Circular route around Simiane-Collongue

This is a mixed hike, with a large section on tarmac and a section through the forest to explore a cave, the Fontaine de Venel and the Fontaine des Vaches. It passes through the old village and goes past the Château de Gui, but unfortunately it is on private property so it is not possible to see it.

Details

n°93152657

Creation:
16 Mar 2026

Last update:
13 Apr 2026

Last review:
–

Activity: Walking
Distance: 7.69 mi
Average duration: 4h 25
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 994 ft
Descent: - 1,014 ft
Highest point: 1,463 ft
Lowest point: 722 ft

Country: France
City: Simiane-Collongue (13109)
Start/End: N 43.414175° / E 5.429322°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3145ET, 3244ET
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Description of the walk

Park at the Jean le Maître car park.

(S/E) Return along the road you took when arriving by car. Before reaching the forest gate, take the path leading down to the left to join the Chemin de la Liberté. Ignore the path branching off to the left and continue straight ahead. Then keep to the right and proceed to the next fork (Y-junction).

(1) Continue to the left and cross the first path on the right. Turn left to reach a junction

(2) Take the track on the left, then quickly the one on the right, and you’ll reach a gate. There are two tracks branching off; take the left-hand one and climb up until you reach cistern no. 164.

(3) Facing the cistern, take the small path that climbs to the left. Pass two small paths on the right; keep to the left until you reach a major junction.

(4) Continue straight on along the path that descends to reach the Chemin des Marres (tarmac road) very quickly. Take it on the right.

(5) At the Fontaine de Venel, continue along the tarmac road (Chemin des Marres).

(6) At the Stop sign, turn left and stay on this road (Route des Putis) until you reach a bridge

(7) Cross it and turn right, staying on the tarmac road (Route de Saint-Germain). Leave this road just before reaching the village and, at the small car park, take Rue de Fontfiguière on the left to reach the Fontaine des Vaches

(8) Then take the steps leading up to the left. Go up the two flights of steps, turning right at the second one. Then turn right onto a ‘No Entry’ sign on the Chemin de Bédouffe. You will see two forest gates on the left, about 15 metres apart. Stay on the path to see the famous Château de Gui (which cannot be visited as it is on private property)

(9) At the junction, take the dirt track opposite and continue until you reach a fork. Turn left onto Chemin du Château de Gui until you reach a forest gate, passing the private property where the château is located.

(10) Go through the forest gate and continue along this track until you reach the cave.

(11) Continue walking until you reach the Chemin de la Liberté and return to the car park via the same route you took on the way there (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,027 ft - Jean le Maitre car park
1 : mi 0.6 - alt. 1,053 ft - Y-junction
2 : mi 1.09 - alt. 1,004 ft - Crossroads
3 : mi 2.32 - alt. 1,460 ft - Cistern 164
4 : mi 2.52 - alt. 1,240 ft - Major crossroads
5 : mi 2.82 - alt. 1,191 ft - Fontaine de Venel - Fontaine de Venel (Saint-Germain)
6 : mi 3.58 - alt. 1,250 ft - Stop
7 : mi 4.75 - alt. 935 ft - Bridge
8 : mi 5.4 - alt. 768 ft - Fontaine des Vaches
9 : mi 5.84 - alt. 745 ft - Junction with a dirt track
10 : mi 6.35 - alt. 758 ft - Forest gate
11 : mi 6.46 - alt. 784 ft - Cave
S/E : mi 7.69 - alt. 1,027 ft - Jean le Maitre car park