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Coming from Nice, drive through the village and turn right towards Annot cemetery. Park in the large car park nearby.
(S/E) From the car park, walk alongside the Annot cemetery on the tarmac road to Argenton. Head towards the nearby stone bridge of the Chemins de Fer de Provence. Pass under the stone archway and continue straight ahead on the paved path.
Signposting to follow: yellow signs for Argenton as far as the Col de Pelloussis
(1) At the wooden signpost, continue straight on towards Argenton. It was along this historic, stone-paved mule track that food was transported from Marseille in the 16th century. Unique in its design, it will take us to the Col de Pelloussis. Cross the Pont du Bourdon and turn left. Continue the climb towards the Col de Pelloussis. During the ascent, ignore any crossroads. Always keep straight ahead or follow the “Argenton” sign on the yellow signposts.
(2) At the junction of a footpath and a track, turn right towards Argenton. Look out for the sign “Col de Pelloussis – 1350 m”, which is not in the correct position on the map. After about a hundred metres, the track passes to the right and left of a beautiful tree. Continue for about fifty metres.
(3) At this point, just before the descent, turn right onto the path. After a few metres, you’ll see yellow markings and cairns. This beautiful path, once a bustling place, winds its way through rocky outcrops. From here on, every rock and ruin leaves you in awe and wondering. Follow the yellow markings. The path isn’t shown on the map but is well marked.
(4) At this crossroads, veer slightly to the right and continue straight on through this wooded area. Head south. As you walk, don’t hesitate to step off the path a few metres to the left (east side) to take in the sweeping views of the canyon. Return to the path and continue through the woods and rocks.
(5) At the junction, continue straight ahead and take in the view.
(6) At the Grange de Baume Longe, walk along the west side of the stone building. The path, which is somewhat hidden by vegetation at the start, continues immediately to the right of the south-west corner of the barn. This descending section of the path is usually covered in leaves.
Yellow markings
(7) At the crossroads, continue straight ahead. At the yellow sign, head towards Les Portettes. Continue through this forest, which is full of natural curiosities thanks to its rocks and trees with unusual shapes.
(8) Stop for a moment to enjoy the view of the village of Braux below and the Alpine massif. Continue along the path heading south.
(9) Pass between the natural rocky walls known as Les Portettes.
(10) At the crossroads of the paths, continue straight on towards La Chambre du Roi. You can take a detour along the path on the left to admire another beautiful viewpoint. Arched rocks follow one after another along the path as you approach the sandstone ledge. Every moment offers a change of scenery.
There is an information sign reading “CAUTION: FOR YOUR SAFETY” – do not approach the edge and take particular care with children.
(11) The path, approximately 2 m wide, runs along the ledge and beneath the sandstone rocks. Nevertheless, the sheer drop is there. Proceed with caution along the path . This unsecured sandstone ledge, a climbing training ground, is a natural curiosity. Remain vigilant at all times.
(12) Upon reaching the Chambre du Roi, another break is in order. This is a 30-metre-high “stone church spire” well worth seeing and admiring. The path passes beneath the rock. Continue following the yellow markings towards Annot. Carry on along the path as it winds downwards to the railway line.
(13) Continue along this track, which runs alongside Annot station and overlooks the tracks, until you reach the stone bridge. Pass under the railway bridge and turn right. Follow Avenue de la Gare.
(14) Go down the steps on the right-hand side of Avenue de la Gare and then follow Promenade de la Beite, a tarmac road leading into the heart of the village of Annot. At Place Revelly, turn right onto Basse Rue and, after a few metres, turn left. Pass through the old stone gate which was the entrance to Annot in the Middle Ages. Follow the street, go round the church on the right and you will come to the cemetery car park (S/E).
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