Circuit along the Colostre

de fr

This walk near Gréoux-les-Bains allows you to discover a tributary of the Verdon, the Colostre, a charming little river that flows all year round in a small, fairly steep-sided valley. Also on the programme are an oppidum and the magnificent village of Saint-Martin-de-Brômes.

Details

n°693152
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.70 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 163 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 159 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 427 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 310 m
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Photos

irises all along the hike
village of St-Martin-de-Brômes
Beautiful meander of the Verdon and Gréoux dam from the rocky outcrop
Photo of the ladder

Description of the walk

From Gréoux-les-Bains, take the D952 towards Riez, then the D215 towards Lac d'Esparron and the Gréoux dam. About 500 m further on, you will cross the Colostre bridge.
Park immediately after, on the left in the improvised car park.

(S/E) The walk begins by following the path that climbs upstream. Shortly after passing under a canal bridge, the path leaves the edge of the Colostre. You will then come to an intersection.

(1) Take the path on the right that leads to a rocky outcrop. The only difficult part of the route is about a hundred metres before you reach the top of the spur: a metal ladder about 2 metres high that you have to climb. Turn around and enjoy the superb view of the Verdon valley and the EDF dam at Gréoux.

(2) Continue along the path, which becomes (almost) flat and quickly joins a track. Turn right.
The oppidum (or at least what remains of it) is in the woods just opposite (to the left of the path).

(3) About 200 metres further on, turn left at the fork. The path descends a little for about 100 metres and joins theGR® trail. Take this on the right. Follow the path, passing the Payanet lodge and then right next to a guest house in the hamlet of Payanet. Continue along the path.

(4) Stay on the path that joins the D82, which is paved (do not be tempted by theGR® which then continues to the left). Turn left and walk for about 200 metres.

(5) Then take the path that descends to the left. Follow this fairly steep path (be careful if it has rained recently, as the rocks can become very slippery) until you reach the bridge over the Colostre below.
Note: see the practical information section for visiting the village
Climb slightly and take the path that branches off to the right parallel to the Colostre (GR® markings).

(6) Follow this path for about 600 metres until you reach a junction. Continue straight ahead (sign indicating that this is not theGR® trail, red and white cross), still parallel to the Colostre. Continue along the path, which remains very close to the river, to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 312 m - Parking at the edge of the Colostre and the &gt - Verdon (rivière)
  2. 1 : km 0.18 - alt. 321 m - Fork in the road towards the oppidum
  3. 2 : km 0.63 - alt. 417 m - The oppidum
  4. 3 : km 0.87 - alt. 423 m - Fork in the road after the oppidum
  5. 4 : km 2.34 - alt. 384 m - The GR leaves the path
  6. 5 : km 3.16 - alt. 387 m - Fork in the road towards the bridge over the - Colostre (rivière)
  7. 6 : km 4.84 - alt. 354 m - Fork in the path with the GR
  8. S/E : km 7.7 - alt. 312 m - Parking at the edge of the Colostre

Notes

(5) You can visit the village, refresh yourself (bistro and/or fountain) or eat (restaurant). The visit is really worthwhile, Saint-Martin-de-Brômes is charming and very lively. Once you have finished your visit, return to the bridge and cross it again.

  • Fountain, pub, restaurant in Saint-Martin-de-Brômes.
  • Avoid walking in rainy or icy weather (slippery rocks).
  • The walk is feasible in summer as it is mostly in the shade, but it is best to go in the morning as there are some sunny sections, particularly the climb at the start.
  • This walk is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo. The ladder is not high (see photo), but may still discourage those who are very affected.
  • You can take a dip in the Verdon opposite the car park, but for swimming you will need to go to Esparron-du-Verdon.

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 62 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
randopyfara
randopyfara

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Route completed on 15/10/2025, but only the second part was a round trip with a visit to the village of Saint Martin de Bromes. There was some hesitation in finding the start, which was hidden by a car and foliage. The small collapsed section of the path is secured by a rope with knots that appear to be recent. The return trip, lit by the 5 p.m. sun, was very pleasant

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titine13620
titine13620

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Lovely view of the village and the dam

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ybu
ybu

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Pleasant walk, beautiful views of the dam at the start of the route, shaded return along the river, ideal when the temperature is high.

