Circular route south of Simiane-la-Rotonde and return via the summit of the Espéron

There is a designated, easy-to-use parking area, set back to the left along the road opposite the post office/town hall.

(S/E) Opposite the footpath leading up to the village, take the bridge to cross the channelled river and head straight on, southwards, towards “Le Défens”. The wide path climbs steadily but gently.

(1) At the place known as Le Défens, mentioned on the signpost indicating trail directions, leave the return path on your right and continue straight on towards “Le Patiras”. After the scrubland, walk alongside a field to the right of the path and follow the path to the left towards a ruin at the edge of the field.

(2) Near the ruin, at a place called Le Jas d’Estelle, you’ll reach the signpost for “Tour de l’Esperon”; continue south on a wide, well-marked path until you reach the next junction.

(3) Leave the yellow-marked path on your right and head straight down to a junction of several paths on a flat area.

(4) Turn right at a right angle onto the path that runs alongside a sheepfold. Then follow the track to the Vallon du Patiras. Below this track on the left, you will see the old farm building, Le Clos de Rohan.

(5) Head northwards along the wide track, ignoring the turnings to the right. Continue along the path running parallel to the D30 to the hamlet known as La Combe du Pommier.

(6) Leave the path that runs alongside the cultivated fields and climb up to the right along a small track towards the summit of the Espéron, heading north-east. The path, which is barely visible at first, leads easily to the summit, marked by numerous piles of dry stones and low walls.

(7) As you walk across the flat summit, enjoy beautiful views towards the Montagne de Lure and the snow-capped Alps. Continue due north along the well-marked path until you reach a road.

(8) Follow it to the right for a few metres, then take the path on the left which quickly leads to a field. Before reaching the field, take the path on the right and continue straight on to the hamlet of Four de Davin below. You can see the villages of Simiane and La Rotonde from several points along the way.

(9) After the house below, at the hamlet of Four de Davin, leave the track to the left and continue along the path to the original fork.

(1) Head down the opposite way to the way you came and return to the post office/town hall (S/E).

There are no water points along the route.

(3) You can shorten the walk by taking the yellow-marked path to the right towards Patiras and heading straight to (5), avoiding (4).

We didn’t see anyone near the sheepfold, but it’s possible that flocks of sheep might be out and that you might come across Patou dogs there.

Between (2) and (4), there are plenty of Requien daffodils along the route at the start of April.

Before or after the hike, a visit to the pretty village and the castle of Simiane-la-Rotonde is recommended. The interior architecture of the Rotonde is surprising. You can walk up or park at the very top of the village near the Rotonde. In the village, which is very well preserved, note the beautiful porches, a bell tower and a covered terrace with a stunning view over the plain. The rose garden at the neighbouring former abbey of Valsaintes is also well worth a visit.