Dentelles de Montmirail with Mont Ventoux (1910 m) in the distance
Scramble just below the crest of the Dentelles Sarrasines (627 m.)
Hiking the Dentelles, the teeth-like limestone crags above the vineyards of Gigondas and other villages of the Côtes du Rhône appellation. The climate and rocks are similar to Corsica with pines and oaks over fragrant Mediterranean flowers and herbs including thyme, chervil and savory.
The views are of Mont Ventoux (1910 m.) to one side and on the other, the far-reaching panorama of the valley of the Rhône over to the Ardèche and Cévennes ranges. We set off early-ish from the village of Gigondas, leaving behind the old stone buildings with restaurants setting up for lunchtime clients to eat and quaff under the plane trees. A brisk climb to take advantage of the morning cool, the tracks passed fields of vines terraced on the hillsides. We took the scramble up from the Col d’Alsau (445 m) to the Dentelles Sarrasines (627 m.). There was a fierce Mistral keeping the air clear but a bit of fun keeping hold of the wide-brimmed hats advised against the strong sun. Back via the Col du Cayron (195 m.).
Dentelles Sarrasines (627 m.)
Col d’Alsau (445 m).
Gigondas, and Sablet further away