This imposing rocky bar belongs to the Monges massif, the beating heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark. In spring and early summer, its flora is an enchantment.
The Géruen mountain is a characteristic limestone bar, like many of its neighboring peaks – including the Rocher des Brigands, named after a bygone era! It overlooks the Duyes valley and is usually reached via the Col de Fontbelle. On the way up, don’t forget to stop at the Col de l’Hysope for one of the finest views in the Geopark. You’ll see the village of Thoard, fields sometimes cultivated with real lavender (not lavandin) and astonishing scenery made up of large limestone blocks that seem to be planted in the underlying marl. It can also be accessed from Ainac or other Monges peaks.
The area was completely reforested in the late 19th – early 20th c. to combat erosion. While Austrian black pine dominates, ash and alder populate the damp valleys, while Scots pine and maple brighten up the sunny slopes. Biodiversity is remarkable.
