Exploring villages and local flavors on horseback
A proximité de la montagne du Risou
A proximité de la montagne du Risou - Espace Rando
Serres

Exploring villages and local flavors on horseback

Agriculture and know-how
History and architecture
Pastoralism
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A wonderful culinary getaway horse riding between Provence and the Alps!

Description

This 5-day ride through Provence and the Alps will be filled with scenic views, cultural heritage, and local specialties. Ride through the medieval villages and hilltop hamlets of the Buëch and Baronnies Provençales valleys to discover their history, their cultures, and all the secrets of the region’s flavors: tender local lamb, homemade charcuterie, fresh sheep’s milk cheese, or aged goat cheese—not to mention sweet treats like honey, nougat, and macarons, as well as fruits, juices, and other local liqueurs made from apples, pears, plums, quinces...
  • Departure : Village center, Savournon
  • Arrival : Village center, Savournon
  • Towns crossed : Serres, Sigottier, Épine, Valdoule, Ribeyret, Moydans, Rosans, Saint-André-de-Rosans, Sorbiers, Montjay, Étoile-Saint-Cyrice, Chanousse, Orpierre, Garde-Colombe, Trescléoux, Laragne-Montéglin, Lazer, Upaix, Ventavon, Savournon, and Bersac

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

WARNING: On this route, you may encounter livestock guard dogs that protect herds from wolf attacks.
To avoid any problems, it is strongly advised not to bring a pet dog, even if it is on a leash.
If you come across a herd, stay calm: stop, let the guard dogs get a sense of who you are, then give the herd a wide berth without making any sudden movements. When facing a livestock guard dog, do not make any sudden movements, do not look it in the eyes (like any dog, it may perceive a fixed gaze as aggression), stop until it has identified you, remain calm and passive, do not threaten it, and do not pet it.
To learn the proper actions to take when encountering livestock guard dogs, visit: https://rando.sisteron-alpesprovencales.fr/information/14-Les-patous-et-nous-!  

  • Trails currently undergoing upgrades. Certain sections will be modified: around the Bois de Faye in the town of Savournon (north-facing slope of Montagne de l'Aup), in the hamlet of Arzeliers (locally known as L'Ecluse) north of Laragne, and northwest of Orpierre (hamlet of La Montagne, Les Planes area).
  • Help ensure the quality of your riding areas. The Suricate website allows you to report any issues you encounter while riding.
  • Be sure to close the gates to the pastures; do not startle the herds.
  • Horses are considered “vehicles.” As such, they are subject to traffic laws.
  • Wearing safety gear (helmet) is recommended.
  • Possible starting point from Rosans, west of the loop
  • This trail is marked in two colors: yellow where it follows PR trails and white-red where it follows GR 94 and 91 (equestrian markers will still be present).

Transport

Let’s limit our trips and use public transportation and carpooling: https://zou.maregionsud.fr 

Access and parking

From Laragne-Montéglin (19 km), follow the D 1075 north toward Serres, then turn onto the D 21 east to reach Savournon.

Parking :

Church's parking lot, Savournon

8 points of interest

  • Geology

    Sigottier Cliff

    Overlooking Sigottier village, this cliff is a significant rock-climbing site. Around thirty routes are settled with an initiation area for beginners.

  • Flora

    Broom Flowers

    Mostly situated around the mediterranean area and in the Côte d’Azur, broom flowers (Cytisius scoparius) can even be found in south Alps. Broom flowers can be seen on the whole territory and their sight and scent are very enjoyable. Broom flowers also make the landcape lovely.

  • Lake and river

    The Ceans

    Taking its source at the top of the mountain of Chamouse, the Ceans crosses all the Orpierrois-district before flowing into the Buëch at the level of Garde-Colombe. Over 22 km long, the torrent partly follows the route of the Princes of Orange.

  • Panorama

    Viewpoint

    On the climb up Vieil Eyguians, you’ll find a small bench where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Chabre, the Eyglière ridge, and the Rocher de Beaumont.
  • Panorama

    Viewpoint

    Enjoy a magnificent view of the Garde-Colombe valleys on one side and the Lazerois valleys on the other. The Chabre and Saint-Genis mountains are also visible.
  • Pass

    Faye pass

    The Col de Faye, located at an elevation of 922 meters, connects the Savournon Valley with the towns of Faye, Lazer, and Ventavon. This route, well known to locals, saves time when traveling from the Gap road to Serrois by avoiding detours of several dozen kilometers. It is also one of the highest points on the “Tour de la montagne d’Aujour” cycling trail.
  • Lake and river

    Channe stream

    Originating at Rocher de la Pisse, near the summit of Beynon, the Channe stream flows through the entire valley before emptying into the Canal des Grès. It crosses the “Tour du Buëch” regional hiking trail at a bridge on the road between Savournon and the Jubéo parking lot.
  • Lake and river

    The Buëch River

     A tributary of the Durance, the Buëch Riover is a peaceful river that irrigates many apple fields  and other orchards along its course. Taking its source in Lus-la-Croix-Haute, the stream stretches for 85 kilometers and drops to an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters.

More information

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