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You can stay at the Mont Chiran Refuge, subject to booking. Link here
Take plenty of water with you: there are few water sources on either stage
Circular walk from Blieux to the Mont Chiran Observatory
A magnificent, challenging and scenic two-day circular route in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, starting from the village of Blieux.
The route takes you along the ridges and iconic summits of the massif: the Mourre de Chanier (1,930 m), the Petit Mourre (1,873 m), the Grand Mourre (1,898 m), the Mont Chiran Observatory (1,905 m), then the Hauteur (1,777 m) and the Col de Reibert (1,464 m).
You’ll enjoy 360° views of Lake Sainte-Croix, the Verdon, the Mercantour peaks and the vast expanses of the Verdon. An ideal hike for a wild camp in the heart of nature, amongst airy ridges, scree slopes and pastoral trails.
Details
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Last update:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 18.60 mi -
Average duration: 2 days -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 5,262 ft -
Descent: - 5,266 ft -
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Highest point: 6,309 ft -
Lowest point: 2,995 ft
Photos
Stages of the route
This route needs several days, find the details below:
Notes
Other walks in the area
From Blieux to the Mont Chiran Observatory via the Mourre de Chanier
Visorando Member
10.30 mi
+4,626 ft
-1,542 ft
8h 45
Very difficult
Departure from Blieux (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
First stage of the circular route from the village of Blieux to the Mont Chiran Observatory. You’ll climb gradually towards the ridges to tackle the day’s peaks: the Mourre de Chanier (1,930 m), the highest point of the stage, the Petit Mourre (1,873 m) and the Grand Mourre (1,898 m), before reaching the Mont Chiran Observatory (1,905 m). The panoramic views stretch out over Lake Sainte-Croix, the Verdon and the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Mercantour. Arrival at the observatory marks the end of this first day, with a welcome water source for the campsite.
Le Chiran via Blieux
9.42 mi
+3,028 ft
-3,031 ft
7h 00
Moderate
Departure from Blieux (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Climb Chiran via another route, starting from the village of Blieux. You will reach the Chiran observatory after a beautiful 1,000 m climb through vegetation typical of the Southern Alps. In spring, this hike is beautiful with its colourful orchids on the plateau. At the summit, there is a magnificent 360° view. This hike is not technically difficult and is very easy to navigate.
From the Mont Chiran Observatory to Blieux
8.28 mi
+636 ft
-3,711 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Blieux (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Second stage of the circular route from Blieux to Mont Chiran. You leave the Mont Chiran Observatory and follow the ridges northwards towards L’Hauteur (1,777 m), the day’s highest point. After taking in the views of the Mercantour and the Observatory, you’ll gradually descend towards the Col de Reibert (1,464 m) and then follow the long stony track back to the village of Blieux. A day with a gentler elevation gain, but still very open and offering a change of scenery, which brings this tour of the Verdon peaks to a magnificent close.
The Mont Chiran observatory
6.24 mi
+2,126 ft
-2,133 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from La Palud-sur-Verdon (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
A pleasant hike in a beautiful setting with no difficulties. Just for relaxation.
This hike complements the Portail de Blieux hike described on the website.
Le Pavillon
8.79 mi
+1,493 ft
-1,522 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from La Palud-sur-Verdon (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
A visit to a small peak overlooking Lake Sainte-Croix and the Valensole plateau.
Senez - La Clappe
11.85 mi
+2,703 ft
-1,837 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Senez (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Route Napoléon via theGR®® 406 - Stage 5/6: Senez - La Clappe.
At the foot of the Cadières de Brandis via the Chapelle Saint-Jean
7.54 mi
+1,535 ft
-1,542 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Castellane (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Chasteuil, like Villars-Brandis, is a hamlet nestled at the foot of the Cadières de Brandis cliffs. Initially abandoned in the early 20th century, it has been revitalised since the 1970s.
This walk stays at a high altitude, following a path that runs almost entirely along a ledge above the Verdon.
The tiny Saint-Jean Chapel offers a magnificent view of the Cadières de Brandis, and rumour has it that the Templars’ treasure can be found there.
Clue de la Melle
9.55 mi
+2,126 ft
-2,100 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Senez (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
A hike above the Asse Valley offering views of the narrow Melle Gorges and the landscapes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
You can climb to 1,200 metres, where an isolated chapel on the plateau is the only remnant of a hamlet that was home to great acts of resistance before being destroyed.
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