St. Michel Rock

Description

Between rocky trail balconies, undergrowth passages and panoramic views from peaks, a comprehensive approach to the Cean Valley. With a quiet start on a track with a beautiful view of the village and its cliffs, this hike becomes more immersive when crossing the trail overlooking the Bagnols' ravine. Rising up the forest to the Saint-Michel Rock is rewarded with a panoramic view of the valleys of Cean and Buëch. The descent rather physical, takes place exclusively on small paths between peak and undergrowth in a wild atmosphere. From the fountain in the village square, take the D30 towards Laragne then the small road on the right leading to the Princes d'Orange campsite, and after the bridge, go up the main road that passes the campsite. Continue on the track until you reach a fork. 1 - Go right along the trail, overlooking the opposite winding path. At the Paturle (former farm), turn left, avoid a first trail to continue uphill for a few moments until reaching a second fork. 2 - After the old wooden signpost, continue along the trail to the right which goes up in the underbrush, past the ruins of Paturle and, after a long crossing on the trail overhanging the gorges of Bagnols, you will arrive at an intersection. 3 - Go left, climb the two bends of the trail and join a path. Follow it to the left up to the neck of the Bouzon. Cross the ONF barrier and continue towards the Saint Michel summit. Possibility to reach the summit by a steep (1216m; panorama and orientation table) and then back to the intersection. 4 - At the signpost, go down the path following the ridge (a few steep passages on rocks and undergrowth) to a junction. Turn right to a new junction with a signpost. 5 - Go down to the right and then turn left and find the trail; descend for a few moments to arrive at the starting junction. Using the climbing route, return to the village.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Getting there

Start: Place du village, Orpierre, Orpierre (05).

Sources

• Track: Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Chemins des Parcs), Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (www.cheminsdesparcs.fr/trek/56083-ORPIERRE---Le-Rocher-Saint-Michel). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Surface and path types: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL, extract of 28 October 2026, matched to the track every 10 m (openstreetmap.org/copyright)
• Official elevation gain: 550 m, Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur