Self-guided · Provence, France
Where the Alps meet
the scent of Provence.
A sun-drenched loop through the Baronnies Regional Nature Park — a land of lavender fields, limestone ridges, turquoise gorges, and the quiet rhythm of traditional hill villages.
- Days
- 6
- Distance
- 82 km
- Ascent
- 4,030 m
- Grade
- Moderate
Trip Essentials
The walk
Between high peaks
and lavender hills.
Located at the southern tip of the Hautes-Alpes, the Baronnies is a territory where the crisp air of the mountains begins to carry the warmth and scent of Provence. It's a landscape of dramatic limestone synclines, hidden valleys, and orchards that has remained remarkably preserved and quiet, away from the busier trails of the north.
This six-day circuit starts and ends in the medieval village of Serres. It takes you across the Arambre massif, through the stunning turquoise waters of the Gorges de la Méouge, and along high ridges like the Montagne de Chabre and the Rocher de Beaumont. Each day offers a shift in perspective, from alpine pastures where edelweiss grows to the lower valleys lined with fragrant lavender and fruit trees.
You'll stay in a mix of small hotels, auberges, and gîtes, where the food is local and the welcome is genuine. With your luggage transferred between stops and a detailed road-book to guide you, you're free to immerse yourself in the light and silence of one of France's most beautiful hidden corners.
The route, day by day.
A fixed self-guided package: every stage, every night's accommodation and every luggage transfer is arranged before you set off.
- 01
Serres → Savournon
5 h · +650 m / −600 m · 13 kmStart in the heart of the Baronnies Regional Nature Park. Climb the Arambre massif for a spectacular panorama of the Buëch valley and the Dévoluy mountains. Descend through the Pas de la Louve to the agricultural plain of Savournon. Night in an auberge.
- 02
Savournon → Laragne
5 h · +450 m / −600 m · 15 kmEnter the Jubéo state forest, a peaceful coniferous landscape. Descend through the Riou gorges along a path carved into the rock by foresters. Pass through the village of St Genis (with an optional swim in the lake) before reaching the town of Laragne Montéglin. Night in a hotel.
- 03
Laragne → Barret-sur-Méouge
5 h · +600 m / −500 m · 14 kmA short transfer takes you to the mouth of the Gorges de la Méouge. Walk along a balcony path above the turquoise river, which forms whirlpools and deep pools in the limestone. This biological reserve is a highlight of the region. End in the village of Barret. Night in an inn.
- 04
Barret-sur-Méouge → Les Bégües
5.5 h · +680 m / −580 m · 15 kmA beautiful forest walk leads you to the Montagne de Chabre. Follow its long, rocky ridge which acts as a natural barrier between two valleys, offering immense views. Descend to the hamlet of Les Bégües for a refreshing evening. Night in a hotel.
- 05
Les Bégües → Trescléoux
5 h · +750 m / −850 m · 13 kmCross to the other side of the Céans valley. Walk overlooking the famous climbing cliffs of Orpierre, a typical Baronnies village. The route follows high ridges with unobstructed views over the valley before dropping into Trescléoux. Night in a B&B.
- 06
Trescléoux → Serres
5 h · +900 m / −900 m · 12 kmThe final stage takes you to the Rocher de Beaumont, one of the valley's major promontories. Enjoy a vast panorama stretching from Mont Ventoux to the Southern Alps before descending back into Serres from the west. Trip ends in the afternoon.
Where you'll stay
A good bed at the end of every day.
Comfortable double or twin rooms in a selection of traditional gîtes, local auberges, and small hotels. All accommodations provide private bathrooms, bed linen, and towels. The meals are hearty and focus on local Alpine and Provençal produce.
Getting there
The trip starts and ends in Serres, which has its own railway station with connections to Marseille, Briançon, and Grenoble. If arriving by car, there is free parking available in the village square.
What's included?
A fixed self-guided package — accommodation, luggage transfer and route notes all taken care of before you arrive.
Five nights half-board (breakfast and dinner) in hotels, auberges and gîtes
Detailed road-book with route descriptions and IGN maps (one per group)
Daily luggage transfer between accommodations
Internal transfer on day 3 from Laragne to the gorges
Tourist taxes and organizational fees
Not included
- Picnic lunches (can be pre-booked or bought locally)
- Travel to and from the starting point in Serres
- Drinks, personal expenses and insurance
- Guiding — this is a self-guided tour
Book your The Baronnies, Provence — 6 days adventure.
- Free cancellation to 60 days
- Confirmation within 24 hrs
- ABTOT financially protected
We'll start planning your trip right away. Not happy with anything? We'll adjust it or refund you — no questions asked.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Big Trail Adventures (member 5690). Protection is provided for non-flight packages. Full details in our booking conditions.
Things walkers ask us.
How difficult is the walking?
This is a moderate (Level 2/4) tour. You'll be walking for 5 to 5.5 hours a day with an average daily ascent of around 600-700m. The terrain is varied but generally follows good mountain paths and forest tracks.
Can I do this walk as a solo traveller?
Yes, though a single supplement applies for room bookings and luggage transfers. Solo walkers should be confident in their navigation skills as some sections are quite remote.
Is the water in the gorges safe for swimming?
Yes, the Gorges de la Méouge and the lake at St Genis are popular and beautiful spots for a dip. We recommend bringing a swimsuit if you're travelling in the warmer months.
What is the food like?
Excellent! You'll be eating traditional regional cuisine. Expect plenty of local lamb (a speciality of Savournon), honey, apricots, and of course, dishes flavoured with the herbs of Provence.
When is the best time to see the lavender?
The lavender in the Baronnies typically blooms from late June to early August. However, the walking is pleasant anytime from April through to October when the autumn colours arrive.