Aiglun (Alpes-Maritimes) walks

Located a stone’s throw from the village, on the edge of an impressive canyon, the troglodyte fortress known as the “Château d’Aiglun”, with its stone-masonry walls, nestled in its natural surroundings, bears witness to a mysterious past . This rural built heritage, a veritable bastion situated beneath the Giet cliff, is believed to be the largest of its kind in France, spanning nearly 80 metres. The construction of stone steps, the installation of metal steps, the safety works on the access routes, the installation of signage and attractive information points allow visitors to fully enjoy these magical, timeless places.

A moderately strenuous but very pleasant walk. It is the largest recorded and listed natural waterfall in the Alpes-Maritimes, with its three successive drops. The waterfall is exceptional and, in terms of height, is matched only by its Icelandic twin sisters. The start and end of this route offer a chance to discover the beautiful architectural heritage of Aiglun. Thanks to its strategic location, the inn is a popular spot at the end of this round trip in the Estéron.

An exceptional hike, combining history, nature and fitness. The troglodyte fortress is unique, the Vegay waterfall is rivalled only by its Icelandic twin sisters, and the rough section of the nature trail will test your sense of direction. The route concludes with a tour of Aiglun’s beautiful architectural heritage.

This circuit is ideal on sunny days and a surprising route thanks to the diversity and beauty of the valley, which is still wild. On the northern slope, you'll appreciate the quiet atmosphere of the pine forests and the oaks that dominate the verdant agricultural plain of Sallagriffon, with a panoramic view up to the foothills of the Mercantour mountain range. On the southern slope, you'll appreciate the magnificent mineral landscapes with tremendous views of deep clues carved out by the capricious course of the rivers.

This hike takes place in the welcome and much-appreciated shade of the trees in summer, except during the 500-metre ascent of the rocky ridge of Les Molières. Please note, this hike should only be undertaken in good weather as the section between waypoints (5) and (7) climbs quite steeply and some sections can be slippery and daunting for those who suffer from vertigo. The 360° view from the summit of La Cacia is extraordinary!

The gradual climb to the summit of Cime de la Cacia offers views of the Barre des Molières, a natural rock face that is also used by rock climbers. The summit, which is reached after crossing a scree slope, offers beautiful 360° views. The return trail follows the only route that once connected France to the County of Savoy.

This round trip hike, starting from the charming village of Le Mas, takes you to the summit of L'Arpille. L'Arpille is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Alpes-Maritimes on the Mercantour.

Spectacular landscapes, a remote, wild region, villages nestled in the mountains: you are in the Haut-Estéron region. Three days’ hiking in this magnificent setting, alternating between paths and tracks through the woods, across the plains and along the ridges, whilst passing through some beautiful, isolated villages.

The first stage of the journey through the Haut Estéron region: the landscapes are magnificent and the area extremely wild; we didn’t come across a single other hiker. The trails are varied and well-marked. We’ll set off from the village of Le Mas to reach Amirat (lodge) via the Charamel mountain and the village of Les Mujouls.

Starting from the Gréolières-les-Neiges resort, this short circular hike will take you to the Cime du Cheiron, the highest point of the massif of the same name. You will then follow the ridge to Jérusalem for some magnificent views of the Mercantour and the plateaus further south, Saint-Barnabé, Calern and Caussols, before descending via the slopes. During this hike, you may encounter vultures, chamois and even marmots.

A short hike to enjoy between late April and mid-June to admire the peonies in bloom.Much of the route is through woodland, so it stays cool during hot weather.This mid-mountain walk is a great way to enjoy the area outside the ski season.

A magnificent hike passing Croix de Verse, Jérusalem and Cime du Cheiron in Gréolières les Neiges. Not particularly difficult, with a 360° view between the peaks of Mercantour, Vallée du Loup and the Mediterranean on a clear day. Depending on the season, paragliders take off from the route.

A beautiful snowshoe hike (or not in winter) with no difficulty and panoramic views of the Mercantour peaks and the French Riviera on a clear day. After a pleasant first section in the Cheiron forest, you cross a small valley before climbing up to Plan des Baumetes and reaching the Crête du Cheiron at Croix de Verse (1,706 m). 360° view of the sea at Argentera!

Cime du Cheiron via a trail that is little known to walkers. This trail has been cleared by our club and marked with cairns. Moderator's note description from 2013; the situation on the ground seems to have changed with regard to the cairns marking certain sections. See reviews. GPS or Visorando app useful.

This sunny walk, at the foot of the rocky ridges of the Montagne du Cheiron, offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Calern plateau, Cipières and the Loup valley. The walk starts near the Tourist Office, by the D2 road, then climbs towards the Font d’Antony before descending to the ruins of the old medieval village of Les Hautes-Gréolières, where you can still admire the Chapel of Saint-Étienne. The route then descends via a wide, stony path which quickly leads back to the village and the starting point. After this journey into the past, take a stroll through the bustling streets of the modern-day village.

Superb hike along a long ridge with endless views across the entire department. The hike is quite long but can be extended for the more athletic by passing through Coursegoules or even Bézaudin. The luckiest hikers will catch a glimpse of Corsica in good weather. It is common to see chamois and marmots. The return via Vespluis and Les Miroirs (no difficulty) allows you to admire the entire ridge and the south-facing slope of this mountain in pastoral tranquillity.

