The ridge of Lake Sainte-Suzanne

From the lake, the forest track and then steep steps lead us to the Rocher de Brauch, whose ridge overlooks the expanse of water of Lake Sainte-Suzanne, commonly known as Lake Carcès. This panorama offers a peaceful setting in the heart of Provence Verte. A long forest path and then a trail take us back to the lake shore.
The Visorando app may be useful on one section.

Details

75049610
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.61 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 186 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 186 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 327 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 172 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Carcès (83570)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.44773° / E 6.193095°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3444OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the Lac de Sainte-Suzanne car park.

(S/E) Join the lake path and follow it for about 50 metres. Turn left after the wire fence and take the uphill track. Please note: this forest is a playground for mountain bikers. There are several intersections, but ignore them and stay on the uphill track. You will reach a road.

(1) Leave the track, turn right and follow the road carefully. You will soon reach a sign: Site de Brauch, climbing site of the French Alpine Club.

(2) Turn left and climb a few steep steps to reach the foot of a cliff. At this point, turn left and follow the rock face. The steep path is clearly visible, but difficult to see in places. Usethe Visorando app if necessary. You will reach a cairn at the top.

(3) Turn right and follow the path along the ridge. The path is slightly below the ridge, so don't hesitate to stop and move a few metres to the right to appreciate the magnificent contours of the lake and the green surroundings. Walk along a beautiful promontory, then the summit with its large cairn before descending towards the road.

(4) Turn left and then immediately left again to take a beautiful path nestled in the thick Blanquettes Forest. You will reach a crossroads.

(5) Turn left. The path turns into a track with numerous clearings. Follow the track to the tarmac road called Chemin des Riaux.

(6) Turn left, then a few metres further on, turn left again to take the track running parallel to Chemin des Riaux. You will then come to a road.

(7) First turn right then left here to take the forest path downhill to the car park on the edge of Lac de Sainte-Suzanne (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 173 m - Lake car park
  2. 1 : km 0.98 - alt. 244 m - Road junction - track
  3. 2 : km 1.14 - alt. 252 m - Road junction - footpath
  4. 3 : km 1.27 - alt. 314 m - Summit
  5. 4 : km 1.8 - alt. 283 m - Trail and road junctions
  6. 5 : km 2.19 - alt. 230 m - Crossroads of trails
  7. 6 : km 3.34 - alt. 208 m - Road junction - track
  8. 7 : km 3.96 - alt. 229 m - Road junction - track
  9. S/E : km 4.61 - alt. 173 m - Lake car park

Notes

Hiking poles and shoes recommended.
No water on the route.

  • Not suitable for young children or people who suffer from vertigo.
  • Be careful, you may encounter mountain bike trails
    (3) Cliff top: enjoy beautiful views of Carcès.

Worth a visit

Visit the old village of Carcès, which winds around its medieval castle.
On Saturday mornings, enjoy the beautiful market selling local produce.
(2)
The Brauch cliff is ideal for family climbing, beginners and even those looking to improve their skills.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 1 review

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
bernard bb
bernard bb

Thank you, User 26715635, for your review.

Your two comments are included in the description
- Not suitable for young children or people who suffer from vertigo.
- Mountain bike trail present

Happy holidays
Best regards, B.

Machine-translated

User 26715635

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb walk on the heights above Lake Carcès. Magnificent panoramic views from the heights.
Route followed using the app.
Not much shade.
After the climbing site, the path is very steep – not suitable for young children or people who are afraid of heights.
There are many mountain bike trails – this could be dangerous during the season. No worries in December – there was no one there.

Machine-translated

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