The 3 Becs, Summit and hiking trail near Saou, France
Les 3 Becs is a summit and hiking trail in the Saou forest, in the Drôme region of France, made up of three rocky peaks named Veyou, Signal, and Pelle. The trail starts at the Col de la Chaudière and winds through dense box tree groves, up stone steps, and along open ridges to reach each peak in turn.
The rock formations of the Saou forest were pushed upward over millions of years by movements deep in the earth, creating the sharp peaks visible today. The surrounding villages relied on this massif as a daily landmark for a long time, and the ridgeline paths were already used by shepherds long before hikers began following them.
The three peaks, Veyou, Signal, and Pelle, form a shape that locals recognize from the valley below without needing to look twice. Families from the Drôme area have been walking these trails for generations, and the route is treated more like a neighborhood walk than a mountain expedition.
The trail starts at the Col de la Chaudière, where there is a parking area available. Parts of the path include steep stone steps and loose ground, so sturdy footwear is helpful, and starting early in the day is a good idea, especially in warmer weather.
Between mid-May and mid-July, sections of the trail are closed to protect chamois during their breeding season, and rangers patrol the area to make sure the rules are followed. The Rocher de la Laveuse, a boulder with a natural hole near its top, frames a view of the village of Saillans below, a detail many walkers only notice when they are standing right in front of it.
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