Brice Milbergue

Col Saint-Jean

Altitude 1159 m

Massif des Baronnies

Département Drôme

Topo North slope

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The route of the Petites Routes du Soleil and the ascent of the Col Saint-Jean will take you back into the Drôme.
From Laborel, this climb isn't very long at 5.3 km, but as it heads straight up this passage between the Montagnes d'Herc and de Chabre at 1159 m altitude, the gradient will be quite steep and often close to 7%.
At the top, a very pretty oratory, the "Col Saint-Jean", is a must. At the summit, a lovely oratory and, above all, a beautiful view of a landscape typical of the Baronnies provençales with its mid-range mountains.

Topo south side

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In France, there are no less than a dozen passes named Saint-Jean... For this one, located in the Drôme in the Massif des Baronnies at 1159 m altitude, you'll have to tackle its southern side, which although not too long at 8.2 km, offers an arduous 4.2 km passage at 8% average. But the magnificent unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside should keep you entertained.
Note that for pass hunters and at a stone's throw - 1 km - it's possible to put the Col de Muze (1209 m) in your gibecière.

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Garde-Colombe / Salérans

14 Garde-Colombe / Salérans

37 km
2 h 35 min
Medium
Partly covering the Route des Princes d’Orange linking the town of Orange (by the Rhône in the département, or French county, of Vaucluse) to Orpierre, this nicely varied stage of the P’tites Routes du Soleil® takes you along the Céans Valley. A halt in the medieval village of Orpierre is well worth it. The place has gained an international reputation for its cliffs and rock climbing, hence its French nickname of ‘‘le village qui grimpe’’ (‘‘the climbing village’’). Next, you need to tackle the Col Saint-Jean (a pass at 1,158m), leading you into the heart of the Gorges de la Méouge. If it’s a hot day, enjoy a dip in this river, an idyllic place for a swim.

Author

Joris Lesueur

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