Valderoure route, returning via Malamaire

From Nice, head towards Gréolières via the Gorges du Loup (D3), then continue towards Thorenc (D2) to reach the village of Valderoure. When you reach the junction to access the village, continue straight on the main road for 300 metres, then turn right onto Chemin du Tennis. Park in front of the tennis courts.

(S/E) Carefully cross the main road and follow it for 300 metres to reach marker 195 on Chemin du Reyal and the GR®510. Follow Chemin du Réal to the first junction.

(1) Turn right onto the track running alongside the large meadow, heading due west. Follow it for about 1.2 km to reach Chemin du Peyras near Lac des Grands Prés.

(2) Take the track on the left heading south-west to reach the bridge over the Lane. After the bridge, the track turns into a path, climbing gently among the pine trees, then gradually becoming steeper and more damaged until you reach the summit.

(3) At the^first crossroads, continue straight ahead to reach the pass, marker 194, and discover the ruins of Saint-Michel Church and old Séranon.

(4) Return to the^first crossroads.

(3) Turn left onto the GR®406 marked in white and red. Continue westwards down a winding descent to reach marker 199a at the entrance to the village of Les Baux.

(5) Turn 90° to the right heading due north. Continue down a gentle slope until you reach a forest track. Continue along this track, still heading due north, for 1.2 km until you reach the footbridge over the Lane and marker 198.

(6) Cross the Lane and take the track on the left (leaving the path leading to the Grand Maison farm on your right) heading north-west. This track crosses a large field and then joins the D2 and marker 191.

(7) Cross the D2 carefully, then turn left after the bridge to join the track running alongside the Artuby river in a north-northeast direction, leaving the hamlet of Malamaire on your left. Shortly before the ford, take the footbridge on the right to cross the river, then return to the main track. After the right-hand bend, continue eastwards. At the intersection, turn left in front of the pumping station and take the Piste de Chandy, which winds its way eastwards. Follow this track for about 6 km: it crosses the gently sloping Faisse Longues plateau, passes in front of a cistern, then descends to reach marker 189.

(8) Leave the track here and take the path that descends steeply to the right, cross the secondary track and continue until you reach the Chandy Track again. Continue along this track for about 100 metres and take the path on the right again to reach marker 188.

(9) Turn right and descend to reach the village of Valderoure. Take the opportunity to visit the village, then take Rue du Tilleul. Take the path that runs along the front of the^second house on the right, then join the tennis car park (S/E).

There are no water sources along this route, apart from the Lane and Artuby rivers, where the water is not drinkable. The village fountains are not operational, so bring enough water with you.
Wear good walking shoes and bring appropriate equipment in case of storms.
Avoid this route during hunting season, as hunting parties are frequent in the area.

(S/E): visit the village of Valderoure,
(5): the hamlet of Les Baux, the ruins of the old village of Séranon and the Church of Saint-Michel.
La Ferme de l'Escaillon for its cheeses, charcuterie and Salers beef near Thorenc.
Thorenc Lake