Tour of the Méouge in the Baronnies Provençales

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From the magnificent Méouge Gorges to the spectacular Chabre and Saint-Cyr ridges, via the summit of the Chamouse mountain and Provençal villages such as Lachau and Eourres, this walking route around the Méouge allows you to experience the essence of the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park. This little-visited valley alternates between fields of lavender and rocky slopes, Scots pine forests and stunning beech woods, pastoral paths and ridges offering exceptional panoramic views.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 46.14 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 12,037 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 12,129 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,102 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,837 ft

Photos

En montant vers le col de Sainte Colombe
Lézard vert
Sur le plateau
Plateau de Chamousse

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
    De Antonaves à Izon-la-Bruisse par les Gorges de la Méouge

    From Antonaves to Izon-la-Bruisse via the Méouge Gorges

    ↔16.76 mi ↗5,105 ft ↘3,675 ft
    The first stage of the Tour de la Méouge gets off to a beautiful start with a complete crossing of the Gorges de la Méouge. It then passes through Barret-sur-Méouge before reaching the Crête de Chabre for a splendid panorama of the Dévoluy, the Écrins and the Ventoux. Then you arrive at the remote hamlet of Izon-la-Bruisse with its spectacular view. It is possible to split the stage in two (recommended in case of high temperatures or bad weather and depending on the level of the participants) by spending the night at the Ferme de l'Ubac, before Barret-sur-Méouge.
    View the route
  2. 2
    La montagne de Chamouse en boucle depuis Izon-la-Bruisse

    The Chamouse mountain in a circular route from Izon-la-Bruisse

    ↔7.09 mi ↗1,739 ft ↘1,749 ft
    This is the second stage of the Tour de la Méouge, which you can skip but which is so beautiful! It's a distillation of the nature of the Baronnies Provençales, from the sunny Provençal adret with its aromatic scents to the humid beech forests, passing through pastures and lavender fields. A wild atmosphere and breathtaking views are guaranteed, especially on the Chamouse ridges.
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  3. 3
    De Izon-la-Bruisse aux Damias

    From Izon-la-Bruisse to Les Damias

    ↔12.63 mi ↗2,710 ft ↘2,963 ft
    The third stage of the Tour de la Méouge, passing through the three pretty villages of Eygalayes, Lachau and Éourres. More beautiful panoramic views of the Southern Alps, as well as a charming pastoral and rural atmosphere.
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  4. E
    Des Damias à Antonaves

    From Damias to Antonaves

    ↔9.66 mi ↗2,484 ft ↘3,743 ft
    The fourth stage of the Tour de la Méouge, featuring two ridge walks as a bonus to round off this trek in style. From Chanteduc, you can look back and see much of the route you’ve covered since the start, and from Saint-Cyr, you’ll have a commanding view over the Buech and Durance valleys. In between, the forests are magnificent.
    View the route

Notes

The route suggested here consists of four stages, but it is preferable to split it into five stages to allow time to enjoy the Méouge Gorges during the first stage (you can stay overnight at the Ferme de l’Ubac, just before Barret-sur-Méouge, or at the Auberge de Barret). 

The circular stage from Izon-la-Bruisse is, of course, optional… but as it would be a shame, if you have the time, not to climb the extraordinary ridges of the Montagne de Chamouse!

If you’re a keen walker and don’t have much time, it’s even possible to complete this circular tour of the Méouge in three days:
1 / Antonaves – Izon-la-Bruisse.
2 / Izon-la-Bruisse – Les Damias.
3 / Les Damias – Antonaves.

The difficulty of the route lies in the length of the stages, but apart from a few very straightforward sections in the Méouge Gorges and on the Crêtes de Chabre, the paths and tracks are very accessible.

The three accommodation options along the route are all genuinely committed to sustainability and offer comfortable and unique stays: the Ferme de l’Ubac in Barret-sur-Méouge, Izon Nature in Izon-la-Bruisse, and Les Damias in Eourres.

Worth a visit

The strength of this route lies in the wide variety of atmospheres and landscapes it offers throughout the journey, alongside exceptional panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the Provençal mountains.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 26183951

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A really lovely 5-day hike – I’d recommend splitting the first stage in two as it’s quite long, especially if it’s hot.
Magnificent views, not many people about.
The recommended accommodation is very good.

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Fanny Alld
Fanny Alld

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We walked around the Méouge over four days, during the week of 8 May 2024, following a combination of the GRP route and the route described in this Visorando guide. This route is absolutely brilliant – we thoroughly enjoyed it!
On Day 1, we walked from Antonnave to Barret-sur-Méouge (3 hours 30 minutes following the GRP route). Day 2: Barret to Izon (GRP) + Montagne Chamouse (8 hours 30 minutes). Day 3: Izon to Les Damias (6 hours following the Visorando guide). Day 4: Les Damias to Antonnave via Pic St Cyr (5 hours 15 minutes following the Visorando guide).
The scenery is magnificent, particularly along the ridges (before Izon and before Pic St Cyr), which offer views of the Alps stretching as far as the eye can see, and even Mont Ventoux!

