Esparron (Var) walks

Circular, via the ridges of Montagne d'Artigues, with an optional visit to the village of Esparron. The first part follows the red and white markings of the GR®99A, and the second part follows the blue markings on the ridges.

An alternating view of pasture and fresh forests, this pleasant flat walk will lead you past the Notre Dame d'Esparron chapel and its small cemetery classified as an historical monument. Crossing the tiny village of Artigues is also surprising. You'll particularly enjoy refilling your water bottles at the communal fountain. The advantage of this charming loop that it's flat and very manageable, there are only one or two small climbs along the route.

Déroulez les époques en suivant l’eau, fil d’Ariane du circuit, omniprésente dans le paysage et l’histoire du village. Croisez fontaines, anciens moulins, canaux, ruisseaux, lavoirs et remontez à la source de la Foux. Développé par la Communauté de communes Provence Verdon, le projet Randonner Autrement a pour objet de faire découvrir, à un public familial, le patrimoine naturel, le patrimoine bâti excentré, les paysages et leurs évolutions, ainsi que des points de vue sur les villages…

Located between Sainte-Victoire and Luberon, the Montagne de Vautubiere offers beautiful views of the entire Provençal mountains (from the Southern Alps to Sainte-Baume). You can also discover a pretty hidden agricultural valley. This walk combines superb views with the freshness of cultivated meadows surrounded by forests, offering a pleasant change of scenery.

Follow the animal tracks, learn to recognise a few plant species and, above all, make sure you leave only a minimal footprint on this forest ecosystem. Developed by the Provence Verdon Community of Municipalities, the Randonner Autrement project aims to introduce families to the natural heritage, outlying built heritage, landscapes and their evolution over time, as well as views of the villages, in an educational and fun way.

A peaceful walk that starts in a shady valley, approaches the Rocher des Abeilles, and crosses the heath of the Var plateaus. Please note that fires ravaged this area during the summer of 2017.

From the Notre-Dame Chapel to the hamlet of Saint-Estève, the vineyard reveals itself in all its glory, from its history to its seasons, including its transformation. Developed by the Provence Verdon Community of Communes, the "Randonner Autrement" (Hiking Differently) project aims to introduce families to the natural heritage, the outlying built heritage, the landscapes and their evolution over time, as well as views of the villages, in an educational and fun way.

A beautiful and varied walk through the countryside, culminating in the medieval village of Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier (with its chapels, mills, church and 360° panorama of Provence).

Located on a hilltop at an altitude of 580 metres, overlooking the plain, the historic old village of Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier offers a superb panorama of the Durance valley, the Verdon mountains, the Montagne de Lure and, on a clear day, Mont Ventoux.

A loop with three major points of interest: - the village of Pontevès and its ruined castle at the top of the village, - the climb up the Petit Bessillon, offering a beautiful view of the Var department, and its technical descent, - the return to Barjols via the Vallon des Carmes and its waterfalls (currently closed, see practical information). Unfortunately, the first hour of the hike is mainly on roads in order to complete the loop.

A walk to a superb viewpoint and two orientation tables, opening to the north towards Digne and Valensole and to the south-west towards Mont Sainte-Victoire, Mont Aurélien and the Sainte-Baume massif.

In search of old bridges over the Argens, passing through vineyards and forest.

Between Sainte-Victoire and Sainte-Baume, two prestigious mountains in Provence, you can reach Olympe.

Despite a slight elevation gain, this is a scenic hike with 360° views of the Luberon and, behind, Mont Ventoux, the Lure mountain, the upper and lower Verdon, and the Dévoluy. On the other side, you can see Sainte-Victoire, Sainte-Baume, and Mont Olympe.

The walk takes you close to the lower Verdon, which has been transformed from a torrent into a river, and then to the promontory of the old Vinon castle, of which only the commanding view and a few stones remain.

A circular starting from the northern slope of Montagne de la Sainte-Victoire to reach Col de Suberoque via the Sentier des Plaideurs trail, then following the GR®9 along the ridges towards Pic des Mouches. A few technical sections without any major difficulties and, above all, a 360° panorama.

This is a moderately difficult hike that takes you from the Col des Portes to the Pic des Mouches, one of the peaks of Sainte-Victoire, where the view is superb. The loop ends at the Citadelle, a rocky plateau that vaguely resembles a fortified castle (with a little imagination).

In the Sainte-Victoire region, there is an easy circular in the heath with several points of interest: the Citadel oppidum, the Lambruisse farm and chapel, and the Sinne observatory. Beautiful views of Sainte-Victoire and even the Alps.

Nestled at the foot of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the Puyloubier vineyard occupies a large part of the commune's territory. This hike, proposed by the local cooperative winery, allows you to explore this vineyard on paths dotted with oratories, with superb views of the mountain.

Circuit to the Pic des Mouches combining a steady, gentle climb above Puyloubier via the Malivert oratory and a challenging descent in a magnificent, very wild setting to the Saint-Ser inn via the Green trail. Please note: (4) The descent via the green trail is impossible: there is a signprohibiting access between 1 February and 15 July each year (to protect birds, butterflies, reptiles, etc. during the breeding season). See practical information.

Less frequented than its illustrious neighbour, Mont Aurélien, Mont Olympe offers no less than an exceptional 360° panorama of most of the region's iconic peaks, even as far as the Mercantour on a clear day. After a fairly long approach walk on a gentle, steady slope, the final steep climb is more suited to experienced and trained walkers. But what a reward!

A family hike partly along the edge of Lake Esparron with many opportunities for swimming and picnicking. The second part of the hike is mostly in the woods with views of Lake Esparron. This hike is generally very shaded.

A walk in the hills and a scramble across a small area of orange sand.

From Mirabeau to Beaumont de Pertuis, between hills and descents, towards the Sainte Croix chapel and Notre Dame de Beauvoir.

Above the lake of Esparron-de-Verdon.

On this hike you will be rewarded with beautiful views into the village of Esparron-de-Verdon and across to the hills of the Verdon Canyon. Enjoy the flowers, butterflies and olive trees as well as an optional visit to see the village chateau and church.