(S/E) From the Col de Cayron (Canyon Pass) car park in Gigondas (follow signs in Gigondas).
Take the forest trail to the right in a south-west direction that takes you to the Rocher du Midi (Belvédère) and then onto Alsau pass. Continue on the forest trail that takes you to the ruins of the Saracen tower.
Keep to this same trail until the tank at the edge of Souira.
(1) At the fork, take the path to left at the hairpin bend, along the vineyards.
(2) Take the left path that runs through the vineyards to the Grand Montmirail.
Continue on this single trail that leads to the "Mon Rêve” car park.
(3) Above the car park, a waymarked trail climbs through woods to the climbing site that you should follow to the right (eastwards) and, after a beautiful descent, will lead you to the village of Lafare.
Get back to the road (RD90), go through the village heading north along the road, then back and follow the GR (route de Gigondas) to the left.
(4) At the tank, turn left then right to reach a car park at a turn in the road.
(5) To the right of the car park, a (very steep) waymarked trail heads up to the road that passes beneath the Saint Christophe chapel, at the foot of a rock climb.
Continue along the road to the left (west) through the Cassan estate. Continue on the road catching up with the forest trail to the left (south) which will take you straight to Col de Cayron car park.
Hike to the Tour des Dentelles de Montmirail
A superb hike around the Dentelles de Montmirail.
This trek will take you through all sides of the Dentelles.
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 14.04 km -
Calculated time: 5h 40 -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Return to departure point: Yes -
Vertical gain: + 567 m -
Vertical drop: - 575 m -
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Highest point: 460 m -
Lowest point: 158 m
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District: Gigondas (84190) -
Start/End: N 44.158999° / E 5.024846° -
IGN map(s): Ref. 3040ET -
Description
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 404 m
- 1 : km 4.86 - alt. 290 m
- 2 : km 5.51 - alt. 277 m
- 3 : km 7.07 - alt. 237 m
- 4 : km 8.74 - alt. 394 m
- 5 : km 10.74 - alt. 175 m
- 6 : km 11.38 - alt. 226 m
- 7 : km 11.69 - alt. 271 m - Chapelle Saint-Christophe
- S/E : km 14.04 - alt. 404 m
Useful Information
Requires good physical fitness and good hiking shoes with ankle support.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
Must-see features:
- The Belvédère at the Rocher du Midi (go up the wooden steps through cedars to the viewpoint with orientation table).
- The Saracen tower in ruins (up there too).
- La Chapelle Saint Christophe (in the foothills of the cliff).
- The Dentelles (visible along the route).
- Climbing rocks.
Other walks in the area
The Dentelles of Montmirail leaving from Gigondas
Walker 6.58 km
+327 m
-320 m
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Gigondas (84 - Vaucluse)
A hike for everyone. You will find typical Mediterranean vegetation, protected flora and fauna. Equip yourself with good walking shoes and water. Respect nature and the silence (take your rubbish with you). Making fires, picking flowers and wild camping are strictly prohibited. Only follow the waymarking colours mentioned in the description.
The ridges of the Petites and Grandes Dentelles de Montmirail
Walker 
7.35 km
+493 m
-487 m
3h 30
Difficult
Departure from Lafare (84 - Vaucluse)
A short loop to discover these two characteristic rock formations as well as Saint-Christophe's Chapel, which protects the site, taking a less conventional route.
The Arfuyen Ridges
Walker 
15.09 km
+568 m
-576 m
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Le Barroux (84 - Vaucluse)
Starting from Sainte-Madeleine Abbey at Barroux, this is quite a wild route offering many views over Mont Ventoux, the Dentelles de Montmirail and the surrounding plains.
Paty lake and chapel via le Barroux
Walker 
13.16 km
+369 m
-369 m
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Caromb (84 - Vaucluse)
A hike against the backdrop of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, taking you through the village of Barroux to admire the castle and the beautiful views of the valley. The walk then continues past Paty lake and chapel.
Circuit to Le Barroux from Malaucène
Walker 14.89 km
+329 m
-328 m
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Malaucène (84 - Vaucluse)
A pleasant, looping circuit that makes for a pleasant visit to the hilltop village of Le Barroux.
The ochre trails of Mormoiron
Walker 
11.02 km
+249 m
-245 m
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Mormoiron (84 - Vaucluse)
Take a walk between Mormoiron and Villes-sur-Auzon on the trails of old ochre quarries.
Piégon and the Giants’ hamlet
Walker 10.54 km
+468 m
-465 m
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Piégon (26 - Drôme)
In the mountains of the Baronnies, imagine a lost hamlet inhabited by giants... Skeletons with very long shins were found in the crypt of the chapel. They are the source of the name of the locality.
For more walks, use our search engine.
The GPS track and description are the property of the author.