The Lavender Route in Les Baronnies du Buëch

32 km from Sisteron, Serres is distinguished by its historic centre and lively cafés. From here, take the quiet road towards Nyons for 25 kilometres of pure thrills! Before you reach Nyons, change course with a left turn, heading for the ​​​Prieuré de Saint-André-de-Rosans. Change of scenery: here you are in the heart of the Pays du Buëch, on a narrow road in an unspoilt wilderness. On the way, keep your eyes peeled to enjoy the local biodiversity. A bit further along, another magical sight appears. From the top of a slope, soak up the view of the village of Saint-André-de-Rosans: its priory’s beautiful ruins and the surrounding fields where cows peacefully graze.

Along this magnificent route, you will see lavender blooming in the wild here and there, but not many crops. Just before the village, mysteriously shaped rocks appear to push against the roadside. In Saint-André-de-Rosans, go straight on towards the Moulin de Mange-Fèves​​​. Admire the oaks, pine trees, and walnut trees. But take care: our Goldwing sometimes had a bit of trouble when we met a car. At the intersection with the D116, don’t expect a signpost –  just fork to the left.

First climb: the Col du Reychasset at a height of 1,055 metres. You won’t see a cat, maybe a fox at the most. Then it’s the Col de Pierre Vesce’s turn. Here, ride carefully and draw on your sense of direction: it’s bend after bend, often in first gear! On the other side, the descent is as hazardous as the landscape is magnificent. At the intersection, follow the sign for the village of Laborel and go down to the Col Saint-Jean-Izon-La-Bruisse. As you climb the Col Saint-Jean, you will experience more thrills before reaching the summit of 1,158 metres. Go back down to the village of Laborel and take, on your right, the road to the village of Orpierre, which goes alongside the Crête de Jaunard.

At Lagrand, avoid the D1075 – its very busy in the summer. Instead, take a loop by the village of Trescléoux to reach the village of Serres. Continue to the mediaeval village of Aspremont and admire the crests on your way. Then, energised by your biker’s soul and the pleasure of riding you’ll arrive at La Beaume, which offers a magnificent panoramic view. After swinging right on the D28, the road rises to 1280m up to the Col de la Haute-Beaume (closed in winter) and looks over the valley, running towards the mountains. Nature re-asserts itself. There is a series of hamlets up to La Faurie. Go back down to Serres, 20 km away. Sadly, all good things come to an end.