Rocher Saint-Julien et chemin des Gobelins – loop in the Parc naturel régional des Baronnies provençales

Climbing the Buis-les-Baronnies First of all, we didn't storm. One foot had to be carefully placed in front of the other, the path felt; the peak was high and the abyss - well, abyss. But first of all, it all starts quite harmlessly. A nice walkable trail, later trail, leads out of the town up the mountain towards the jagged peaks. They tower imposingly. But you immediately suspect difficulties: There are ropes stretched between the spikes, bridge-like structures are hanging around! I'll never put my foot on it! Rather look at the summit from below. Also beautiful. But first get there. Then see further. We are surprisingly fast at the foot of the jagged chain. And now? How do you get to the top? Like a gecko? Because there is no way. And then? Balancing on the ridge? Doesn't look feasible. So we first walk close to the rock to see if there is a possibility of climbing up. And lo and behold: a crevice opens up. The climb is steep, but the rock forms steps and gripping aids, and with great caution you can make it to the top. Now you have to balance on the crest. But the path is wide enough and rock slabs often limit the path to the left and right so that you cannot fall. But it is a bit queasy in some places. And then comes the point of reversal. With the summit cross already in front of you, an abyss opens up. There is no viable way across. All you can do is cling to the waiting tree, stare across and very carefully retreat. However, the views across the country from the top are spectacular! What more do you want. And far below you can hear the bells of sheep ringing, but you can't see them. The descent is a bit tricky, it's the same way back and it's always a bit more difficult going down. But even that will soon be done and from now on you can really hike. No more climbing. The path is very, very beautiful, on the one hand the Mont St. Julien shows up again and again and one is a little proud, on the other hand the surroundings are downright lovely. Woody paths, the spicy, resinous scent of the trees, the views of the next jagged crest of the mountains and the ups and downs of the landscape. It's going down in the meantime, the path again leads over a rocky area and is always forested. Very wonderful! We arrive enthusiastically at the bottom, have to walk a little along the road to the starting point and then stroll a little through the pretty town with its alleys, old houses and enchanting corners. This round is absolutely recommendable, even climbing the peaks is not really dangerous and you have nothing to do with the stretched ropes and suspension bridges. They are for the climbing course on the rock, which requires some equipment and leads right up to the summit cross.

Nice little hike. After arriving at the small pass (plan st Julien) I chose to climb the ridge on the right and attack the climb in the rocks which is a little steep where you have to put your hands in to climb the line of crest and arrive at a point, where there is emptiness, where you can no longer continue unless you have ropes for climbing, from the superb viewpoints, then go back down to Plan St Julien and take the yellow PR which leads to the Sabouillon sign and take the direction of Chapelle st Trophime to reach a small road with the gîte just opposite and follow the road up to La Chapelle. For the return, return to the gîte and continue on the road to the car park in Buis (2 km of bitumen) but quiet little road.@

The route was a tip from the tourist information office. There was nothing to complain about. Beautifully laid out paths, well marked and great views. At the alpine level, but with caution it was manageable for me.

Nice hike. Little shaded climb, beautiful views of the Saint Julien rock. For a short meal break, it is best to stop a little before waypoint 3. Rather shady descent.