Sainte Baume Gorges

Sentier très rocailleux et très pentu par endroit.

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Explore the Gorges de la Sainte-Baume to the Romanesque church of Larnas and enjoy the view over the listed village of Saint-Montan

This hike starts from the characterful village of Saint-Montan and goes around the Gorges de la Sainte-Beaume on a pretty steep path through the undergrowth in places. It passes by the Grotte de l’Ermite Montanus (which gave its name to the village); and by the Romanesque church of Larnas (whose setting invites you to take a break with a view of the lavender fields and vineyards of the Laoul plateau).

Description

Start at the hiking information sign located in the post office and pharmacy parking lot, along the D190, which runs from Saint-Montan to Bourg-Saint-Andéol. Carefully follow the PR signs: marked. From the "Bois de Deniéret" signpost, the route shared with the GR 42 is marked with white and red markers. Head north towards the old village and its castle (worth visiting).

Cross the bridge on the left onto the D262, towards Larnas. Pass the church (drinking fountain on the right just before it). Cross a small bridge and continue on the road next to the stream to the San Montana chapel on the right.
Climb up and follow the steep path that begins at the southeast corner of the chapel. Small signs will lead you to the Hermit's Cave. The trail leading there leaves the PR sign. Return to the trail; be careful, the scree slopes you cross are very steep. After about 1.8 km of climbing, descend to the right, following the PR signs. If you continue straight up, you'll shorten the trail by 500 m and avoid some elevation gain.
When you reach the "Bois de Deniéret" signpost, turn left and follow the main trail towards Larnas until you reach the intersection (you're taking the GR42, marked white and red), with a calvary on the right. Descend to the nearby road and follow it to the left to descend towards the church, passing an old threshing machine. The Saint Pierre church is a fine example of Romanesque art worth visiting. Return to the road until you reach the intersection and continue straight on the D262 to the nearby town hall, where you'll find a watering hole on the facade and the hiking information panel (alternative departure point).
Take the small road opposite the town hall (leaving the Calvary on your right) which leads to the small village. Pass under the porch, then take Rue des Jardins which descends along the access to the restaurant parking lot. Then take the grassy path which becomes a trail. You may have to open and then close a gate/fence. Carefully follow the GR and PR markings.
The rocky path climbs to the "La Peyrière" signpost. From there, follow "St Montan, 1.7 km" on the left. Follow the path through the undergrowth. Climb to the summit, then pay attention to the markings as you descend towards the village of St Montan. Small forks to the left offer beautiful viewpoints. Be careful on the limestone slabs and rolling stones. At the intersection with several trails: take the one that descends towards the village. Once you reach the village, walk along the wall of a house then descend to the paved road. Don't hesitate to visit the beautiful old village. To return to the parking lot, go back past the church and follow "Bourg-Saint-Andéol".

Departure : Hiking information panel - post office parking lot
Arrival : Hiking information panel - post office parking lot
Towns crossed : SAINT-MONTAN and LARNAS

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

Randonnée fortement déconseillée par temps humides. En été, protégez-vous du soleil et prenez à boire en suffisance.

Bonnes chaussures et éventuellement bâtons de marche pour les parties pentues et rocailleuses.

Access and parking

From Aubenas or Montélimar, take the D86 and, at Montmale, take the D262 towards Saint-Montan.

From Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, take the D4 towards Saint-Remèze, then the D262 towards Larnas/Saint-Montan and take the small road to the Gorges de la Sainte-Baume (be careful, this road is one-way in summer; refer to the road signs).

From Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, join the D86 then go through Saint-Just-d'Ardèche; bypass Bourg-Saint-Andéol, and at the roundabout at the end of the bypass, take the second exit and then the first road on the right: the D190 to Saint-Montan.

Parking :

Car park post office and pharmacy

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