Valcolombe Heights

Date of your route : Oct 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The route tracking on the app does not match reality between points 1 and 2.
On the app, at the yellow point, the route takes us straight on to point 2, where we arrive on the main track as indicated in the details. In any case, there are no other paths to take, so we have to climb up a very rocky track. There is no risk of getting lost.
Beautiful view overall.

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Date of your route : Dec 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Disastrous! I think the creator of the trail did a very good job when it was first created, but now, at the end of December 2024, the entire section between points 2 and 3 is disastrous, with tree felling making the route invisible, fallen trees, brambles, nature "reclaiming its rights", all kinds of obstacles that spoil the fun and make the walk impractical and even dangerous, not to mention the hunters... In short, it's a shame for the beauty of the landscape, but I think the route needs to be reviewed urgently!

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Thank you for sharing your experience. I no longer live in the area, so I am unable to update the information... I am delighted that you enjoyed the hospitality of my former winegrowing neighbours! Joelle

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Date of your route : Oct 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk through varied, wooded terrain.
Around point 3, we lost our way a little, but no problem: the GPS route is perfect.
The final descent is a bit steep! Make sure you wear good shoes.
We were a bit unsure about the car park because you have to drive down about a hundred metres into the property to find the cellar.
The owners are extremely friendly... and their products are well worth tasting (small family business, traditional methods)

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No, don't take anything off. This walk is very pleasant. With GPS, it's quite easy to follow this route.

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Thank you for these details: I no longer live there, and I am no longer able to check the markings. I know that there have been cuts in the forests, and I am sorry that I can no longer correct them.
Do you think I should remove this walk from the suggestions?
I should ask the site administrators how to do that...

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Date of your route : Feb 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Please note that if you follow the yellow markings between points 1 and 2, the route will be different from the one indicated. However, if you want to follow the route, you must follow the path marked 'end of yellow route'.

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Thank you Slolo for your feedback!
The Valcolombe estate is located on the Chemin des Espèces: turn right (or rather straight ahead) when leaving the main road, with Villecroze behind you.
Then, after driving about 1.5 km along this road (which I know by heart since I live there), the Valcolombe estate is on the left-hand side (with Villecroze behind you and Salernes ahead).
My hope is that no one gets lost... and that some of you will delight your taste buds by sampling the delicious Valcolombe wine (which has such a lovely name, too!)

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Date of your route : Jan 03, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

One clarification, however: when leaving Villecroze towards Salernes, the Valcolombe estate is on the RIGHT and not on the left, as indicated. You must therefore take the road on the right.
Otherwise, all the other directions were correct.

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Date of your route : Sep 07, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Not too difficult, but hiking boots are preferable to trainers as the path is quite stony.

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In fact, you can park inside the Valcolombe estate—when it's open, of course. So thank you for the comment, which may be useful to other hikers!

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Date of your route : Jul 29, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The car park at the Valcolombe estate seemed small to us, so we parked in Villecroze near the St-Victor Chapel. A path leads to the Espèces trail a few metres away.
Otherwise, the route is clear... an easy and enjoyable walk.

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Date of your route : Apr 14, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

A short, easy walk with some interesting views but also sections on tarmac roads.
If you have time, take the opportunity to visit the village of Villecroze and explore the troglodyte caves.

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Date of your route : Sep 18, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

An easy 6 km route lasting around 2 hours, starting from the Valcolombe wine estate, where the owners are very welcoming and will show you around their cellar and offer you a tasting of their wines.
We particularly enjoyed the rosé and the red wine aged in oak barrels. I would recommend buying a few bottles.

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Date of your route : Mar 14, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Be careful with the markings in the middle of the hike, as they are a bit random. It actually takes about 1 hour 45 minutes
your time.

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