Tour du Buëch
Laragne
Laragne - Martin Champon
Serres

Tour du Buëch

History and architecture
Pastoralism
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Far from the crowds of tourists, this 85-kilometer hiking trail through the Pays du Buëch is brimming with beautiful scenery, history, and authenticity, nestled between Provence and the mountains.

Description

Relatively unknown yet full of contrasts, this 6-day loop takes you through sun-drenched hills, gorges, secluded villages, geological sites of interest, ridges, and iconic landmarks (Montagne de Chabre, Méouge Gorges, Orpierre Cliffs, and more).

For all hikers seeking tranquility, this trail—far from any major cities—is a true journey to a distant land, a unique opportunity to treat yourself to a beautiful change of scenery with the sweet scent of Provence.
  • Departure : Village, Serres
  • Arrival : Village, Serres
  • Towns crossed : Serres, Bersac, Savournon, Garde-Colombe, Laragne-Montéglin, Val Buëch-Méouge, Saint-Pierre-Avez, Barret-sur-Méouge, Sainte-Colombe, Orpierre, Trescléoux, Chanousse, Méreuil, Montclus, and Sigottier

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

WARNING: On this route, you may encounter livestock guard dogs tasked with protecting herds from 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 assess 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-! 


  • Adapt your gear to the day’s weather conditions. The Pays du Buëch can experience intense heat in summer and the harshness of a mountain climate year-round. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes. Trails can be very steep and technical in places.

Transport

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

Access and parking

  • From Grenoble (108 km), take the A51 and the D75 (passing through the Col de La Croix Haute) toward Serres.
  • From Montélimar (115 km), head to Nyons, then follow the D94 to Serres.

Parking :

Tourist Information Center Parking Lot, Serres

11 points of interest

  • 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.

  • 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 Riou

    The Riou takes its source at the bottom of the valley, digging beautiful gorges. It then comes to fill the Riou lake, very popular spot among tourists and locals during hot Summer days.

  • Lake and river

    Riou canyon

    Taking its source in the heart of the national forest of Beynon, the Riou dug its gorges. The Gorges du Riou connects the Jubéo Forest and the village of Saint-Genis.

  • Lake and river

    Riou lake

    Fed by the stream of the same name, Lac du Riou is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike during the summer.
    With supervised swimming in July and August and plenty of amenities (tables, restrooms, playground equipment, and more), Lac du Riou is the perfect place to stop for a refreshing break.
  • 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.

  • Lake and river

    Blaisance river

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Panorama

    Viewpoint

    The Sentier des Moines dominates the Serrois valley and offers beautiful views of the area, especially from the ridge Crête de Fontarache .

  • 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.

More information

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