From Digne-les-Bains to the summit of Martignon and back via Courbons

At the 1851 Insurgents’ roundabout, head towards the station and park as soon as possible in the herringbone-style car park along the road. Alternatively, park in the station car park.

(S/E) Head towards the ‘Rond-point des Insurgés’ and continue along the Bléone to the climb up to the hospital.

(1) At the signpost, head towards L’Andran.

(2) Enjoy the views from the Gaguerenard viewpoint, then take the path which climbs steeply towards the Hubac de Saumon. When you reach the road, follow it to the right for 200 m, then take the path branching off to your right. The path crosses the access road to the antennae several times.

(3) When you reach the Pied du Relais, turn right towards the antennae visible on the hills above, go round them on the left and continue along the exposed ridge to the summit of the Andran (elevation 1218). Stay on the ridge and descend to the Baisse des Chatières (elevation 1138).

(4) Directly in front of you, look out for the GRP® path which winds its way up the ridge. Reach the summit of Martignon (elevation 1,430) and enjoy the 360° view, then descend to the Col de Martignon.

(5) At the signpost, turn sharply left towards Courbons. The path descends gradually (south) to the village.

(6) Walk up to the magnificent bell tower overlooking Courbons, then retrace your steps and head down the Chemin empierré de la Bigue, continuing via the Place du Cercle to the sign (below the village) marking the start of the trail. After crossing the road twice, head down towards the Marches de Courbons.

(7) Leave the Route de Courbons, which heads downhill, and take the road on your left that winds steeply uphill; continue until you reach the sign for the Chemin de la Bonnette.

(8) At the three-way junction, ignore the path leading off to your right and continue down the slope to join the tarmac Chemin des Oliviers. Enjoy the views of the neighbourhood’s beautiful properties, all surrounded by magnificent olive trees.

(9) At the telecoms mast, turn right onto Rue Pasteur and join Avenue de Saint-Véran, which runs alongside the railway tracks. Return to your car. (S/E) 

At the Col de Martignon, you can carry on to the summit of La Bigue (1,652 m), which adds about 250 m of elevation gain.

A very lovely walk on a winter’s day with a mix of sunshine, clouds and a few gusts of wind.