The old village of Châteauneuf-les-Moustiers

de fr

A short walk to the abandoned village of Châteauneuf-les-Moustiers, ideal for a picnic with panoramic views of the Montdenier massif, the heights of the Verdon or the Mourres area.

Châteauneuf-les-Moustiers was abandoned at the beginning of the 20th century. The remaining ruins are impressive in size and number.

Details

n°818188
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.78 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 135 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 135 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,148 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,013 m
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Photos

Tree of Life
Ruins
Towards the Verdon
La Coudole

Description of the walk

At the end of the small RD 123 road, park on the track that branches off to the left.

(S/E) The hike starts on the track that climbs gently northwards (marked in yellow). Follow this track for 300 metres until you reach the road.

(1) Continue straight ahead on the track towards Châteauneuf-les-Moustiers. Follow this track to the foot of the village. Pass the war memorial and continue a few metres along the track until you reach a signpost.

(2) At the signpost, turn right and follow the arrows. Pass in front of the cemetery and follow the arrows on the right to enter the old village. Cross the village on the south side, following the arrows, to return to the north side at the foot of the old 12th-century castle. Climb up on the left to the site of the old castle.

(3) Descend on the west side straight towards the cemetery to rejoin the route you took on the way up and reach the track.

(2) Return via the track to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,013 m - Trail car park
  2. 1 : km 0.29 - alt. 1,037 m - Intersection at the end of the road
  3. 2 : km 1.1 - alt. 1,129 m - End (outward) or start (return) of the trail
  4. 3 : km 1.47 - alt. 1,142 m - Ancient 12th-century castle
  5. S/E : km 2.78 - alt. 1,013 m - Trail car park

Notes

Short hike, but bring some water in summer.
Good trainers are essential. The track is very stony.

Worth a visit

Châteauneuf-les-Moustiers

From the castle site (3), there is a magnificent view:
- To the north, the Mourres mountain range with La Coudole and La Barre des Maures in the foreground, and Mont Chiran in the background to the west.
- To the south, the Montdenier massif and, in the distance to the east, the heights of the Verdon Canyon.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
LilouParis
LilouParis

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This app is just awesome! Thank you, Visorando!

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beurdouche
beurdouche

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Not to be done on a hot day; preferably in the morning. Combined with the romantic route, it makes for a lovely day's hiking.

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eglantine83700
eglantine83700

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 16, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful walk to discover an abandoned village. Accessible to all.

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celine21310
celine21310
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A lovely little family walk... follow the "shepherd" on the signs...
Beautiful, unobstructed view. Ruins are dangerous due to falling rocks... do not enter the old buildings!
Easy trail suitable for young children.

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THYZ
THYZ

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 05, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Short but very interesting hike

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jdbs84420
jdbs84420

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 21, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A short and pleasant walk. Beautiful views and an unusual visit to an abandoned village.

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