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Coming from Nice, at the entrance to Plan du Var, turn left onto the metal bridge called "Pont du Gabre de Bonson" and park just after it on the left.
(S/E) Head west on the slightly uphill tarmac road that passes between the Électricité de France facilities and the Var. Turn right at the wooden signpost no. 26 towards Bonson via Le Cianès and continue on this winding road.
Yellow markings.
(1) Shortly after the bend in the road, climb a few steps on the left leading to a paved slanting street lined with oak trees. There is a metal sign with the inscription: Bonson, crudely painted but very useful. Continue climbing this path, which is the old mule track from the Var Valley and passes below the village of Bonson, perched on its rocky peak.
(2) Turn right at the wooden signpost no. 22 towards Bonson on a half-tarmaced track. A hundred metres further on, continue straight ahead on an uphill dirt track. There is a sign for the communal path. This path is more of a trail, bordered by a long terraced wall. Enter the village of Bonson, which you reach by walking past the Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste, currently undergoing restoration. Its heritage value lies in its superb 15th-century Gothic star vault. Walk past this building and continue along Rue Basse, which leads to the heart of the village.
(3) Turn right at the wooden signpost no. 21 on Rue de la Tourre, heading towards Chapelle du Passet. Stop at the war memorial. On the left, along the cliff, Chapelle du Passet is set back from the street. Bluish in colour and converted into a hayloft, it was restored in 1921 and dedicated to the people of Bonson who died for their country. On the right is the Var valley. Continue a few steps to discover the Church of Saint-Benoît, which houses three 16th-century altarpieces classified as historical monuments. Continue along the alley, which forms a circular loop.
(3) Cross Place Maurice Scoffier heading north. Turn left and continue up the hill on Rue Ve Lou Cre. At the end of the street, turn right. Pass under a porch, with the blue Saint-Antoine Chapel on your right, surrounded by a stone arch. Turn slightly left, passing in front of the village hall and post office. Turn immediately right at the corner of the post office at wooden signpost no. 20 and continue for a few metres (there are toilets and water on the left).
(4) Turn left at wooden signpost no. 20 towards Baisse du Collet / climbing site. This well-maintained paved slanting street climbs gradually in its upper section. On the right is the Collet Saint-André rock face, our next destination.
(5) At this point, you will find wooden signpost no. 28 indicating: Baisse de Collet Saint-André, altitude 606 m. Here you will find the ruins of the Chapelle Saint-André chapel, of which only two walls remain. Turn right towards Collet Saint-André. The slope is steep and stony, so take care on the last few metres.
(6) The summit is a rocky platform. Take the time to admire the exceptional view of the Var and the Alps. Begin the descent with caution.
(5) Continue straight ahead in the direction of Revest les Roches.
(7) There is a cairn: below on the right, about twenty metres from the path, is the Saint-Roch Chapel, located on the old road that linked Bonson to Revest. Special feature: this building is semi-open. Turn back.
(5) Turn right towards Bonson and retrace your steps to the Bonson post office.
(4) Continue to the right to reach the crossroads at the post office. Turn left towards the blue Saint-Antoine Chapel. Pass under the porch and continue straight on Rue Ve Lou Bourg, which crosses the village.
(3) Turn right and continue along Rue Basse to leave the village. Look for marker no. 22.
(2) Continue straight ahead on the carriage road until you reach marker no. 23.
(8) Turn onto the path descending to the left towards Plan du Var. This path winds through olive groves and arbutus trees, then leads to a cemented carriageway. Turn left 180° and continue along this cemented path, which zigzags downhill. Walk along the fence of the Électricité de France facility. At marker no. 26, turn right and head for the car park (S/E).
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