hermit and his cave, a valley in the limestone hills and the views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Ventoux.
Prepare yourself for a nice, family-friendly hike, which will suit everyone.
Calculated time: 2h40[?] 
Distance : 6.44km
Vertical gain : 301m
Vertical drop : 300m
Highest point : 348m
Lowest point : 115m 
Difficulty : Average
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Area : Massif central 
Location : Saint-Montan
(07220)
Starting point : N 44.440268° / E 4.624272° From the village of Saint-Montan, enter the gorge by the road (in the direction of Domaine d’Imbours).
Reach the chapel (1), and take the path behind it marked in yellow/white. Walk along the climbing site, and start to climb the scree.
Two thirds of the way up, you will reach a cross. Leave the marked path and slide over to the home of the hermit Montanus. Be discreet and respect the area. A guestbook is available.
Then return to the path from where you left off and follow it to the town of Larnas (2). Turn South at the intersection after the town hall, to enter the village. Heading towards the containers, find the signs, and follow to find the path.
You enter a paddock (thank you for helping to keep enclosures secure, and close the gates after passing through). Follow the trail before continuing the descent to Saint-Montan (3). Enjoy the view. Upon reaching the village, before heading onto the streets, you can go take a look at the Lourdes cave (4).
Back to the car park.
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 115m
1 : km 1.47 - alt. 250m - Chapel
2 : km 3.29 - alt. 306m - Larnas village
3 : km 3.95 - alt. 342m - Descent to Saint-Montan
4 : km 5.59 - alt. 162m - Lourdes cave
D/A : km 6.44 - alt. 116m
As is often the case in this region, there is no reliable drinking water refill point.
Good shoes, no flip flops, running shoes as a bare minimum. In the climb, the ground is slippery.
Many picnic sites.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Visit the village of Saint Montan, and its castle. Numerous small artists’ shops. The Plateau de Gras offers lavender buds and derived products.
Another hike to the Dent de Rez is available (topographical route to come)
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+503m
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5h15
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The superb medieval hamlet of Roche is well worth the detour.
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3h10
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+167m
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2h25
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+85m
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1h30
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5h30
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12.02km
+522m
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4h55
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and pebble beaches. The cliffs are home to many birds.
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10.83km
+362m
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4h10
Average
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
