Risou mountain and St Jean Baptiste Chapel, Hautes-Alpes

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24675 pts.

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I didn't find pretty much information about this spot, and this is quite singular. Cool!
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  Very good description Fritz!
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  Yes! And you added plans!
- Pictures
  
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  Hum, yes...
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The Risou mountain is 1181m high, with pierced rocks and a chapel: St Jean Baptiste. It is a good point to observe savage vultures.

My experience, Explo description:

The ascent of the Risou (1181m) is made from the Palluel pass, between Rosans and Serres. The declivity is 380m and it takes 1 hour 20 to climb up to the top.

From Palluel pass, take D 425 road to Saint Andre de Rosans and park the car after 400m (in front of an explanatory panel). The trail is tagged with yellow marks.

The trail is very steep and very slippery after rain, especially for the descent.

Arriving at the north side of the mountain highlands, follow a small trail on the left side that descends eastward. It takes 5 minutes to reach a curious pierced rock, oriented on the top of a cliff. Attention! The cliff is 150m high!

Return on your steps to the bifurcation and go back along the yellow trail to the left, to the South. After 15 minutes, you reach the chapel.

Chapel St Jean Baptiste:

Small chapel built in 1889 with red brick, which is not common. In the past, there was a pilgrimage at the chapel every June 24th. Now, the building is unfortunately very degraded. However, the ascension, while rude, provides access to a broad view over the surrounding area.

My personal recommendations:

Instead of going back with the same trail, you can make a round trip if the soil is too slippery.

Continue along the yellow trail that descends South - West. Then bypass little meadows at the foot of the cliffs to the South of the Risou, and join the pretty hamlet of La Baume. There, a road goes back to the car park (1.3km to go).

This road is interesting because it allows you to observe a pretty large concentration of savage vultures.

How getting there:

Palluel pass (801 m) is located on the road D994, 50km from Nyons and 18 km from Serres.
Afficher risou 2 sur une carte plus grande

Useful information:

Visit duration:

Count 1 h 1/2 for the climb, and 3 h 1/2 for the complete loop.

Access security:

Attention: both sides the trail are very steep and very slippery on moist soil.

If you have children, take them by the hand.

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