Circular Creux du Van route via Ferme du Grand Vy and Fontaine Froide

From the village of Noiraigues, follow signs for Ferme Robert. As you approach the restaurant, park in the car park on your right.

(S/E) Then head to the far end of the car park and take the lovely path leading into the forest. Ignore the small side paths. Further on, you’ll reach a junction with a path coming up from the valley.

(1) Continue straight on towards Les Oeillons. Follow this track until you reach the outskirts of the Ferme des Oeillons. Look out for the signpost.

(2) Stay on the path that branches off to the left and start climbing the slope of the famous ‘Sentiers des Quatorze Contours’. The numbers painted on the stones serve as a countdown to the summit.
After a slight levelling off, you’ll emerge into the wooded meadows at the edge of the cliff. Head for the signpost at the fork.

(3) Continue along the beautiful track skirting the precipice without ever crossing the safety barrier. Fitted walkways will give you access to several vertiginous viewpoints. Reach the junction and the signpost.

(4) Leave the edge of the cirque and head to the right across the meadows towards Mont Soliat, the highest point in the area, which offers a 360° view. Then follow the well-marked track back to the edge of the cliff. Continue to the right, due east, through one of the ibex’s favourite areas, to reach a junction at the edge of the forest.

(5) Carry on straight ahead along the edge of the forest, then through meadows, woods and finally the pastures of the mountain pasture belonging to the La Grand Vy farm and restaurant.

(6) Walk past the building and, at the junction, carry on straight ahead along the tarmac road. Cross the small wood and you’ll reach Pré au Favre, at the large junction, at an altitude of 1,295 metres.

(7) Leave the tarmac road and take a white track to the left, which winds along the meadows. Continue for a long way along this lovely path until you reach a junction further on at an altitude of 1,259 metres.

(8) Carry on straight ahead, ignoring the path leading downhill. Continue through the forest and, much further on, you’ll reach another junction at an elevation of 1,116 metres.

(9) Ignore the path on the right and carry on straight ahead along the main track. Pass the Fontaine Froide visitor centre and continue at the foot of the cliffs, heading north and then east. Much further on, emerge from the forest and reach Ferme Robert and the car park junction.

(10) Turn left off the main road and enter the car park (S/E).

Places to eat: Ferme Robert, Ferme de La Grand Vy, Ferme du Soliat.
Check opening dates and accepted payment methods.