La Touche offers two hikes with clearly distinct features: the marked “Mastaize” circular trail combines forest, mountain and a possible stop at a Romanesque chapel; “Les Citelles et Serre Pointu” follows the stream, passes through old hamlets and goes by a former mill. The castle’s history and a Thursday evening market add culture and a specific day-of-the-week event to the natural attractions. Planning can therefore focus on a measured circular trail, a second route with several landscape highlights and a market date.
Hiking around Mastaize and Serre Pointu
The marked “Mastaize” circular trail starts and ends in La Touche. It is described as an easy hike covering 8.47 kilometres, with 120 metres of ascent and a walking time of 2 hours 45 minutes. This makes it easy to schedule the trail as a standalone activity in your day. If you want to stop at the chapel or take breaks along the way, allow extra time. Check the latest route information before setting out.
The route passes through the forest and around Mount Mastaize. In the distance, it offers views of the mountains of Eyzahut, the Trois Becs and Coupseau. On the way back, you can stop at the Romanesque chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Mastaize. If the chapel is a priority for you, you can factor this stop into your plans for the return route.
“Les Citelles et Serre Pointu” has a different focus: the route follows the Citelle stream, passes through old hamlets and goes by a former mill, lavender fields and Serre Pointu. It also includes viewpoints overlooking the plain. There is a car park in the village for this hike, on the left along the small road by the church. To compare the routes, consider their landscape highlights: Mastaize offers forest, mountain and distant views, with a stop at the chapel, while Les Citelles is defined by the stream, hamlets and several stops along the way.
Castle and chapel: local history
At Château de La Touche, substantial sections of the foundations and the crenellated wall enclosing the courtyard have been preserved as part of the military heritage. The privately owned château opens its doors each year as part of the European Heritage Days. If you plan to visit, check the event dates before your trip.
The history of the Notre-Dame de Mastaize chapel is also clearly dated: it was founded in the 13th century, destroyed in 1581 and subsequently rebuilt by Louis de Lattier. He was a naval officer and the owner of the estate; the rebuilding was prompted by a vow to the Virgin Mary. The chapel’s foundation, destruction and reconstruction give your visit a specific historical context that you can combine with the Mastaize trail.
A market date for your stay
GAEC Ferme du Merlet sells its farm produce at the Thursday evening market in La Touche. If you want to include the farm and its products in your plans for the area, plan around this day of the week. The market adds an evening event to the hiking routes; check the market dates in advance if you are travelling specifically for it.
Discover more destinations: Boulc, Montaulieu, Saint-Auban-Sur-L'ouvèze, Mollans-Sur-Ouveze, Montélier, Pontaix, Nyons, Hostun.
For the broader travel overview: Drôme.