To reach the summit of Bau de l'Arc (980m), you pass through the charming little village of Cuébris. Superb panorama at the summit: to the south, the resort of Gréolières les Neiges, the village of Cuébris and the upper Estéron valley; to the west, the Bernade ridge and Mont Saint-Honorat (2,520 m); to the north-east, the Vial ridge. The trail is currently closed between markers 88 and 89 and between markers 104 and 105. Information provided by Randoxygene. For more information, visit https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/

Discover two villages, Roquestéron and La Roque-en-Provence, historically separated by the Estéron River, which marks the border between Provence and the County of Nice. Roquestéron on the left bank became French in 1860. Take a walk in the forest along a forest trail converted into a botanical trail and discover the trees and plants of the middle country.

A beautiful hike above Roquesteron. Magnificent views of the villages of Pierrefeu, Toudon and Mont Vial.

Second stage of the journey through the Haut-Estéron region. This stage takes you to Saint-Auban via the pretty villages of Gars and Briançonnet, then over the somewhat steep Col de l’Escoussier; a variety of landscapes and a trek through wild countryside await!

Starting from Tourounet, this mostly shaded route will take you to the Saint-Barnabé plateau, then to the outskirts of the village of Coursegoules, before descending via an ancient Roman road lined with pine and oak trees back to Tourounet.

Circular walk starting from the new car park in Saint-Pons (commune of Gréolières) towards Coursegoules, passing under the Cheiron. A very varied route passing by the 6th-century Saint-Michel Chapel. Return via the Chemin de l'Autreville and the Vespluis and Taillet valleys, with a small ford that is easy to cross. Ideal for a full day out with a nice stop in Coursegoules: restaurant or picnic, bakery and water point.

A magnificent hike through the wild, karst landscapes of the Grasse Pre-Alps. As a bonus, a very well-preserved drystone shelter.

This short but challenging hike starts in Cipières, a village at the foot of the Calern plateau facing the Cheiron massif, and takes you to the banks of the Loup, a 49km coastal river (the second longest in the Alpes-Maritimes) through deciduous forests. Once you reach the banks of the Loup, you will walk along the buried Foulon aqueduct, which supplies water to Grasse and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, although the river is right by the path, it remains difficult to access.

Circular route from the village of Gars to Briançonnet. This hike takes you to the impressive Source de Gars, the birthplace of Célestin Freinet, pioneer of modern education. It is a varied route that passes through the village of Briançonnet and the ruins of its feudal castle, from where there is a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Both villages are well worth a visit for their rich heritage.

A very pleasant hike criss-crossing the sunny and shady sides of this mountainous area, offering two contrasting types of vegetation and views of the Alps that will have you stopping regularly to take in the scenery.

This hike is accessible to all. The highlight is the magnificent site of Castellaras, the only difficulty being the climb, which is nevertheless reasonable. The hike starts from the picturesque health resort of Thorenc. The route also offers views of Lake Thorenc and the Château des Quatre Tours. The variety of landscapes and paths is another interesting aspect of this hike. What's more, there are no navigation difficulties.

At an altitude of over 1,400 metres, this pleasant hike through the pine trees takes you on a journey of discovery through an enchanting environment. The Pic de Fourneuby overlooks the village of Le Mas and offers a 360° panorama of the foothills of the Alpes-Maritimes and neighbouring departments.

A very pleasant, easy family hike through pine forests and small meadows, ideal for a picnic in the mountains.

A beautiful circular walk in the heart of the Pré-Alpes d'Azur Regional Nature Park, starting from Ascros and passing through Les Chats, Pécogiu and the Var-Moyen State Forest on the way to the magnificent Sainte-Baume Chapel.

Another route leading to the ruins of Castellaras and Lac de Thorenc, which follows part of the existing route on Visorando. It starts from the D5, at a place called La Pinée, and is just as interesting.

Discover a beautiful forest near Castellet Saint-Cassien. Following the ridges along unmarked paths offers a delightful way to explore this stunning Haut-Estéron National Forest.

The walk starts and ends at the car park right next to Lake Thorenc. The aim is to enjoy the magnificent view at the foot of a TDF relay mast: to the south, the waters of the lake at the start of the walk reflect the surrounding forest, and further to the east stands the Castellaras, a natural defensive stronghold.

A lovely, challenging hike starting at the confluence of the Var and Cians rivers, leading up to the Plateau de Dina whilst taking in four chapels along the way. Beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

After a walk through a beautiful forest of scattered oak trees, this little-known peak is a stunning summit that can be climbed with little difficulty. The villages of Cipières and Gréolières are visible in the view. A wonderful discovery.

Starting from Bramafan, the trail climbs under the pine and beech trees on the cool, quiet north-facing slope. The mossy ground absorbs your footsteps, and the air smells of resin and damp earth. Between two pale rocks, the view opens up onto the Loup valley and the Cheiron ridges. Gradually, the forest thins out and olive trees herald Cipières, perched on its luminous spur, after a leisurely walk of about ten kilometres. The descent to the river is calm and the path sometimes enigmatic, but you'll get there. Return via the Canal de Foulon.

The hike starts with an uphill climb to Pré de Marthe, where you can enjoy a view of Montagne du Cheiron. At Baisse de Saint-Barnabé, you can visit the magnificent Oratoire de Saint-Jean-Baptiste. The return journey takes you through the village of Courmes, which is well worth a visit.

A circular route with superb views of the pretty village of Coursegoules and the Saint-Barnabé plateau. Photos taken in the snow, but the landscapes are just as beautiful without.

A very pleasant circular route to discover the Plateau de Saint-Barnabé and enjoy a remarkable view of the Loup valley. This route presents no particular difficulties except for the climb to the summit of Bau de Saint-Jean, where caution is advised. This route is very well marked.