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Ulysse68
Ulysse68

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Nice hike, just the spot was difficult to find.

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VTRP
VTRP

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

With limited time available and having visited St Martin de Brômes a few days earlier, we cut from point 4 to point 6 following the GR trail. Beautiful views, lots of flowers in April, and a very romantic atmosphere along the Colostre. The climb requires sure footing in places, and the collapse of the path reported below by Gypaétus has not been repaired... Nevertheless, it is an interesting and enjoyable route, but it can probably become very problematic in wet conditions. In any case, thank you to the person who cleared the path.

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gypaetus
gypaetus

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk in early November; beautiful view of the Gréoux dam at the start, a short climb followed by a ladder that is easy to climb (but be careful if you suffer from vertigo); we preferred to cut the walk short at point 4 by following the GR trail and then rejoining the path along the Collostre.
Important: the path has collapsed in one place and is equipped with a rudimentary rope; we managed to get through without too much difficulty but the ground is very slippery in autumn and there is a risk of falling.
No difficulty finding the path (with GPS)!
Thank you to the visitor who allowed us to discover this unusual and completely unfrequented route.

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lamaisonrouge83
lamaisonrouge83

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A delightful short route along the Colostre with breathtaking views of the Verdon and the Esparron lake dam.

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Clairette49
Clairette49

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Nice hike with a pretty village. Be careful if you come with your dog. The passage with the ladder is not accessible for them (we carried our 40kg Loulou)

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Colibris
Colibris

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Nice hike with a lovely view of the Esparon dam and the Verdon. Not difficult, the only downside being that the trail is poorly marked in places and overgrown with brambles. The walk along the river is pleasant with
beautiful woodland
Hummingbirds

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aline gereys
aline gereys

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

a beautiful sunny hike for two, with superb views of the Verdon and the Gréoux dam when you reach the top of the rocky outcrop. The climb is challenging as the path is unmarked and there are lots of tracks. the rest of the GR was easy. At point 4, we chose to continue on the GR (as the description didn't seem to match the map), which took us to the Colostre bridge (with a beautiful view of the village of St-Martin-de-Brômes). The return trail along the Colostre is really nice with some lovely spots to stop and rest.

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BLU
BLU

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A hike consisting of three distinct parts.
- the initial climb is a little tough on rocks in direct sunlight. Not very well signposted, but luckily a scroll-down map and a view of the high-voltage pylon we need to reach help us find the ladder!
- Then, a stroll along well-marked forest tracks to St Martin...
- And a refreshing return through the woods along the Collostre.
There's something for everyone!

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folieguinness
folieguinness

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did this round trip walk along the Colostre due to lack of time, as we left too late in the afternoon.
Be careful of slippery sections if it has rained the day before. Magnificent autumn colours on arrival at the village of St Martin de Brômes. The square tower cannot be visited as it is surrounded by barriers.

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Randovan
Randovan

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A challenging climb that is not suitable for everyone. After that, it's fine. The return trip along the river is pleasant in hot weather, but remember to protect yourself from horseflies...

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Guigues
Guigues
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful, shaded walk, particularly picturesque towards the end of the route which runs alongside the water. The start is unremarkable. St Martin des Brômes is worth a visit. It's a shame that access to the tower (which is sinking and needs to be stabilised) and the church is prohibited.

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Françoise Vovelle
Françoise Vovelle

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Due to parking problems, I did this route starting from St Martin de Brome. I had no problems following the Colostre until it joined the Verdon. Then I headed towards the oppidum, which I found without difficulty, then I climbed up a vague, rather steep path marked in yellow at the very beginning, then nothing, and after a while I lost the path. I couldn't find the ladder. As I was alone, I decided to turn back and return along the Colostre.
I'm a little disappointed.

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