Circular walk between Lake Thorenc and the Col de Bleine

Park at the Lac de Thorenc car park: free parking.

(S/E) Head towards the Route de Castellane (D2), cross it carefully and then follow it to the left.

(1) Turn right onto the road towards Thorenc.

(2) Take a path on the left. Cross a small road and continue straight ahead along the Chemin des Poètes to reach marker 128.

(3) Turn left and walk for about 400 m.

(4) Follow the path on the left, which starts with a hairpin bend; then, before reaching the underground reservoir, turn right onto a track, follow it to the left for a few metres and arrive at marker 130.

(5) Head right towards Col de Bleine. You’ll come out onto the D5; follow it to the left for about twenty metres, then turn right onto the path which cuts across the bend and quickly rejoins the road. Climb to the right until you reach marker 104 at Col de Bleine.

(6) Take the track on the right to reach marker 105.

(7) Turn right and head for the TDF mast and its magnificent panoramic view.

(8) Turn back and follow the ascent route in the opposite direction to marker 130.

Take the track on the left towards Thorenc and come out onto a small road at marker 132.

(9) Head down to the right, pass marker 133 and continue to the junction with the Allée de la Casinette.

(10) Turn left, then turn right about a hundred metres further on to join Avenue François de Théas. Turn left and follow this avenue to marker 148.

(11) Take the path on the right to head back down to the Route de Castellane (D2), which you’ll reach at marker 140. Cross carefully and return to the car park.

(S/E) Continue along the road to reach the shores of Lake Thorenc.

(12) Turn back and return to the car park (S/E).

At the end of the route, the path is a private road but is open to walkers.

(8) Viewpoint at the TDF mast, offering views particularly to the south, over Lake Thiorenc and the Castellaras.