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bribb
bribb

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb route that’s definitely worth doing. It’s only busy in the Méouge Gorges; otherwise, it’s completely unspoilt!
It’s true that the section from Barret-sur-Méouge to Izon-la-Bruisse is physically demanding: the path runs along the ridge for quite a long stretch and at times you find yourself thinking it’s just as well there’s no wind!
The welcome at the lodges is brilliant. I’ve got a soft spot for the secluded lodge in Izon-la-Bruisse!

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Other walks in the area

Walking From Antonaves to Izon-la-Bruisse via the Méouge Gorges

Visorando Member
De Antonaves à Izon-la-Bruisse par les Gorges de la Méouge
↔16.76 mi ↗+5,105 ft ↘-3,675 ft ◔10 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Antonaves (Hautes-Alpes)
The first stage of the Tour de la Méouge gets off to a beautiful start with a complete crossing of the Gorges de la Méouge. It then passes through Barret-sur-Méouge before reaching the Crête de Chabre for a splendid panorama of the Dévoluy, the Écrins and the Ventoux. Then you arrive at the remote hamlet of Izon-la-Bruisse with its spectacular view. It is possible to split the stage in two (recommended in case of high temperatures or bad weather and depending on the level of the participants) by spending the night at the Ferme de l'Ubac, before Barret-sur-Méouge.

Walking The Pic de Saint-Cyr

Visorando Member
Le Pic de Saint-Cyr
↔6.24 mi ↗+2,533 ft ↘-2,503 ft ◔5h 05 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Antonaves (Hautes-Alpes)
The ascent and descent of this peak take place through the forest, whilst the section between the two follows a stunning ridge route.Note: following reports from several hikers, it is preferable on the return journey to follow the yellow markings indicating the direction of Antonaves.

Walking Summit of Pirivigier - Grand Serre

Visorando Member
Sommet de Pirivigier - Grand Serre
↔4.15 mi ↗+1,030 ft ↘-1,030 ft ◔2h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Châteauneuf-de-Chabre (Hautes-Alpes)
A pleasant walk with no real difficulty, apart from a few steep sections. You’ll enjoy superb views for most of the way. The whole section above Grange Neuve is fairly well signposted.

Walking Along the Méouge Gorges with a return via Pierre Grosse

Visorando Member
↔6.50 mi ↗+2,087 ft ↘-2,116 ft ◔4h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Châteauneuf-de-Chabre (Hautes-Alpes)
Immerse yourself in the refreshing atmosphere of the Méouge Gorges and the forest that covers its southern slopes.Starting from the Roman bridge, this route follows the course of the river via theGRP®® Sud de Buëch-Méouge (Baronnies Provençales Regional Park), then climbs into the woods of Pierre Grosse to overlook the gorges, offering several viewpoints. Note that some people prefer to do it in the opposite direction so they can finish by cooling off in the Méouge!

Walking The Méouge Gorges

Visorando Member
Les Gorges de la Méouge
↔7.43 mi ↗+1,936 ft ↘-1,932 ft ◔5h 05 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Châteauneuf-de-Chabre (Hautes-Alpes)
Hiking through gorges is always a pleasure, and in the Méouge Gorges, it is a real delight.

Walking Around Mison Castle

Visorando Member
Autour du château de Mison
↔3.58 mi ↗+328 ft ↘-302 ft ◔1h 55 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Mison (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
A very pleasant, undulating and varied walk, without difficulty and well signposted. You can enjoy beautiful landscapes throughout the route, as well as at the castle.

Walking Summit of La Platte

Visorando Member
↔6.65 mi ↗+2,625 ft ↘-2,602 ft ◔5h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Pierre-Avez (Hautes-Alpes)
Facing Pic Saint-Cyr, for the curious, there is a summit off the beaten track where you can enjoy a 360° panorama. You can see the Lure mountain, the Buëch valley, the peaks and valleys of the Baronnies Provençales and much more.

Walking Gorge de la Méouge - Crête Saint-Cyr

Visorando Member
Gorge de la Méouge - Crête Saint-Cyr
↔13.07 mi ↗+3,930 ft ↘-3,914 ft ◔9h 25 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Saint-Pierre-Avez (Hautes-Alpes)
Tour des Gorges de la Méouge au départ de Saint-Pierre-Avez en traversant l'intégralité de la crête de la Montage de Saint-Cyr, afin de réaliser un itinéraire un peu plus sportif.

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