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(S) From the car park in the village of Courmes, join the RD503 road and turn right towards the east, following the path for a few metres. At the signpost, turn left (north) towards Vallon des Combes, following a low wall (yellow signposts). The path then follows a ledge and climbs up Vallon des Combes.
(1) In the valley, if you are there at dawn or at the end of the day, you should hear the bellowing of stags. If the light is good, you will be able to see them on the mountainside opposite you to the east.
Continue along this trail, following the yellow markings. You will pass through a small forest and then begin to climb, winding your way up to the next marker.
(2) Continue straight ahead towards the east to reach the Saint-Barnabé plateau at a pretty little oratory.
(3) Take theGR®51on the right (south, red and white markings). You will see a large part of the plateau on your left, behind you the Cheiron massif, in front of you the Puy de Tourrettes and the Pic de Courmettes, and on your right the Gorges du Loup with the village of Gourdon on a rocky spur.
(4) At the intersection, there is a signpost. Continue to the right, heading south-west on theGR®51. The path descends gently along a ledge and offers a beautiful view of the village of Courmes below.
(5) After a left turn, a trail descends to the right towards "Courmes par les Vignes" (yellow signpost). Take it through the oak forest until you reach another intersection.
(6) Cross the track and turn right, following the signs. Descend the uneven steps to the village. Once you reach the top of the village, cross it to see the few houses and the small stone church, as well as the sundial and deer on the back of the town hall if you didn't see them during the hike. Follow the road north to return to the car park.
Visorando member
Difficult 
Moderate 
