Return walk to Camp de César in Oloron-Sainte-Marie

Discover, during a return trip through the forest, a little spot steeped in history: Caesar’s Camp. These are the remains of an oppidum (a fortification built on high ground and surrounded by ditches, serving as a refuge and a meeting place) lost in the heart of the Bois de Pée forest, 10 minutes from the town of Oloron-Sainte-Marie.

Details

14017771
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.17 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 479 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 479 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,407 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 925 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

From Oloron, take the Chemin de la Gravette, then at the three-way junction, continue along the middle road. Park along the tarmac road.
Please take care not to obstruct traffic or disturb local residents.

(S/E) At the end of the tarmac road, between two properties, you will see a track suitable for vehicles. Take this track. Continue for about 450 m. You will come to a sharp right-hand bend and a junction with a path marked in yellow.

(1) At this junction, you will find a narrow forest track (marked in yellow). Take it. Continue straight ahead uphill for about 2 km until you reach a junction.
There are two paths: one going uphill to the right (the return route) and one going downhill to the left.

(2) Take the path leading down to the left and follow it. You will walk on flat ground, skirting the oppidum to the south. At the western end, you will reach a crossroads.

(3) Ignore the tracks leading down to the left. Continue rounding the Oppidum de César to the north (unmarked). Further on, an information panel provides a detailed description of the site. Keep going. Without realising it, you have walked all the way round Camp de César. You are now back at the junction of the circular oppidum.

(2) Turn left and head back down; you will then retrace your steps and begin the return leg of the walk until you reach the track and the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 928 ft - Roadside
  2. 1 : mi 0.24 - alt. 961 ft - Narrow forest path
  3. 2 : mi 0.93 - alt. 1,381 ft - Crossroads - Oppidum Circular Loop
  4. 3 : mi 1.1 - alt. 1,394 ft - Crossroads. Caesar’s Camp
  5. S/E : mi 2.17 - alt. 928 ft - Roadside

Notes

Please be careful when crossing grazed fields. Keep your dogs on a lead if they chase the animals.
No water source.
This route is part of a larger route.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
User 11744389

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk along a forest trail. Simple and accessible to all.

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Jacques Saur
Jacques Saur

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

It can get very muddy and slippery, so bring a spare pair of shoes for when you arrive

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thoraval
thoraval

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Apparently, there’s a ridge walk from Soum des Pidgeon Hunting Huts to Soum d’Aulis; I’d love to hear more about it. Thanks

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thoraval
thoraval

Apparently, there’s an unmarked ridge trail from Soum des Pidgeon Hunting Huts to Soum d’Aulis. I’d love to hear more about it. Thanks

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youcan
youcan

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 14, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Unfortunately, there isn't enough information about the site's history!

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Rosio 64
Rosio 64

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 20, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant, uphill walk through the woods along the path.

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