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Le Chastelas is a curious karst collapse on a flattened summit. But it is also the destination of a lovely, shaded and panoramic hike, as the view from the summit is magnificent. Return via the Galèbre valley.

From the Bibémus car park (please note: closed from 15 April 2025 for works), the path winds through the Bibémus quarries (outside the fenced-off area), before descending to a panoramic ledge that takes you to one of the promontories where Cézanne used to paint, before joining the track towards Bimont, which you follow to a second viewpoint redolent of the heath. Return directly via the track. This walk is classified as easy, but one section is somewhat rugged and should be considered of moderate difficulty if setting off from the Trois Bons Dieux car park.

The Haute Bléone holds many surprises. It is a secluded world, with numerous valleys, the ‘roof of the world’ of Haute Provence, as described by the explorer Alexandra David-Neel and the writer Pierre Magnan. Here is a leisurely walk to explore the Tercier Valley, suspended above cliffs and a waterfall, enclosed between two high mountain ranges and the Vachières cirque. This route follows the valley floor all the way to the site of the former Faillefeu Abbey, alongside the pleasant Aune torrent.

The route is flat and located between the Durance and the former gravel pits. This wet and well-shaded area around large bodies of water is ideal for wildlife, including beavers, nutria, herons, swans, cormorants, egrets and ducks. Observation posts have been set up.

A shaded hike along a mountain path forming part of the transhumance routes (“La Routo”), in a valley that has returned to its wild state between La Javie and Saint-Pierre de Beaujeu. A walk through varied wooded areas where you’ll encounter fascinating wildlife (in spring: orchids including the bee orchid), a visit to a hamlet, now uninhabited, with a basic but always open refuge.

Hike along the ridge, with panoramic views of the Durance valley, vineyards, forests and Provençal mountains: Ventoux, Lubéron, Sainte-Victoire, Sainte-Baume, Alpilles and, in the distance, the peaks of the Alps.

A circular loop in the communal forest, where you will encounter the canals that irrigate Provence. You will test the echo in an access gallery to the current canal, reach the small pass, and return via the old canal. You will also discover the Parrouvier fir trees, which are exceptional at such a low altitude and regenerate naturally.

A short fitness trail, suitable for walking, running or mountain biking, on the outskirts of Venelles. Wide paths, fairly shaded and with good views.

There are several paths leading to the ridge overlooking Vauvenargues to the north. This one is very easy and takes you to the Tête du Marquis, a peak named after the Marquis who lived in the château long before the Picasso family. This hike can be done on foot, on horseback, by mountain bike or by electric bike.

A well-marked route allowing you to explore the magnificent Crête du Carton, ascending via the north-west ridge and descending via the Col de la Baisse and Col de la Colle passes.

A short circular walk that will take you to a hidden plateau from which you can spot chamois at any time. Moderate difficulty as part of the route is very stony.

Easy walk on little-used tracks and paths.

In the centre of the commune of Prads, the village of Heyre – which is still inhabited – and its surrounding countryside offer beautiful scenery and a glimpse into the past, before the First World War, when the mountains were densely populated. Here, wheat was grown and fine lavender was distilled. What remains are meadows grazed in autumn and spring, a few beehives, a village with Romanesque roof tiles restored by its current inhabitants, and a chapel restored thanks to the Fondation du Patrimoine.

This is a short, technical circular in a wild and rugged, unfrequented area, offering views from below and above of the Cul-de-Chaudron (Cuou de Peyrou), an old hiking trail carved into the rock, which is unfortunately no longer passable. The hike takes place mainly in the forest and in cool valley bottoms, with some passages along ridges offering views of the landscape. Please note: this hike includes some steep or exposed sections, so good footwear is essential, as is experience of walking on steep and sometimes vertiginous terrain.