Loop hike to the summit of the Géruen Ridge (1880 m) via the Pas de Géruen

Access to the Géruen Ridge

To reach the summit of the Géruen Ridge, located at 1880 m altitude, you must first head towards the small village of Le Castellard-Mélan. The departure is from Col de Font Belle at an altitude of 1304 m. Prepare your vehicle, as a small parking lot awaits you at the starting point. Be careful, the road can be a bit winding, so a good level of concentration is necessary to avoid crashing into a wall, even though the scenery is worth the detour!

Details on the difficulty

The loop hike presents a moderate difficulty, but don’t be intimidated! It’s an excellent challenge for those who enjoy beautiful walks without wanting to play acrobat on dizzying walls. About 4 and a half hours will be needed to complete the 13.6 km route with a positive elevation gain of 721 meters. Prepare to sweat a little, but rest assured, the view from the summit rewards the efforts generously!

The essential information

Before you leave, here are a few details to keep in mind for your expedition:

• Distance: 13.6 km
• Positive elevation: 721 m
• Negative elevation: 719 m
• Duration: About 4h30

Make sure to wear good hiking shoes, as the route contains rocky sections. Don’t forget a water bottle to hydrate, and perhaps a small snack to enjoy the view while snacking!

Hiking route

Start your adventure by taking the D103 towards Feissal. Once you have dominated the splendid cascades of Vançon, leave this road by turning right to follow the marked trail. The path winds through a dense forest, offering surprising views and the sweet scent of fir trees.

As you progress, you will get closer to the ridge. Keep an eye out for the wildlife and flora that populate this beautiful region. After a good while of climbing, the path straightens, and you will eventually reach the summit of the Géruen Ridge. At this spot, be prepared to take a memorable selfie with a breathtaking panorama! Look south towards Lower Provence, or north to catch a glimpse of the famous Monges.

To descend, follow the yellow-marked trail that will lead you directly to the GR6, a well-known path for hikers. Stay alert, as rockfalls can occur, and avoid slipping on this trail, I assure you that you don’t want to end up on the ground like a pancake!

So, ready to embark on the adventure of the Géruen Ridge? Equip yourself with your brightest smile, a bit of courage, and a good camera, and head out to meet this natural treasure. Happy hiking to all!