Volvent walks

A summit in southern Diois (1613m), isolated between the Aucelon and Couspeau mountains, offers beautiful 360° views. The starting point is in Volvent, a small village of thirty inhabitants at the end of the Roanne Valley.

On the border between the Baronnies and the Diois, the ridges of the Montagne de Praloubeau overlook the village of Volvent and its valley with arid vegetation on the western side and, on the eastern side, Jonchères with a greener valley.Magnificent 360° panorama of the surrounding mountains, stretching as far as the Dévoluy massif to the north and Mont Ventoux to the south.

Beautiful hike on the slopes of Couspeau, above Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert. Unobstructed view of the Roanne basin, the Servelle, the Diois and Vercors mountains.

I suggest a short walk in the Marais des Bouligons and its surroundings: this is a protected area covering 65 hectares, home to remarkable flora and fauna.This walk is fairly easy and is particularly suitable for families.

If you enjoy a good climb with cables to help you and then discovering an exceptional 360° panorama over the whole of southern Diois, then you will love this hike. Best done in June for the flowers; by mid-July, it's already too late.

From Saint-Benoît, a hilltop village and strategic point, climb up the paths once used by farmers through the sunny south-facing slopes. They offer breathtaking views of the Roanne Gorges.

This is a beautiful hike that follows the ridges of Serre de Créma and then Serre la Tête, passing by the highest point of Rocher de la Bataille. This route offers breathtaking views that change as you walk between the Miélandre and Angèle mountains.

This is a wild hike to discover the little Chapelle des Sadous chapel through the ravines of the Vallon de la Coullance, followed by a crescendo climb to the summit of Montagne de Faraud. From the top of this spur, you can enjoy views of the Trois Becs, the Grand Delmas and the Montagne de Couspeau, the Diois, the Dévoluy, the Vercors and the Grand Veymont.

Visit the Trois Becs, the high points of the Forest of Saou. Correction: the elevation is 750 m instead of the 1071 m described.

A circular walk on Couspeau mountain, with the summit of the Grand Delmas offering views over the surrounding mountains, particularly the 3 Becs.

The route along the ridge overlooking Rémuzat and the cliffs at the summit of Le Caire are home to majestic griffon vultures.

The great cliff of Rocher du Caire rises above Rémuzat. Look up and you'll see griffon vultures flying over the valley. Please note that a hiker has informed us that a municipal by-law (posted at the top) prohibits hiking in the opposite direction.

Both Mediterranean and Alpine, this contrasting hike reflects the diverse nature of the region. It includes some tricky sections, but the summit and ridges offer magnificent views. The feeling you get and the beauty of the landscapes are well worth the effort.

This hike in the Glandasse massif takes you up to almost 1,500 metres with unobstructed views and a 360° panorama. The originality of this hike lies in the fact that the trail takes you through a pedestrian tunnel carved into the mountainside, which is a little vertiginous.

A lovely little hike to the summit of Pégarnier, which offers magnificent views of the villages of Espenel, Vercheny and Aurel en Diois.

This wild route allows you to discover the Miélandre mountain via a climb on the south side. From the summit, you can admire the Angèle mountain pastures, the Montagne de La Croix, the Lance mountains, the Trois Becs, Couspeau and Mont Ventoux. Chamois can also be seen if you know how to remain discreet.

A beautiful hike along the ridge between the Hautes-Alpes and the Drôme.

Another, quieter and wilder route across the ridges of Les 3 Becs.It is possible to do this without returning (shorter) by descending to the Col de la Chaudière, in which case two cars are recommended (or hitchhiking). Please note that the route passes through a wildlife sanctuary. Certain sections are closed between 15 May and 15 July. Special signage and a diversion from the GR®9 have been put in place to guide users, see here.

Like a ship, the massif stands at the foot of the Vercors and offers a panoramic view of the Drôme and Rhône valleys. In good weather, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Alps and, on the opposite side, the Cévennes. Several contemplative breaks are necessary to discover these landscapes. Please note that the route passes through a quiet zone for wildlife. 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 users, see here.

I suggest taking a short walk to the heights of the village of Châtillon-en-Diois to reach the Cascade de l'Adoux waterfall. The route is mainly through the woods, punctuated by some pretty views. Please note: some sections require careful footing.

Tour of the Montagne de Chabrier starting from Saillans.