Valdoule / Garde-Colombe

The P’tites Routes du Soleil® leaves behind the Oule Valley to enter the Pays Rosannais area. Although this stage mainly consists of descents, there are still a few little passes to cross. The first in the series, the Col des Tourettes (1,126m), is well worth the effort. The picturesque surroundings and exceptional views are rewarding. You then descend into the Buëch Valley. A bit further on, take on the Col de Serre-Larobe (1,014m), which may be small, but it’s tough! Descending again, you pass via the Col de la Saulce (877m). All told, this stage makes you jump from one valley to the next as you enter the Parc Naturel Régional des Baronnies Provençales.

Don't miss:

• Le Buëch: take in this area where mountain scenery meets Provençal landscapes, as so well depicted in several works by acclaimed regional writer Jean Giono.

• Parc Naturel Régional des Baronnies Provençales: stretching from the Vercors and Drôme Valley in the north to the Mont Ventoux in the south and the Durance Valley, plus certain southern French Alpine foothills, in the east, this regional natural park extends across two départements, or French counties, the Drôme and Hautes-Alpes. This is an area that really puts slow tourism to the fore.