In the cool of the Colombier valleys

Vidauque car park on the D234.

(S/E) With your back to the D234, head straight ahead along a track for 150 m. Do not take the paths leading uphill to the left; continue straight ahead.

(1) Do not take the paths leading uphill to the left. Continue along the track to the fork at the 162m mark.

(2) Do not enter the nature reserve but take the path leading uphill to the left.

(3) Take the Vallon de la Taverne path which climbs to the right, due south. It is marked by a large cairn and then blue markers. Reach a fork at elevation 456.

(4) Take the small path that climbs to the left into the Vallon de la Calanque.

(5) The slope becomes steeper and you will see rocky outcrops that you will need to climb over using your hands. The climb is easy and poses little danger. You must follow the line of cairns carefully to avoid getting lost.

(6) You’ll reach a small, level path marked by numerous cairns. A few dozen metres further on, the path dives into the forest and climbs back up towards the plateau. After this steep climb, you’ll emerge onto a large, flat area at elevation 609.

(7) This clearing appears to serve as a car park for hunters, as several shooting posts have been set up using pallets. Follow the track for 500 m eastwards before spotting a brown turn marker on a flat stone in the middle of the track.

(8) On your left, you will find the hard-packed earth track that winds through the vegetation and descends gently through the Vallon de Pesseguier to meet the Vallon de la Sapine.

(9) Take the Sentier de la Sapine, marked in yellow and brown, which leads to the Citerne signpost.

(10) Continue for a few metres. You’ll come to the sheepfold and the actual cistern, filled with water for watering the flocks.

(11) You will now need to be patient as you make your way down the stony path to reach a fork you passed on the way up.

(3) Continue down the opposite side, following the reverse route of the outward journey, to the car park (S/E).