From the village of Saint-Montan, enter the gorge by the road (in the direction of Domaine d’Imbours).
Reach the chapel (1), and take the path behind it marked in yellow/white. Walk along the climbing site, and start to climb the scree.
Two thirds of the way up, you will reach a cross. Leave the marked path and slide over to the home of the hermit Montanus. Be discreet and respect the area. A guestbook is available.
Then return to the path from where you left off and follow it to the town of Larnas (2). Turn South at the intersection after the town hall, to enter the village. Heading towards the containers, find the signs, and follow to find the path.
You enter a paddock (thank you for helping to keep enclosures secure, and close the gates after passing through). Follow the trail before continuing the descent to Saint-Montan (3). Enjoy the view. Upon reaching the village, before heading onto the streets, you can go take a look at the Lourdes cave (4).
Back to the car park.
The Sainte Baume gorges
A splendid medieval village, a hermit and his cave, a valley in the limestone hills and the views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Ventoux.
Prepare yourself for a nice, family-friendly hike, which will suit everyone.
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 6.44 km -
Calculated time: 2h 40 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Return to departure point: Yes -
Vertical gain: + 301 m -
Vertical drop: - 300 m -
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Highest point: 348 m -
Lowest point: 115 m
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Area: Massif central -
District: Saint-Montan (07220) -
Start/End: N 44.440268° / E 4.624272° -
IGN map(s): Ref. 2938SB, 2939OT -
Description
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 115 m
- 1 : km 1.47 - alt. 250 m - Chapel
- 2 : km 3.29 - alt. 306 m - Larnas village
- 3 : km 3.95 - alt. 342 m - Descent to Saint-Montan
- 4 : km 5.59 - alt. 162 m - Lourdes cave
- S/E : km 6.44 - alt. 116 m
Useful Information
As is often the case in this region, there is no reliable drinking water refill point.
Good shoes, no flip flops, running shoes as a bare minimum. In the climb, the ground is slippery.
Many picnic sites.
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
Visit the village of Saint Montan, and its castle. Numerous small artists’ shops. The Plateau de Gras offers lavender buds and derived products.
Another hike to the Dent de Rez is available (topographical route to come)
Other walks in the area
La Dent de Rez
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13.39 km
+503 m
-503 m
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Gras (07 - Ardèche)
The high point of Basse-Ardèche, this promontory (719 m) offers a beautiful panorama of the Cévennes, Mont Lozère, the Alps, the Baronnies, Mont Ventoux and the Ridge of Montmirail.
Summit of Croix Juliau and the hamlet of Roche in Alba-la-Romaine
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+482 m
-478 m
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Departure from Alba-la-Romaine (07 - Ardèche)
This lovely hike offers magnificent viewpoints over the Montmirail Dentelles, Mont Ventoux, the Baronnies, the Vercors, the Montagne Ardéchoise, the Coiron, the Necks of Sceautres, of Roche Chérie, of Roche, and a 360° panoramic view from the summit of Croix Juliau.
The superb medieval hamlet of Roche is well worth the detour.
Aiguèze and the rocks of Castelviel
Walker 7.60 km
+343 m
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Departure from Aiguèze (30 - Gard)
The medieval village of Aiguèze is among the most beautiful villages in France. This hike, overlooking the gorges of Ardeche, follows the paths and trails through the heart of the scrubland, olive groves and vineyards.
Villeneuve de Berg - The Forêt des Sens
Walker 6.67 km
+167 m
-168 m
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Departure from Villeneuve-de-Berg (07 - Ardèche)
An easy family walk to the "Forêt des sens" (forest of senses), arboretum and interpretive trail created under the impetus of the municipal children's council. A few welcome benches punctuate this playful and instructive walk for all ages.
The troglodyte village of Barry
Walker 4.34 km
+85 m
-80 m
1h 30
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Departure from Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux (26 - Drôme)
A family-friendly trail that explores the troglodyte village of Barry, one of the finest and largest in France.
Chames Patroux along "ruisseau du Tiourre" (stream) and through Combe Longue for the trip back
Walker 14.49 km
+490 m
-481 m
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc (07 - Ardèche)
Between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Remèze, this hike should be done mid-season before it become too difficult to park in "gorges de l'Ardèche" after Pont-d'Arc.The walk offers beautiful view points over the Ardèche and Tiourre valleys, the Saint-Remèze plateau then Pont-d'Arc on the trip back.
On the trails of the Ardèche Gorge
Walker 
12.02 km
+522 m
-519 m
4h 55
Difficult
Departure from Labastide-de-Virac (07 - Ardèche)
A very fine walk in the heart of the Ardèche Gorge. You will have to descend a combe and follow the river along a path, with a small section fitted with ropes and ladders. You will admire a succession of corries, cliffs, little caves, rocks, pinnacles, rapids, sandy
and pebble beaches. The cliffs are home to many birds.
You climb up again to the plateau by another fine valley, affording very impressive views of the gorge and the loops of the river .
For more walks, use our search engine.
The GPS track and description are the property of the author.