Tour of the Baronnies Provençales - Hautes-Alpes alternative route

Discovery trail

History and architecture

Pastoralism

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Located in the heart of the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park, this tour offers visitors the chance to discover unspoiled nature, a unique way of life, a strong rural heritage, cultural treasures, and authentic villages and valleys.
Nestled between the mild climate of Provence and the cool alpine mountains, this incredible mid-mountain region is well worth a visit!

8 steps

Description

The Baronnies Provençales mountain range, a true natural gem, offers a beautiful week-long backpacking trip through a particularly well-preserved landscape.
The journey begins in the Hautes-Alpes at Laborel. A stretch through the Orpierre region takes you past iconic landmarks (Montagne de Chabre, Orpierre cliffs...) and isolated villages.
The trail crosses the Serrois region, known for its unique geology (cliffs, gorges, and folds that shape the landscape), and passes through the narrow upper Oule Valley, home to the pretty village of Montmorin. The loop ends in the charming medieval town of Rosans, at the gateway to the Drôme Provençale.

Departure : Serres
Arrival : Serres
Towns crossed : Serres, Sigottier, Épine, Valdoule, Moydans, Rosans, Montferrand-la-Fare, Saint-Sauveur-Gouvernet, Sainte-Euphémie-sur-Ouvèze, Saint-Auban-sur-l'Ouvèze, Rioms, Montauban-sur-l'Ouvèze, Mévouillon, Vers-sur-Méouge, Izon-la-Bruisse, Sainte-Colombe, Ballons, Barret-sur-Méouge, Orpierre, Trescléoux, Garde-Colombe, Chanousse, Méreuil, and Montclus

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

This route is recommended as an 8-step hike starting from Serres. A shuttle service is available for certain sections (contact the Sisteron Buëch Tourist Office for details). It is also possible to continue toward the Drôme department to complete a longer loop.
Please note: parts of this route are steep, run along rocky slopes.
This route is jointly managed by the FFRandonnée Drôme and Hautes-Alpes, in close collaboration with the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park. It is marked by volunteers from FFRandonnée clubs.

WARNING: On this route, you may encounter guard dogs tasked with defending herds against wolf attacks.
To minimize the risk of conflict, bringing pets is strongly discouraged, even if they are on a leash.
Cyclists, please be especially vigilant: upon seeing a herd, you must get off your bike, stop, and allow the dogs to identify you. Then, give the herd a wide berth, keeping your bike between you and the guard dog.
In any case, remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and do not attempt to cross through the herd.
→ To learn more about how to behave around guard dogs: https://rando.sisteron-alpesprovencales.fr/information/14-Les-patous-et-nous-!

Part of the route is heavily exposed to the sun, so be sure to bring the necessary supplies (water, a hat, sunscreen, etc.) for hot summer days. It’s best to set out early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day.
The trail passes near crops on private property; please do not pick anything from the fields (lavender, fruit, etc.).

Information desks

Place du village, 05700 Orpierre

https://www.sisteron-alpesprovencales.fr/orpierre@sisteron-buech.fr 04 92 66 30 45

Rue Aristide Briand, 05150 Rosans

https://www.sisteron-alpesprovencales.fr/rosans@sisteron-buech.fr 04 92 66 66 66

Place du Lac, 05700 Serres

https://www.sisteron-alpesprovencales.fr/serres@sisteron-buech.fr 04 92 67 00 67

Transport

Let’s limit our travel and consider using public transportation and carpooling: https://zou.maregionsud.fr

Access and parking

From Laragne-Montéglin (17 km), follow the D 1075 northwest to Serres.

Parking :

Tourist Information Office, Serres

7 points of interest

Geology
Pointed rock
This Pointed Rock dominates the Sentier des Moines. It stands out due to its shape. It emerges from the ground and overlooks the surroundings and offers a beautiful view of the village of Serres, its valley and the Buëch river. Its characteristic pointed shape is impressive and makes it the geological specificity of Serres.
Panorama
Viewpoint
The Sentier des Moines dominates the Serrois valley and offers beautiful views of the area, especially from the ridge Crête de Fontarache .
Summit
Crête de Fontarache
The Crête de Fontarache is an essential passage between Serres and the Col de Saumane for hikers following the Sentier des Moines.
Pass
Saumane Pass
The Saumane Pass (1029 m) allows you to reach Serres via the Chapelle de Saumane or the ridge Crête de Fontarache. It also allows access to the Rocher de Jardanne and to reach the village of Sigottier. This grassy path, shaded by trees offers an ideal venue for a break or a picnic in calm weather.
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.
Pass
Col de Saint-Ange
Located on the mountain of Chabre, the Col de St-Ange stands out due to the impressive cliffs that surround it. A climbing site is located there.
Lake and river
La Blaisance
La Blaisance takes its source upstream from the town of Montjay, it is a confluence of several torrents. It flows to the town of Garde-Colombe, passing through Trescléoux. It then flows into the Buëch.