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
“An amazing and very memorable experience”Bhagyashree & Akhil · Tour du Mont Blanc
Read the reviewsTrip 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
Organisational fees
Not included
- Tourist taxes, which some accommodation may ask you to pay locally
- 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
Reviews from walkers
What it's like to travel with us.
Every review here comes from someone who actually travelled with us — we only ask once the trip's over, and we don't edit what they say.
From walkers on our other trails.
Different routes, same team doing the planning, the bookings and the hand-holding — so these say a lot about what to expect here too.
“An amazing and very memorable experience”
We had a really wonderful experience and are very happy that we went ahead with the trek. It was challenging at times, but overall it was an amazing and very memorable experience. The scenery, the trails and the whole journey were absolutely beautiful. Bhagyashree did have some issues with her knee during the trek, which made a few sections difficult. We didn't let that stop us — we completed most of the trek and, wherever necessary, adapted our plans and took a bus or train for certain stretches rather than putting too much strain on her knee. Managing the trek despite the knee issue made the achievement feel even more special.
Thank you once again for all your help and guidance in planning the trek. Will definitely recommend Big Trail Adventures to all.
“Solo or in a group, I would do this again tomorrow!”
One of the best experiences I have had. I did this solo and felt supported all the way with the BigTrailAdventures team, especially in inclement weather. The vistas were incredible and overnight accommodation was faultlessly organised. Pushing myself during the day ( I ran rather than walked the trail), and then being fed and watered in a hotel in the evening was a treat.
The planning was exceptional and all details were covered.
There is a special time every day when you are overcome with the beauty of the nature that you are seeing, the sweeping vistas and the gratitude for being able to experience this. It rejuvenates your soul.
“Awesome support from start to finish”
The hike, which challenged me in different ways each day, was great. There was so much to see in every direction. The Highlands are simply stunning, clouds and all. The stays were good for the most part, some better than others (one night my room was above the kitchen so it was quite noisy until late into the night and the haunted Inn was a bit much for me :)). The Rowardennan Hotel and Craig Nevis guesthouse were my favorites. All of them offered great breakfasts and most had dinner options with good selections as well.
The planning was amazing. No glitches, except for one minor one at the start where the luggage van changed their drop off location without my knowledge. Thankfully Craig was there in the morning and quickly figured out where they were and even dropped off my luggage for me. Everything else was planned and executed perfectly; my itinerary for each day included great detail of what to expect. The app was awesome and my friends and family loved tracking me every day with the GPS. I had read that the West Highland Way is very popular in spring (when I initially had planned to go) and late summer. It took a lot of back and forth communication about potential dates but Craig very patiently worked it all out. All communication was prompt and thorough. I very much appreciate all the support I received prior and during my adventure!! Thank you Craig!
There are so many moments I will carry with me for a long time, like my first glimpse of the Highlands, all the water everywhere, the coos, day 2 along Loch Lomond when I wished I was a mountain goat and was grateful that it did not rain, arriving at Kingshouse after 19 miles, midges (haha), and so much more.
This route. These nights.
One clear price.
You are booking the itinerary above: your walking days, your overnight stays and the support that carries you between them.
Organising this trail for friends? Build a group trip with individual payments
- 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.
Is the The Baronnies, Provence tour self-guided?
Yes. This is a self-guided trip: you walk the 82 km route independently, with no guide and no group. Accommodation for all 5 nights is booked for you, route notes and maps are provided, and there is local support in the region if anything goes wrong.
Do I need a guide or can I walk it alone?
No guide is needed. The route is walked on marked paths with the notes and mapping supplied in your pack. You choose your own start date within the season (April to October) and walk each day at your own pace.
Who arranges the accommodation?
We do. 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.