In order to respect the nesting period of cliff birds, please do not hike this trail from January to June... Thank you!
The hike starts in the commune of Eygalières at the Roman bridge car park.
(S/E) When leaving the car park, carefully cross the D25 at the metal post topped with a roof-shaped metal sheet. Follow the path that runs alongside the road towards the south. At a second post with a faint yellow paint mark, take the path on the left that leads into the vegetation for about 100 metres. You will arrive at a rocky cirque and see a large yellow mark at the top of the rock on the right. Go back a few metres to take a steep path that joins the yellow mark and follow this marked path to the fort.
(1) A short, easy climb takes you to the ruins of Fort Ancise. This ruined medieval tower served as a lookout post to monitor the narrow passage between the Petit Calan and the Calan de Rousset. Descend and follow the ridge marked in yellow.
(2) You will find yourself facing a steep ridge with good rock and numerous handholds. A yellow paint mark invites you to climb it. The climb is no more than grade III, but it requires agility and determination as there is a drop below. There is no equipment in place, but the rock is excellent. A short 20-metre rope and a strap can reassure the more hesitant, as small shrubs grow in places, making it easy to progress. After this short key passage, the route is easier and you can follow the yellow markings, which are only present at necessary points.
(3) After a small corridor between rocks, you will find a steep but well-marked descent that leads to a good, well-travelled path. Be careful, as this descent is on sloping slabs strewn with stones, requiring caution. Take this path on the left (the yellow markers continue) to descend to the pass separating the two Calans. Starting from the Gros Calan ridge, the yellow markings invite us to continue our adventure.
(4) The start is hidden in the vegetation, but you will soon find a small path and the yellow markings.
Now follow the paths and markers along the entire Gros Calan ridge. The route is long, but the scenery is magnificent. A short steep descent (yellow arrow) requires caution, but a handrail provides reassurance.
(5) We begin a long descent on well-marked sloping slabs, then descend to the right of a large rocky ridge on stony slabs to reach the bottom of a long, damp valley.
(6) Climb back up the valley, then turn left onto a steep, earthy ramp with steps in poor condition.
You easily cross a small rocky outcrop, then the path becomes easier and you reach a good track.
(7) Follow the track that winds along the foot of the cliff until you come to a path.
(8) Turn right onto this excellent path lined with vegetation.
(9) Go back up part of the path you took on the way there. Further on, the path winds its way along the foot of Petit Calan and leads to the car park (S/E).



