Around Le Douard

Date of your route : Dec 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Pleasant route...the view of the quarry isn't great...otherwise, a peaceful walk with friends.

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Date of your route : May 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely short hike. We start with a gentle climb for 40 minutes. The area is in bloom at this time of year, with beautiful views of the quarries and lovely, easy-to-walk paths – pure joy. We completed the circular hike in 2 hours and 10 minutes due to the threatening weather. PS: I hike with a GPS – it’s brilliant 💡

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Date of your route : Mar 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, particularly through the Petite Sainte-Baume Gorge (with its absolutely spectacular rock formations); the descent after WP7 is less interesting, apart from the striking views offered by the huge quarry and – unexpectedly – the Gemenos industrial area seen from above!

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Date of your route : Feb 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely, easy walk that’s very well described.

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Hello,

Thank you for your reply.
That’s very clear regarding the clearing.
As for the private land, according to the man we met, the whole area is private (though of course that’s just his opinion). We didn’t see any ‘no entry’ signs. However, at the very end of the walk, at a crossroads, a sign indicates that the path we were on is private, but that doesn’t mean it’s off-limits, and there’s nothing to suggest that, not even on the sign itself!

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Hello
There is no viewpoint overlooking the Petite Sainte Baume gorges. It is simply a walk through a lovely little valley. I am surprised, however, that part of it is private, but it is still accessible, although it is always very busy with walkers. As for the quarry, one of the largest in Provence, it is busier than ever.
Kind regards

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Date of your route : Feb 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Two things:
1) – although I rated the route’s ease of following as ‘average’, this only applies to the viewpoint over the Gorges de la Petite Sainte-Baume, which we couldn’t find. Otherwise, it’s all wide paths, perfect, a lovely circular route – let’s call it family-friendly;
2) : are these paths open to the public? We came across a completely madman (on the southern side of the route, in the commune of Roquefort-la-Bédoule) in a car belonging to a hunting company who told us that everything was private, that it was forbidden, and that it cost €135, even though we encountered plenty of hikers, walkers, mountain bikers, etc. throughout the entire route. It would be good to know exactly what the situation is and to be kept informed. One last thing: we were there on a Sunday, and it would also be good to know if the quarry we walk alongside is still in operation, as the route might then pose a problem during the week, or even be closed to the public. Please could you clarify this for me if you can.
Otherwise, a lovely walk, with the estimated time spot on;
Kind regards,
Jean-Pierre BUSTI

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