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The start is at the third hairpin bend on the Sainte-Baume climb, 4 km after Gémenos. There is a fairly large car park with space for around fifteen cars just opposite a track enclosed by a barrier.
(S/E) Take the track northwards and climb up numerous hairpin bends for about 1.7 km until you reach a fork.
(1) Turn right onto a path that begins the real climb up La Galère.
Leave the first path on your right, which is closed due to a bird sanctuary, and continue climbing to the Col de Brest.
(2) Just before the descent from this pass, take a path on the right, slightly below, which is not shown on IGN maps but is clearly marked on OpenStreetMap. Follow the ridge for a little over 2 km, passing above the Brèche de la Galère and then the Vallon de l'Étable. Enjoy the magnificent views on both sides of the path. Reach a car park and continue to the Col de l'Espigoulier.
(3) Cross the D2 and, just opposite, take the path that branches off to the right, climbing over a few rocks. Ignore the paths branching off to the right and left to reach the Col de Bertagne, 2 km further on.
Keep your eyes on the Pic de Bertagne, clearly visible in the distance, while admiring the beautiful views on either side of the path.
(4) Descend to the right, onto the well-marked Grande Baume path.
(5) Turn right and you will arrive opposite the cave. The path crosses it from one side to the other. Continue downhill for about 400 m.
(6) Then take a path on the left, which is not very visible at first but becomes clearly marked further on.
A GPS device is very useful here and at the next point.
You will arrive at a grove of trees against the cliff.
(7) On the right, between two cairns, you will find a path leading downhill. It is not very obvious and must not be used too often as it tends to be overgrown despite itsPR® classification. The descent is quite difficult and should be avoided in case of rain. After 350 m, you will reach a fork.
(8) Turn left at a 90° angle to rejoin theGRP® 200 m further on. Then turn right and continue straight ahead for about 1 km until you reach the road.
(9) Climb up onto the road and follow it downhill, walking carefully on the side of the road for 250 metres.
(10) At a car park, in a right-hand bend, go down to the left onto the path and continue until you reach a concrete track. Leave the GRP®.
(11) Go up this track, continuing straight ahead. Join the road again and walk downhill to the car park (S/E).
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Association / Club / Walk leader
