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To get to the start, from Lambesc towards Charleval, follow the D67 to a small pass just after passing under a high-voltage power line. Park on the left at the start of the track.
(S/E) Take the path that leads south from the track, running alongside the D67 below. Cross an asphalt track and continue straight ahead. Join the D67, cross it and continue on the slightly downhill track. Walk along a field on your left, then make a circular turn to the right to reach the bottom of the valley.
After the circular, ignore a path branching off to the left and continue following the bottom of the valley.
(1) At the crossroads with a transverse track, take the path on the left going up at the bottom of the valley. Ignore the turnings on the right or left until you come to a fork with a path on the right just before a left-hand bend. Beware of the prickly vegetation.
(2) Follow the well-marked path to the right until you reach the ridge. This section is difficult due to the slope and the stony terrain.
At the top, ignore the path that follows the ridge and descend opposite until you reach the top of a field. In the valley, climb up to the ridge.
(3) Leave the DFCI track on your right and continue on the left towards the electricity pylon. Follow the ridge, ignoring the various paths on either side, pass between two rocky peaks and climb the steps to reach the plateau.
(4) On the plateau, take a small path on the right that goes through the bushes and continue on this single track until you reach a cliff with an unobstructed view.
(5) Go to the end, then backtrack slightly and continue on the right between the bushes, following the edge of the plateau. At the end, begin the descent and return to the starting point.
(S/E) Back at the car park, continue along the path that branches off to the right along the ridge overlooking the road. At the three-way junction that follows, leave the ridge and continue to the right, following the road above.
(6) At the end of the path, with the road in sight, immediately turn left onto the descending path. At the end of this wooded path, rejoin the DFCI and follow it straight ahead for about 200 metres until you reach the Bergerie de Mont Trésor, a very pleasant spot in summer for its shade and for a snack break.
Then take the DFCI back the way you came.
(7) After visiting the sheepfold, return along the DFCI for about 100 metres.
(7), at this point you will need to take the second path on the right. This will lead you through somewhat overgrown vegetation on a faint trail that is difficult to see in places. After making a wide right turn, cross the top of a field and a few metres later turn left. Follow the path at the bottom of the valley, then veer off to the right and join a track. Continue along this track until you reach a right-hand bend a few metres from the wide track.
(8) Continue on the left, following the top of the path, which climbs a little steeply. Then descend into the valley, start the climb opposite and, just before it gets steeper, find a path on the right and follow it to reach the next shoulder.
(9) Descend to the right and follow the path to make a round trip to Cuou de Peyrou, which is the major historical feature of this hike. These are the remains of an old cliff-side walking path with a spiral staircase carved into the rock that led to the entrance of a mine tunnel (Cuou or cul de chaudron in Provençal, which describes the shape of the rock after a mine explosion).
Please note: it is strongly advised not to venture beyond the staircase, as the structure is very old and in poor condition, making it unsafe to continue
On your return, continue climbing, find the path you left earlier a little further down and continue to the right until you reach the ridge.
(10) Continue to the right and stay on the ridge, ignoring the various side paths. Pass a small pass (elevation 267) and continue straight ahead to the summit. Almost at the end of the summit, on the descent, you will reach a three-way junction. Take the sharp left turn and continue under the ridge along the path that leads to the valley. Follow this path, ignoring two paths on the right, and continue to the third path.
(11) Climb up the main path and reach the ridge.
(12) Leave the main path and take the trail going up to the left. Once you reach the hilltop, enjoy the view back towards the Château des Taillades and continue along the ridge to the car park. The path is still very hilly and at the top, enjoy beautiful views of the Durance valley, the Alpilles, the Lubéron and the surrounding mountains, before returning to the car park on the edge of the D67 (S/E).
A somewhat challenging but very accessible and varied hike. Beautiful views.
Visorando member
Easy 
