From Touët-de-l'Escarène to La Baisse du Pape

Park on Avenue de la Gare.

(S/E) Walk down the avenue towards the SNCF station. Turn right to cut across the hairpin bend and, at the junction by the nursery school, take the road leading off to the left: the station is just ahead on the right at this same junction.

(1) Cross the bridge over the railway line and you’ll come to a path. You’ll reach marker 145 very quickly, and head towards L’Albaretta on the right. The climb takes place in fairly dense woodland, sheltered from the sun: this part of the walk is not the most pleasant, and passes through areas where, unfortunately, humans have left a significant mark. Continue straight on, passing through the bamboo, and you will reach marker 146.

(2) Leave the forest road and take the path climbing up to your left to reach, very quickly, a small, little-used road. Head left to reach the Col de Cavalier. Continue left, due north, along the track. You’ll reach a high point offering a beautiful, unobstructed view. Pass the lodge on the right and continue along a wide track. Pass a few houses and reach a three-way junction.

(3) Take the middle fork to stay on the DFCI des Champs track, heading towards Baisse du Pape. This track climbs gently until it reaches the vast meadow of Baisse du Pape.

(4) Take the track on the right, head towards marker 115, then turn right to follow the track towards Touët-de-l'Escarène and Bouche du Panard, leaving the marked path towards the Col du Farguet. On the left, pass in front of what looks like a very large abandoned greenhouse, and, in the background, structures dating from the Second World War: a tunnel cut into the rock. You will reach marker 155.

(5) Turn right onto a path that descends through the forest. Reach a clearing at marker 154: on the left, signposting towards the Col du Farguet and on the right, visible in the distance, the Panard.

(6) Go straight on towards Mont Panard, then take the small path on the right which leads back into the forest, towards Touët. Return to the three-way junction passed on the way up.

(3) Go straight on and follow the outward route in the opposite direction to return to Touët (S/E).

No drinking water points along the route.