Artigues (Var) walks

Circular, via the ridges of Montagne d'Artigues, with an optional visit to the village of Esparron. The first part follows the red and white markings of the GR®99A, and the second part follows the blue markings on the ridges.

An alternating view of pasture and fresh forests, this pleasant flat walk will lead you past the Notre Dame d'Esparron chapel and its small cemetery classified as an historical monument. Crossing the tiny village of Artigues is also surprising. You'll particularly enjoy refilling your water bottles at the communal fountain. The advantage of this charming loop that it's flat and very manageable, there are only one or two small climbs along the route.

Located between Sainte-Victoire and Luberon, the Montagne de Vautubiere offers beautiful views of the entire Provençal mountains (from the Southern Alps to Sainte-Baume). You can also discover a pretty hidden agricultural valley. This walk combines superb views with the freshness of cultivated meadows surrounded by forests, offering a pleasant change of scenery.

A peaceful walk that starts in a shady valley, approaches the Rocher des Abeilles, and crosses the heath of the Var plateaus. Please note that fires ravaged this area during the summer of 2017.

Despite a slight elevation gain, this is a scenic hike with 360° views of the Luberon and, behind, Mont Ventoux, the Lure mountain, the upper and lower Verdon, and the Dévoluy. On the other side, you can see Sainte-Victoire, Sainte-Baume, and Mont Olympe.

Déroulez les époques en suivant l’eau, fil d’Ariane du circuit, omniprésente dans le paysage et l’histoire du village. Croisez fontaines, anciens moulins, canaux, ruisseaux, lavoirs et remontez à la source de la Foux. Développé par la Communauté de communes Provence Verdon, le projet Randonner Autrement a pour objet de faire découvrir, à un public familial, le patrimoine naturel, le patrimoine bâti excentré, les paysages et leurs évolutions, ainsi que des points de vue sur les villages…

A circular starting from the northern slope of Montagne de la Sainte-Victoire to reach Col de Suberoque via the Sentier des Plaideurs trail, then following the GR®9 along the ridges towards Pic des Mouches. A few technical sections without any major difficulties and, above all, a 360° panorama.

This is a moderately difficult hike that takes you from the Col des Portes to the Pic des Mouches, one of the peaks of Sainte-Victoire, where the view is superb. The loop ends at the Citadelle, a rocky plateau that vaguely resembles a fortified castle (with a little imagination).

In the Sainte-Victoire region, there is an easy circular in the heath with several points of interest: the Citadel oppidum, the Lambruisse farm and chapel, and the Sinne observatory. Beautiful views of Sainte-Victoire and even the Alps.

A beautiful panoramic view of the north face of Sainte-Victoire. In the distance, the Luberon, Lure, the peak of Mont Ventoux, a beautiful view of the Alps on a clear day, crossing isolated meadows at the foot of the Ubacs mountain. Part of the route crosses a private hunting ground, so it is unthinkable to do this section during the hunting season, but it can easily be avoided.

A beautiful and varied walk through the countryside, culminating in the medieval village of Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier (with its chapels, mills, church and 360° panorama of Provence).

From the Notre-Dame Chapel to the hamlet of Saint-Estève, the vineyard reveals itself in all its glory, from its history to its seasons, including its transformation. Developed by the Provence Verdon Community of Communes, the "Randonner Autrement" (Hiking Differently) project aims to introduce families to the natural heritage, the outlying built heritage, the landscapes and their evolution over time, as well as views of the villages, in an educational and fun way.

Circular starting from the hamlet of Bèdes, across the plateau, passing by Notre-Dame de Consolation. Beautiful panoramic views of the Durance, the Vautubière and the Peyrolles gravel pits. No particular difficulty, between sandy (ochre) paths, tarmac and a few rocky passages.

A walk to this little Provençal chapel on the heights of Jouques, at the top of Concors Mountain. Particularly isolated, it is only accessible on foot. From the top of Mont Concors, there is a beautiful view (watchtower), notably of the castles of Grand Sambuc and Petit Sambuc, and of Sainte-Victoire. You can do this hike in reverse if you want to enjoy the views better on the way back. And enjoy a nice climb in the shade ;-)

Circuit to the Pic des Mouches combining a steady, gentle climb above Puyloubier via the Malivert oratory and a challenging descent in a magnificent, very wild setting to the Saint-Ser inn via the Green trail. Please note: (4) The descent via the green trail is impossible: there is a signprohibiting access between 1 February and 15 July each year (to protect birds, butterflies, reptiles, etc. during the breeding season). See practical information.

Between Sainte-Victoire and Sainte-Baume, two prestigious mountains in Provence, you can reach Olympe.

Located on a hilltop at an altitude of 580 metres, overlooking the plain, the historic old village of Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier offers a superb panorama of the Durance valley, the Verdon mountains, the Montagne de Lure and, on a clear day, Mont Ventoux.

Less frequented than its illustrious neighbour, Mont Aurélien, Mont Olympe offers no less than an exceptional 360° panorama of most of the region's iconic peaks, even as far as the Mercantour on a clear day. After a fairly long approach walk on a gentle, steady slope, the final steep climb is more suited to experienced and trained walkers. But what a reward!

A walk in the hills and a scramble across a small area of orange sand.

From Mirabeau to Beaumont de Pertuis, between hills and descents, towards the Sainte Croix chapel and Notre Dame de Beauvoir.

Short family hike. Start on the botanical trail (optional) then climb up to the chapel. Pass by a cave and you may see some goats.

An energetic loop in Sainte-Victoire leaving from the Saint-Ser car park. The climb up goes via the east of the Bau de l'Aigle and the descent back down is via the 'Pas du Clapier'.

A challenging circular in Sainte-Victoire starting from the Saint-Ser car park. The ascent is via the Col de Saint-Ser and the descent via the Col de Vauvenargues. The Saint-Ser black trail is closed from 1 February to 15 July 2023 (between 4 and 6). See practical information.

In search of old bridges over the Argens, passing through vineyards and forest.

Short, challenging hike in the Baudino refuge area via the Grand Couloir (chain/cable passages) and descent via the Pas de Clapier after enjoying the views from the Plan de la Crau

This is a beautiful walk starting from the village where many scenes from the films Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources were shot. You can rediscover the plants of our hills by looking for the signs at the foot of the plants. The path is poorly maintained, but the view of the Durance, the village and the Château de Mirabeau are well worth the walk.

A family hike partly along the edge of Lake Esparron with many opportunities for swimming and picnicking. The second part of the hike is mostly in the woods with views of Lake Esparron. This hike is generally very shaded.

Above the lake of Esparron-de-Verdon.

On this hike you will be rewarded with beautiful views into the village of Esparron-de-Verdon and across to the hills of the Verdon Canyon. Enjoy the flowers, butterflies and olive trees as well as an optional visit to see the village chateau and church.

A circular eight-shaped loop starting from the village of Esparron-de-Verdon. A round trip takes you to the pretty site of the "Salle à Manger" in the lower Gorges du Verdon (access to water possible). After starting on a small road, the route alternates between rocky paths and wide tracks. There are some lovely views of the lake and glimpses of the plateaus of Provence and its lavender fields.