Bagnols-en-Forêt walks

Very easy hike suitable for young children. The route runs alongside the Petit Riou (dry in summer) and benefits from the shade of the trees and the coolness of the valley. Magnificent waterfall at the end of the route: the Gourbachin. "Along the way, the Vauloube rushes from the top of a porphyry bank into a hollow, a veritable green chasm, where its waters, which are often turbulent after the slightest storm, have carved out a magnificent gour." The waterfall is no less than six metres high and, thanks to the overhanging rock, walkers can walk all the way around it, passing under the waterfall. The walk is fun and charming, ending at the Gour Bachin, which is a marvel." This text by L. Henseling, dating from 1934, is still relevant today.

The village of Bagnols-en-Forêt, churches and chapels located at the four cardinal points, a waterfall and an oppidum are all on the agenda for this hike, which is rich in remarkable sites to discover. Beautiful forest of pine and cork oak trees. The latter provide a unique material, bark, which regenerates after each harvest.

A pleasant short hike through the woods, with a view of the sea, Saint-Raphaël and the Estérel halfway along the route. Majestic pines, oaks and even olive trees line the trail. In spring, rockroses will brighten up your walk, in summer cicadas and in autumn heather. At the beginning of the last century, the Var was France's largest producer of cork. The actual harvest, known as "levage", depends on the health of the tree, the heat and the rise of the sap from early June to early August. The first harvests are unsuitable for making corks and are used for insulation. After nine years, when the bark is about three centimetres thick, it is harvested to make corks. Cork also protects the tree during fires.

A peaceful walk for the whole family with superb views of the region. However, be aware that some sections may be difficult for younger children... This hike can be done in either direction without difficulty.

This short hike takes you to an old millstone quarry and a prehistoric settlement with remarkable views.

A pleasant hike to do in good weather to enjoy the view. You will discover an old millstone quarry in the heart of the red rocks with magnificent views! Enjoy the view to the south over the sea and the Argens plain and to the north over the village and the Haut-Var mountains.

Lac du Rioutard is a hillside reservoir dating back to 1974. During this hike, discover an exceptional natural setting and a botanical trail created in 2007 by the Respire association, where you can learn about Mediterranean plant species. The dam covers an area of 5.8 hectares and has a capacity of 200,000 m³ of water. The dam is 14 metres high. Fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at catching tench, carp or perch. The botanical trail is marked by around thirty botanical panels highlighting Mediterranean plant species: stone pine, maritime pine, cork oak, holm oak, Montpellier rockrose, arbutus, juniper, tree heath, cade, mastic tree, thorny broom, thyme, etc.

A walk in an exceptional location, discovering the Blavet Gorges and the Mueron Cave, inhabited during the Bronze Age.Ideal in summer and mid-season, avoid periods of heavy rain.

Carved into red volcanic rock, the gorges offer beautiful geological features such as the Grotte de Muéron, one of the major climbing sites in the Var, and at the heart of this hike. At the foot of one of these many cliffs, you will find the prehistoric Muéron cave, which was occupied 10,000 years BC. From its very wide entrance, it extends deep into the rock and still provides shelter from storms today. Its proximity to the Blavet river and forests (a source of fuel), its southern exposure and its commanding view of the valley made it possible to follow wild herds and made it particularly attractive for camps during the Bronze Age.

Between the Maures mountains and the forests of Fayence, Seillans and Saint-Paul-en-Fôret, this hike takes you to the 11-hectare Lac de Meaulx in a densely wooded and green environment. The Riou de Méaulx hillside reservoir was built by the Syndicat Intercommunal pour l'Aménagement du Cours Supérieur de l'Endre (Intercommunal Association for the Development of the Upper Endre River). Lac de Méaulx, straddling the municipalities of Saint-Paul-en-Forêt, Seillans and Fayence, was filled with water in December 1981. The reservoir has a capacity of 900,000 m3 and a surface area of 16 hectares. Its maximum length is 1 km and the dam is 20 metres high. The lake was used as a support area for forest fire defence. Following damage, it was emptied in October 2006. Currently owned by the Community of Municipalities, it was refilled in early 2017 after renovation work.

A very pleasant walk through the heart of the Royal Forest, with its downy oaks, cork oaks and hornbeams. Several species of birds can be observed, including woodcocks and kingfishers. During the hike, you will enjoy magnificent views of Lake Méaulx. The inhabitants of Saint-Paul, steeped in a strong forestry culture, have always known how to draw resources from this forest: timber for building houses and ships, acorns for feeding pigs, wood for heating and fuelling lime kilns and craft kilns, particularly for firing tiles and glassware. From the16th century onwards, the Royal Navy consumed large quantities of timber for its ships. Today, the Royal Forest is no longer exploited, but with its downy oaks, cork oaks and hornbeams, it is a very pleasant place to walk.

A moderately difficult circular route with superb views of the Mediterranean, the Rocher de Roquebrune-sur-Argens and the Haut Var. A fairly easy climb and a slightly steep descent.

Nestled among vineyards and pine trees, La Bouverie is a pretty residential neighbourhood and the green heart of Roquebrune-sur-Argens. At the foot of the majestic Gorges du Blavet, where the red rock of the Estérel rises in steep cliffs, hiking trails lead in the footsteps of Homo Bouvérien. Archaeologists have recognised that the Roquebrune-sur-Argens area has been continuously inhabited throughout prehistoric times. The caves of La Bouverie are the earliest evidence of this.

A walk that starts with a return trip to the old Malpasset dam (a sad reminder of the past) and continues in a loop to the beautiful Lac de l'Avellan. Please note: The area around Lac de l'Avelan is completely off-limits for safety reasons (work in progress that may take quite some time).

At this site of sad memory, this loop allows you to see the remains and ruins of this structure, which was destroyed in a matter of minutes on 2 December 1959.

The circuit is a loop, so it is of course possible to walk it in either direction, with the beautiful Lac de l'Avellan halfway along the route.

A pleasant little circuit in the Mediterranean forest.