The 8 most beautiful hikes to do in the Drôme

We often think of the Drôme for its river, its lavenders or its famous Clairette. But in addition to being a gateway to Provence, it is also the point of reference of the most beautiful massifs of Vercors and Baronnies. So let's go to the discovery of the most beautiful trails!

The Drôme to the nougat is usually considered Montélimar or the ravioli of Romans but the area is especially famous for its magnificent views. The majestic massifs of Vercors, Baronnies or the enchanting forest of Saoû are true treasures for hikers. Thus, the Drôme carries famous hiking names such as the 3 beaks or the Grand Veymont.

Such as the giants of nature, they are not only considered as simple plots, but represent true cultural heritages for the region. If you visit the Drôme, then follow its paths to discover all its nuances.

1. The 3 beaks

The 3 Becs represent the must-see hike if you pass through the Drôme. Rich in aerial panoramas, it offers you a real 360° on the area. The trail is very popular, it will first climb you through the forest of Saou before giving you a clear view of the donkey and the famous 3 beaks.

It is important to know that each beak consists of a pass offering a different and spectacular view of the Drôme and its surroundings. The ascent of the first beak (Mont Veyou) is the hardest part of the three. But once done, you will be able to access the Signal, second beak, then the Roche Courbe, the last beak, before entering the redescent.

Hiking is not technical but climbs are sometimes steep, which requires a certain physical effort. Many steps are present on the course (especially at the beginning) but the sweat is largely worth it as the panoramas are grandiose. It remains accessible to all and it is also a very good idea of hiking to be done with family.

The whole course and perfectly marked and which says a must-see hike also says popular trail and taken. We therefore advise you to avoid the hours of competition to enjoy the best of the show.

2. The Troglodytic Village of Barry

For an out-of-the-ordinary hike, we offer a family circuit to see the troglodytic village of Barry. Not only is this old village one of the most beautiful in France, but it is also one of the most important.

You will start the hike in Saint Restitut, which alone is a true wonder. Between its chapel, its church and its ramparts, the village contains treasures of history in a beauty of the most picturesque places.

If the main part of the walk is made in the undergrowth it will then allow you to access the unusual troglodyte village nestled on the hillside. On the site, you can observe vestiges dating from the Celtic period to the Roman period. And by continuing your path, you will be entitled to a superb show on the Rhone Valley.

This hike in the easy and accessible Drôme will offer you to discover different unusual monuments of history. A true journey in time, if you don't know this trail, go discover it.

3. The Great Veymont

If there is a hike you need to know in the Vercors, it is that of the Grand Veymont. Famous, this trail will offer you a breathtaking view of the Vercors massif and Mont Aiguille.

The frame is truly sensational with a 360° panorama from the top of the Vercors to the Three Becs in Drôme. In the background, you will be able to observe a new show with a view of the Massif des Écrins and the Chaine de Belledonne.

But beyond the panorama, you may have the chance to attend beautiful scenes of life between the inhabitants of the massif: marmots and ubiquitous have chosen a fixed home in this mountain. With an altitude of 2,341 metres, the Grand Veymont dominates much of the Vercors and represents the ideal place to observe vultures.

The greatest difficulty of climbing lies in its length and if the trail does not present in itself any technicality, with an 8-hour hike, you will have to leave early!

However, you have the opportunity to split the course in half by bivouacing on site. We do not advise you to put the tent at the level of the Grand Veymont which is too exposed to the wind, but the experience is magical to achieve at the Pas des Bachassons. For hiking with adventure and breath cut, don’t hesitate for a second to go on the Great Veymont.

4. The Gueulards Canyon

For a refreshing stop, head to the Canyon des Gueulards. With a trail you can no longer atypical, narrow cliffs and an imposing canyon, the hike ensures a total change.

A large part of the walk is done in the shade in the coolness of the undergrowth to end just a step from the river. Although the climb to reach the Chaffal is steep, the reward is set with a superb view to the key. From the Canyon, you can also find a beautiful collection of mini cairns.

It is the easy, original and atypical hike in the region that is fun to be realized for adults, teenagers and children. However, be careful not to venture on the path in rainy weather. The place is wet and has slippery areas, which is why we advise to abandon the flip flops for a good pair of walking shoes.

5. Head of Chevalière via the valley of Combeau

To discover high-mountain landscapes without undergoing significant denivelé, the Horse Head via the Vallon de Combeau is the popular hike to be realized on the Top Plateaux du Vercors.

Between the departments of Drôme and Isère, the route starts at the valley of Combeau. Small corner of paradise and entrance door to the high plateaus of Vercors, this first stage offers a sublime, more than promising panorama for the continuation.

The trail then crosses the Pas de l’Essaure before reaching the Chevalière head at 1,915 metres above sea level. The finish is striking, above the clouds with a superb view of Mont Aiguille, the Trièves valley and the rest of Vercors.

The hike is not long, count three or four hours in a green setting from which you can even see ubiquitous trees that cross the mountain.

Accessible to all, each portion of the hike is conducive to contemplation. So you can modulate, decide to make the loop or stop before to then enjoy the visit of the surrounding villages.

6. Piegon and the hamlet of Les Géants

A new hike that is both sumptuous and unusual in the heart of the wild mountains of Baronnies: Piegon and the hamlet of Giants. With panoramic views of Mont Ventoux and the discovery of a historical heritage of the region, this hike is a great discovery if you are passing through the Drôme.

This beautiful walk accessible to the small and large alternates between vineyards and undergrowth and offers great views of the surrounding villages. And imagine a small hamlet of giants in the middle of the Baronnies mountains. Legend or reality?

Skeletons with larger sizes than the average were found in the very crypt of La Chapelle that you are about to visit... It's worth the detour!

7. The Grand Pomerolle from the hostel of the Dauphins

At the heart of the emblematic site of the Saou Forest, discover a magnificent hike in the Drôme from the old Dauphins hostel. The trail starts to the small Pomerolle and offers great views of the valley.

Much of the ascent is done in the heart of the forest of Saoû, the ideal to be fresh in the summer season. The view emerges around 800 meters above sea level, and then arrives the superb view over Saoû and Roche Colombe.

Once this first part behind you, you then get to the path to the Grand Pomerolle and serious things start. The presence of a more substantial denial may be difficult by location.

But once the effort has reached the top, it is quickly forgotten by the diving view of the 3 Becs. Sporty but dazzling, the Grand Pomerolle and the ideal hike to discover the forest of Saoû and the magnificent landscapes of the Drôme.

8. Le Rocher Julien

For its diversity of landscapes, the hike from the Rocher de Julien to Buis-les-Baronnies represents a magnificent view of the Drôme Provençale.

Between vineyards, village and mountain, the route takes a tour of this famous climbing site while offering you the most beautiful views of the Baronnies and Mont Ventoux. Small and large children will appreciate the beauty of this popular place of the premises but little known to tourists.