La montagne de Raton

In addition to the chamois you may come across on the ridges, Raton Mountain offers a unique view of Saint-Romans Mountain and the Pommerol Gorge. The ruiniform landscapes carved out of sandstone limestone by water and wind are made up of columns, pyramids and arches, giving this valley a mysterious appearance. Not far from here, on the Saint-Romans, is a cave, the Baume Écrite, which is thought to date from the La Tène period (450 to 25 BC) and whose geometric shapes of interlaced lines and symbols add a timeless aspect to Pommerol and its surroundings.

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

Departure point: Col de la Fromagère, 8km north of Rosans on the D25.

1. From the pass, take the wide track which climbs and heads north-west (to the right of the signs). It climbs gradually, always staying on the main track. Take advantage of the few views of Pommerol, its gorges and
and its distinctive cone-shaped rocks. The track eventually narrows and becomes a narrower path.

2. Watch out for a small path on your left, which climbs steeply through the beech trees. Follow the path at a steady gradient for a few short sections, then the slope eases. After two hairpin bends, follow the rocky bar out of the woods. Cross the Sapie pass and reach the ridge. Keep an eye out for chamois in this mountainous area.

3. Continue along the ridges to the left before reaching the summit (1473m).

4. Start descending the grassy ridge following the cairns (piles of stones) for 250m. Then climb down the slope for almost 500m.

5. In the bushes, take the path that turns left. Return to the pass along this path, which crosses a large gully.

Spoken languages

• French

Labels and ranking

• Open air