The Dent de Rez
Situated in the southern Ardèche, between Gras, Lagorce and Saint-Remèze, the Dent de Rez massif rises up into the distance. A hiker’s paradise, it stretches between the Ibie valley and the Rhône valley, bounded to the south by the Gorges de l’Ardèche. At the top of this natural, protected site, a 360° view awaits you.
The Dent de Rez, the highest peak in the Basse Ardèche
Taking its name from the Occitan “resse” meaning sawtooth, the Dent de Rez massif is named for the shape of its cliffs. At 719m, it is the highest peak in the Ardèche Provençale. From up there, the panorama is remarkable, with a 360-degree view stretching from the Cévennes to the Dentelles de Montmirail, via the Montagne Ardéchoise, the Coiron, the Vercors, the Diois, its Trois Becs and Mont Ventoux. An observation table has been set up at the summit to help you take in the scenery.
A protected natural area
The landscapes of the Dent de Rez massif are partly linked to the sheep farming that has shaped this limestone plateau for centuries. The alternation between forest, scrubland and grassland is home to numerous animal and plant species, some of which are protected under the prefectoral biotope decree of 1990. The Massif de la Dent de Rez is part of a protected area: the Natura 2000 zone of the “Basse Ardèche urgonienne” site; it is also included in the Z.N.I.E.F.F. (Zone naturelle d’intérêt écologique, faunistique et floristique) inventory.
Of the 500 plant species found in the Dent de Rez massif, some are protected, such as the large-fruited corbeille d’argent and the gratiole officinale. Others are rare, such as true lavender, which continues to grow on the heights, rock iberis and Villars broom.
In terms of fauna, 124 species of bird have been recorded, including the Egyptian vulture and Bonelli’s eagle, as well as 28 species of mammal and 12 species of amphibian.
Hiking around the Dent de Rez
To enjoy the scenery of the Dent de rez massif, a hike leaves from the hamlet of Saint-Vincent in Gras. Meet in front of the school for a 3.5-hour hike!