Route from the Garonne to Colle Noire, in Le Pradet

Park in the car park at Plage de la Garonne.

(S/E) Head to the beach and follow the seafront southwards, passing the Pradet sailing club. Continue to Port des Oursinières, where you’ll reach a small beach and a car park.

(1) Take the uphill stretch of Avenue du Port.

(2) Look out for the path on the right, which will be your return route, and continue to the roundabout. Go round it on the right and follow the path opposite. Cross the Chemin du Baou Rouge, and take the path opposite to reach a junction immediately.

(3) Turn right and continue along the path to the Marquisanne car park.

(4) Turn left onto Impasse de la Colle Noire, then turn right to follow Chemin du Collet du Pastre to the junction with Chemin de la Cibonne, at the barrier. Continue for about 100 metres.

(5) Take the steep, stony path climbing to the right until you reach a junction, about 100 m from the summit of Colle Noire.

(6) Take the path on the right, with a lovely view of Le Pradet and the harbour, and head down to the PDT02 cistern, where you’ll join the road known as Chemin de la Gavaresse.

(7) Head back up towards the fort, then walk around it to admire the view, and why not have a picnic!

(8) Head back down Chemin de la Gavaresse to the DFCI C31 La Bayarde sign and turn right to climb this track, passing another cistern. Leave the path leading up to La Colle Noire on your left and continue for about 400 m.

(9) Turn right onto the path leading back down. At the first junction, follow the small path on the right which takes you beneath Fort de Gavaresse: admire the islands, the Giens Peninsula and the double tombolo. Descend, ignoring the various junctions, until you reach the road (Chemin du Baou Rouge).

(10) Follow this road to the right for a few dozen metres, then take the DFCI track on the left which descends to the Pas des Gardéens car park.

(11) Follow the tarmac road known as Chemin du Pas des Gardéens to the right, pass a small car park on your right, and continue for about 150 m. Then leave the road and take a path on the left leading to Avenue du Port.

(2) Head down to the left.

(1) Return to the coastal path and retrace your steps in the opposite direction to return to the car park at Plage de la Garonne (S/E).

Wear suitable walking shoes and bring plenty of water.

(10) Water point and toilets at La Mine during opening hours.

Several stony sections which may be slippery depending on the weather.

(10) For the descent, a more challenging route is available via the coastal path to the left of La Mine, which overlooks the sea.

Exceptional views of the Bay of Toulon, the Toulon Mountains, Le Pradet, the Double Tombolo, the Giens Peninsula and the Îles d'Or.