The Dentelles of Montmirail leaving from Gigondas
A hike for everyone. You will find typical Mediterranean vegetation, protected flora and fauna. Equip yourself with good walking shoes and water. Respect nature and the silence (take your rubbish with you). Making fires, picking flowers and wild camping are strictly prohibited. Only follow the waymarking colours mentioned in the description.
A
Gigondas walk
posted on 28/03/16 by MPrice. Last update : 21/08/20
Description
Leave from the Gigondas Town Hall where the car park is located.
(S/E) Leave to the right of the town hall (south-south-east) on the Chemin des Dentelles with the GRP (Red and Yellow waymarking). Follow the lovely climb uphill for at least 1 km until you arrive at a crossroads.
(1) Turn left in the direction of the "Dentelles de Montmirail" (Blue waymarking), between the grape vines. Go around a sharp bend to the right. At the next crossroads, turn left and ignore the path opposite. You will reach the access path to a lookout.
(2) On the left, go up and back to the lookout, the 'Rocher du Midi', where you will find an orientation table (benches and tables), then return back to the path.
Next take the CFCDI road on the left for 100 m (very wide path) going along the bottom of the Dentelles Sarrasines, then take the waymarked path on the right (south-east) which takes you to the foot of the dentelles (the small chain of mountains). After 1.5 km on this quite challenging path, you will reach a crossroads. Turn left onto a path going downhill which takes you to a very large space, the Cayron Pass, also used as a car park (not recommended though as it is not passable for vehicles).
(3) Head in the direction of "Gigondas" until you are in front of the "Florets" wine domaine, where you follow the Blue waymarking on the path going downhill to your left alongside a large car park. At the bottom of the car park, veer to the right (50m) where you will find the Tonin fountain.
Then re-trace your steps and take the path opposite, leaving the car park and the domaine on your right. After 100 m, you will find a private vegetable garden on your right, and a single-track path going alongside the wooden fence.
(4) Continue on to the north through the undergrowth and then join the GRP (Red and Yellow waymarking).
(5) Change direction to the west (to the left) and continue on until you enter the village.
(6) Head in the direction of the 'Montée des Hospices' on the left and then take the first right in order to go through the centre of the old town, before going downhill towards the town hall and the car park (S/E).
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 244 m
- 1 : km 0.38 - alt. 288 m - Crossroads GRP path Blue
- 2 : km 1.75 - alt. 438 m - Picnic area and lookout
- 3 : km 3.6 - alt. 407 m - Cayron Pass
- 4 : km 4.61 - alt. 334 m - After the Tonin spring
- 5 : km 5.45 - alt. 274 m - Crossroads GRP
- 6 : km 6.04 - alt. 258 m - Entering Gigondas
- S/E : km 6.58 - alt. 244 m
Useful Information
Warning! A prefectural order regulates access to the Vaucluse massifs during the summer season. You need to get further information before you leave as any person found on a closed massif (mountain) is liable to a fine of € 750 and may face legal proceedings. You can get further information from the Vaucluse tourist offices, town halls or police stations.
On 1 March 2012, a municipal order entered into force regarding traffic and parking on the massif of the Dentelles de Montmirail in the town of Gigondas (Articles L2213-1 to L2213-6 of the 'Code général des collectivités territoriales' ('Local Authorities General Code') and the code de la route ('Highway Code), Article L411-1). Parking of any vehicles is strictly prohibited in both directions on the D.F.C.I. track situated in the Massif des Dentelles de Montmirail between the Cayron Pass (leading to local road No. 18) and the hamlet of Montmirail (leading to local road No. 12) via the Alsau Pass. Traffic (all motorised land vehicles) is also prohibited on the same portion due to the nature of this lane (D.F.C.I. track). You will see the above rules on regulatory signs in the locations mentioned with specific wording and, if necessary, with suitable security barriers.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
(3) Information: Read the sign on how the Dentelles de Montmirail were formed, it's very interesting and will help you to admire the vertical ridges which are so characteristic of this massif.
Domaine des Florets, sells wine as does the whole of the village and the surrounding areas.
Reviews and comments
Clarity of route description
5 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Walk interest
5 / 5
Date of walk : 09/01/19
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
A well signed route with some excellent views.
