Ascros walks

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.

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.

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/

This route will take you on a tour of Roquestéron and La Roque-en-Provence (formerly Roquestéron-Grasse), two villages separated by the Estéron, which formed the border (before 1860) between France and Savoy. Return to Roquestéron via a local track running alongside the Estéron. Editor’s note added on 20/09/2021: some of the paths on this 2016 hike are difficult to find. See the comments at the bottom of this page

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.

This walk takes us to explore the gorges of the River Espignole. This round trip offers a delightful mix of views of the Var, a visit to the beautiful village of Villars-sur-Var, its church and streets, and the chance to discover an unmarked path that follows the route of the Canal du Moulin, which brings water to the village, without any significant change in elevation.

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.

A beautiful circular wooded path starting from the village of Thiéry, allowing you to admire the Crête des Charbonnières, then walk along it on the way back. The route is a little long (6 hours including breaks) but does not present any technical difficulties. At the end of the hike, we recommend visiting the village.

Un joli circuit dans un domaine forestier très agréable aux essences de pins diverses. La montée jusqu'à la Villa Souberre, en pente douce, permet d'admirer les alpages.

A very beautiful and short walk, following a centuries-old path, as evidenced by these two ancient bridges. The bridge and the unmarked wooded path are a lovely discovery. Beautiful views of the village of Thiéry before crossing it.

This beautiful hike will allow you to explore both sides of Mont Ragias, the highest peak in the Middle Var at 1,174 metres. The eastern slope, which alternates between terraced paths and forest, climbs up the Espignole valley. The other slope, more rocky, overlooks the Var valley, offering beautiful panoramic views. It is only at the Chapelle Saint-Jean du Désert, almost at the end of the route, that you can see Mont Ragias.

A wild and varied route around Mont Fracha, revealing forests, valleys and panoramic ridges. A changing landscape on this route marked by traces of ancient human activity, between wooded areas, steep terrain and open views over the landscapes of the Cians and the Tinée.

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!

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 circular hike starting from the village of Toudon provides access to one of the main peaks of the Mont Vial massif between Var and Estéron. On the menu for this hike: pine forests and broom scrub, grassy terraces of abandoned countryside, a slightly steep passage at the foot of a limestone cliff, panoramic views of Cheiron, the Var valley, Mercantour... and even Nice and the sea on a clear day.

A beautiful circular hike starting from the village of Lieuche, taking you to the summit of Brec d'Ilonse, which offers a beautiful view of the Mercantour massif and the village of the same name. The hike passes through the beautiful village of Thiéry, which is well worth a visit. The route is long and requires a good level of fitness, although it does not present any technical difficulties.

A very pleasant hike, the start of which is south-facing, which is very pleasant in winter. Once you have visited the village, the rarely used return trail ends in a rocky area, where it disappears. Take care when walking through the wooded area of thorn bushes and oak trees on the Dos de l'Éléphant ridge along the banks of the Var .

This is a very pleasant short walk with a south-facing route, which is very pleasant in winter. This century-old mule track linked the village of Massoins to Malaussène railway station, facilitating logistics and trade.

A beautiful, challenging hike between the Var and Tinée rivers.

A beautiful route through the ‘moyen pays’ region, offering the chance to explore the village of Malaussène, the forest and the ridge of Mont Vial. The 360° panorama from Mont Vial is sublime, with views of both sea and mountains.

Starting from the village of Malaussène, part of the Serse route has become impassable due to rockfalls. A local advised us to follow the Adous Canal. It’s an easy, almost flat, round-trip walk. To make the return journey a bit more challenging over the final few kilometres, we turned off to rejoin a section of the Serse route.

Exploring the Vallon and Montagne de Mairola shows that these vast spaces have been shaped by humans over the centuries: the south-facing cereal fields of Puget-Rostang, state forests reforested to combat erosion, the Dina plateau with its fields cleared of stones with patience, scattered farms now used only as shelters during the hunting season (Fournès, Villars, la Combe, Mairola)...

A circular route that will give you the opportunity to visit the typical villages of Les Ferres and Bouyon and discover the Clue de la Cerise, carved out by the turbulent waters of the Estéron.

The Estèron valley and its turbulent waters. Most of the hike is in the undergrowth, so it is shaded, with a more exposed return.Moderator's warning on 02/03/2021: Caution! Due to rockfalls, a path is closed. See notices dated 27 February and 02 March 2021.

A short hike that will take you off the beaten track through a relatively easy-to-navigate forest to the summit of Mont Saint-Michel. The summit offers a beautiful view of the village below. The return trail passes through an easy area wooded with chestnut trees. This hike is reserved for off-trail enthusiasts.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 lovely autumn hike starting from the medieval hilltop village of Bairols in the middle of the Tinée valley. The climb up to the Col de l'Espalla offers splendid views of the Tinée valley before reaching the lake plateau. The return trip along the chestnut tree trail is also very pleasant and, at this time of year, you can pick up a few chestnuts to roast in a pan in the evening.

Mont Falourde is situated at the junction of the Var and Tinée valleys, and is well worth the detour in its own right. This hike follows some beautiful high-altitude trails, with numerous steep sections offering magnificent panoramic views. The final stretch of the trail runs at the foot of cliffs.

Located in the Pré-Alpes d'Azur park, this is a hike on varied terrain that passes through two villages worth visiting, Bouyon and Les Ferres. You can also admire the spectacular mountain scenery, an astonishing oratory and overlook the green waters of the Estéron, a tributary of the Var. The route is marked almost from start to finish by signs and yellow markings.

You can't start this hike without visiting this inland village. It's a journey into the past, leading to covered passageways, narrow streets, fountains, chapels and a wrought-iron bell tower in perfect condition. This magnificent hike then takes you off-trail with a view overlooking the village of Bouyon, then at Estellier, breathtaking views of the Estéron Valley with beautiful panoramas of the sea and the Alps.