Baoux des Blancs et des Noirs via the chemin du Riou

This walk begins with a stroll along the peaceful Chemin du Riou, a balcony overlooking the Pays Vençois, then climbs up to the two cliff promontories, taking in a wide panorama from Nice to Théoule, and perhaps even a glimpse of Corsica!

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.36 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 357 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 359 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 730 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 413 m

Description of the walk

From Vence, take the M2 road towards Col de Vence. Turn right at Les Templiers and park a few hundred metres further on Chemin du Riou, where a few parking spaces are available.

(S/E) Continue on Chemin du Riou to reach the Y junction at a power line.

(1) Stay on this road, ignoring all right- and left-hand turn-offs. Pass a cistern and reach the crossroads at signpost 122.

(2) Make a nearly 180° left turn onto a small path that rises into the undergrowth. After passing a hairpin bend, cross the track and continue up the path to reach the crossroads at signpost 123.

(3) Turn left to reach the summit of Baou des Noirs.

(4) Return to the previous crossroads by following the same path in the opposite direction.

(3) Head slightly uphill on the hillside, overlooking the wild Vallon de l'Abey, to reach signpost 124.

(5) Turn left downhill, quickly reaching the crossroads at signpost 125.

(6) Go downhill again to the left, pass under the high-voltage power line and continue due south, south-west to reach the crossroads of a small path.

(7) Go left, passing a few ruins, then reach a plateau with a public bench at the top of Baou des Blancs.

(8Return to the previous crossroads by following the same path in the opposite direction.

(7Take the steep downhill path on the left to reach the M2 at a car park.

(9) Turn left with extreme caution (see Practical info). Continue along the Château de Saint-Martin, once past it, find a small path on your right, just before the left-hand bend.

(10) Turn right onto this path to cross the bend in the road. Cross the road with care, then turn left onto Chemin du Riou to return to the parking (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 417 m - Parking on chemin du Riou
  2. 1 : km 2.09 - alt. 419 m - Power line
  3. 2 : km 3.08 - alt. 427 m - Signpost 122
  4. 3 : km 3.96 - alt. 648 m - Signpost 123
  5. 4 : km 4.16 - alt. 669 m - Baou des Noirs
  6. 5 : km 5.64 - alt. 725 m - Signpost 124
  7. 6 : km 6 - alt. 668 m - Signpost 125
  8. 7 : km 6.7 - alt. 628 m - Crossroad towards Baou des Blancs
  9. 8 : km 6.9 - alt. 664 m - Baou des Blancs (673m)
  10. 9 : km 7.59 - alt. 472 m - M2, near - Lubiane (rivière)
  11. 10 : km 8 - alt. 447 m - Short-cut towards chemin du Riou
  12. S/E : km 8.36 - alt. 415 m - Parking on chemin du Riou

Practical information

No water on the way, and little shade except at the very start of the path (sign 122).
Hiking boots are recommended, especially for the descent where the path is not really maintained.
Between (9) and (10) this section of road requires caution, especially with children or animals, as there is no specific space for pedestrians.

  • Note: the 3h40 recorded by the app includes some 20 minutes spent picking asparagus at Baou des Noirs.

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