Peony Route from Gréolières-les-Neiges Resort

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This is a short hike to do between late April and mid-June to admire the peonies in bloom.
Much of the route is in the woods, so it stays cool even in hot weather.
This mid-mountain walk is a great way to enjoy the area outside of the ski season.

Details

n°22471140
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.85 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 205 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 205 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,500 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,396 m
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Photos

Peony field in Gréolières-les-Neiges
Bouquet of peonies

Description of the walk

Park in the large car park at the resort.

(S/E) With your back to the car park, take the small dead-end road.

(1) Leave the tarmac road and take the footpath on the right at marker 208.

(2) At marker 209, take the "Circuit des Pivoines" path on the left, which climbs north-west. Follow this path to a T-junction.

(3) At this point, be careful to take a slight 4x4 track on the left, which is unmarked and therefore difficult to spot. Follow it to reach a trail junction at marker 196.

(4) Take the path on the right that descends westwards and joins the D802.

(5) At the barrier, cross the road carefully and head towards the car park opposite.

(6) Be sure to take the path on the left, which is the cross-country ski trail in winter, and continue to an intersection with a cross trail.

(7) Turn right onto this track, then turn north-east and then south for about 200 metres.

(8) Leave the trail, heading due east, via a small path on the left. Join a very wide trail that descends towards the resort.
You can see the artificial lake that supplies the snow cannons. Go around the ski lift departure points and arrive at the large car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,399 m - Large car park at the resort
  2. 1 : km 0.45 - alt. 1,431 m - Marker 208
  3. 2 : km 0.63 - alt. 1,453 m - Marker 209
  4. 3 : km 2.95 - alt. 1,474 m - T-junction
  5. 4 : km 3.62 - alt. 1,449 m - Marker 196
  6. 5 : km 4.57 - alt. 1,429 m - Route D802
  7. 6 : km 4.75 - alt. 1,433 m - Intersection
  8. 7 : km 5.54 - alt. 1,425 m - Intersection
  9. 8 : km 6.33 - alt. 1,493 m - Intersection
  10. S/E : km 7.85 - alt. 1,399 m - Large car park at the resort

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
jaimelesmots
jaimelesmots

A very pleasant, well-shaded walk with little elevation gain. It took us 3½ hours to complete the circular route at a leisurely pace, and during the week this route is not very busy. Bring water with you. An easy family walk.

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P.Pitta
P.Pitta

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I simply didn't follow the end of the route because I was tired and wanted to get to Gréolières-les-Neiges, so I cut straight across to get back to the starting point.
The explanations about the route were very useful and well done.
The scenery and abundant peonies did the rest!
I would recommend it because it's easy and well shaded.

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User 22845092

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant, well-shaded hike with little elevation gain. If you go at the right time, you can enjoy the beauty of the peonies in bloom. It took us 3.5 hours to complete the loop at a leisurely pace, and the trail is not very busy during the week. Be sure to bring water.

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manu du sud
manu du sud

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

Nice, but no beautiful mountain views.

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francettefifi
francettefifi

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No


Thank you

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gege06
gege06

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Very scenic route on 3 June, beautiful view of Gréolières 1400, no obstacles.

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ninimouans
ninimouans

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The first part is very pleasant: undergrowth, peonies in bloom. After crossing the road, it's not so nice. Overall, a lovely walk.

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Yonn C.
Yonn C.

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very pleasant route,

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JLOUISL
JLOUISL

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Nice hike. Two-thirds of it in the woods. Easy terrain.
What a joy it is to be at 21°C in mid-September instead of 29°C in Antibes.

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Jo1958
Jo1958

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

As intermediate hikers, we really enjoyed this hike.
The peonies were at the end of their flowering season, but what a treat!
Beautiful woodland, guaranteed freshness and a change of scenery.
Thank you for this route.

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leopal
leopal

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A lovely, easy route that's perfect for families, even those with young children. It can easily be shortened by taking shortcuts back to the resort if the children get tired. At this time of year, you can still see lots of wild peonies. Unfortunately, the resort is a little deserted.

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Daniel Fornili
Daniel Fornili

The rain started just as we arrived at the starting point, so we decided to call it off! The hike has been rescheduled for a later date.

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Romarin2006
Romarin2006
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with beautiful undergrowth, we found it easier than average with just a slight incline at the start.
In early May 2023, few peonies were in bloom and many were still in bud.
The small village of Gréolières le Neiges saddened us: few people, no activities.
There was practically no snow this year.
The village of Gréolières-village, a little further down, seemed more welcoming in comparison.
Rosemary

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