Vanige – Hameau des Turcs

La Vanige is one of the most unusual peaks in the Baronnies. Its trapezoidal shape and flat, four-sided summit make it a majestic sight at the bottom of the Ennuyé valley. Its name derives from the Greek Bacchus, god of pleasure and wine. In fact, the valleys it dominates are widely cultivated and each has its own specific characteristics. The Ennuyé valley is home to numerous vineyards and orchards, the Rosanais valley is devoted to livestock and cereals, and the Saint-Auban valley is known for its aromatic plants and livestock. The Vanige keeps watch over these agricultural plains, which are regularly shrouded in fog, and from which only the 1391 m peak rises.

Warning: herds are protected from predation by guard dogs (Patous in particular). Dogs are not allowed on this route, even on a leash.

Please respect private property, as the ascent to the summit can only be made from the Col de Corbière and back.

Departure point: Lieu-dit des Viarrands - Montferrand-la-Fare (3 km south of Lemps / 5 km south of Montferrand La Fare on the D559)

1. At the Viarrands parking lot, park on the edge of the track and begin the gradual ascent of the GR91 (white and red markings). Reach the Viarrands sign and continue straight on to the "Auches alt. 860 m" crossroads.

2. Continue straight ahead towards Les Turcs on the main track (do not take the GR which rises to the right), descend to the Auches stream, cross it
and climb up through the undergrowth to a wide track. Continue straight ahead to reach the private ruins of the Turcs hamlet, offering a fine view of Vanige.

3. At the "Turcs alt. 1020 m" post, turn right onto a path that leads through boxwood and then forest, with a few passages in marl (slippery black rock). You pass through some very fine beech woods with trees over a hundred years old.

4. At the junction of the two trails, turn right above the Fontfroide spring to reach the "Corbière" pass (alt. 1149 m).

5. Climb to the top of Vanige at 1391 m on the path that climbs opposite the Col de Corbière crossroads, then forks right and picks up the ridgeline before reaching the scree slopes and the highest point (cairn and granite marker on the ground) to enjoy the panoramic view. Steep but safe ascent. Take the same route back down to the Col de Corbière. Do not venture further onto private land.

6. At the Col, turn left and descend to Les Viarrands on the GR91. Pass the Pas de Corbière and the Rocher de Corbière, before heading back to the Auches crossroads.

2. Turn left and return to the starting point.

Spoken languages

• French

Labels and ranking

• Open air