Description
After a short descent to the Notre Dame de la Rivière chapel, the climb is a little steep, but pleasant and shady. At the Col St Jean (1326m), enjoy the magnificent panorama before reaching the chapel of St Jean du Désert.
From the Montée de Saint-Martin, head to Rue du Repos and follow it until it meets the GR4 trail, marked in red and white, which descends into the Bernarde ravine toward Pont de Chauva. Then follow a small paved road to the 902-meter marker, and turn left off it to rejoin the GR4, which climbs toward the Col de Saint-Jean. Take this opportunity to admire the small Notre Dame de la Rivière chapel, and continue your ascent toward the pass.
The trail winds through a sparse forest of oaks and boxwoods along a path made of whitish limestone. At one point, the trail crosses a track—do not take it. Stay on the red-and-white-marked trail, which climbs a bit more steeply just before the pass, at an elevation of 1,350 m. Take a moment to admire a small wayside shrine on your left, then begin the descent on the other side of the pass toward the Saint-Jean du Désert Chapel. Walk 1.2 km from there before enjoying a well-deserved break in front of the chapel. Return via the same route.
Accepted customers
- Level red – hard