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After Vitrolles, turn left towards the hamlet of Les Combes.
Park either on the left after the narrow stretch between the houses, or continue for a further 100m along the grassy track, where there are two or three possible parking spaces on the right. I recommend this, as there are three dogs that bark and follow you as you pass the last house if you park on the tarmac section.
(S/E) Follow the path as you leave the hamlet; it climbs to the right after 100m on level ground. Pass the ravine area, then reach the level section of the path where you’ll spot a small cairn on the right.
(1) Turn right onto the path that climbs up to the ridge below Céas. The path isn’t shown on maps but is clearly marked.
The path disappears into the slope of the ridge; simply continue along the route, gradually veering to the right so as to climb up the ridge. Follow animal tracks as far as Céas, a ruin with the small basin of the old fountain.
(2) Follow the path to the right – which isn’t always obvious, marked with yellow signs – up to the pass (altitude 1490m).
(3) Continue left along the path that runs along the ridge towards the summit. Leave this path at an altitude of 1,580 m to head towards the ridge until you reach the summit.
Caution: there is a short exposed section towards the end. Four pitons are in place to create a handrail (if in a group).
If this section puts you off, head right onto the eastern slope, following the sheep track at an altitude of 1,620m along the contour line. This bypasses the rocky outcrop at the summit and joins the classic route.
(4) From the summit, descend to the first flat area and head north/north-west until you reach the change in terrain, where you’ll find the path that winds its way around the small rocky outcrop without difficulty.
Now follow the undulating ridge, which then turns into a track, until you reach a sharp right-hand bend (with rocks on the left).
(5) Leave the track, pass in front of the rocks and head down to the left to follow the path leading to the Col de Bois Rien.
(6) Continue along theGR® de Pays trail between Céüse and Durance (yellow and red markings). After a long stretch, stay on the upper, ‘flat’ path and do not take the one that descends to the right. Once you reach the vicinity of the 1406m point, the landscape opens up, with the terrain forming a wide pass.
(7) Leave the main path and head up to the left towards the east, where a newly cleared path winds its way through the trees. At times, it becomes slightly overgrown with grass; simply follow the ridge to the 1546m point. An ideal spot for a picnic with a panoramic view.
(8) From the summit, descend north/north-east across the grassy area to find the path that winds through the trees to the Col de Bois Rien.
(6) Continue down the path to the right until you reach the Torrent de Céas.
(9) Step into the stream, going round the first few rocks. Follow the stream until you pass under the large boulder. The two impassable sections in the stream bed can be easily bypassed on the left bank. After passing under the boulder, continue until you have gone past the only tributary flowing down the left bank (low flow and slightly obscured by vegetation) for about 100m.
(10) Leave the stream via a path on the left up the slope through the undergrowth where the stream bends to the right (two small cairns). After this short climb (20m), turn right onto the faint path, which becomes increasingly distinct, to reach the flat area at the junction of the ascent.
(1) Finally, follow the same path as on the way up back to the car (S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Difficult 
Association / Club / Walk leader
