The Cassini Pyramid and the Grand Cap via the Ravin du Cierge and the Revest

Choose a clear day (avoid the strong, cold mistral) for the view from the summit and set off to explore this remarkable geodetic point, the Pyramid erected by Cassini in the 18th century. Magnificent 360° views from the summit of the Grand Cap, the Pre-Alps, the Îles d’Hyères and towards La Ciotat. The approach via the Ravin du Cierge is a bit of a challenge: stony with a 400-metre climb. The effort is well rewarded at the summit. The return is a more comfortable descent.

Details

5549118
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.77 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 374 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 373 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 782 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 408 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking is available at the side of the Route de Tourris opposite the Chemin des Turcos.

(S/E) During the week, there is heavy traffic of lorries travelling to and from the quarry. Cross the road carefully and follow the Chemin des Turcos for about fifty metres.

(1) Take the path immediately on the right and follow the yellow markings (blue-turquoise dots will be present if the yellow markings are unclear) which run alongside the Ravin du Cierge. The path does not appear on the IGN map but is clearly marked on OSM. Cross a few horizontal, loose but not dangerous scree slopes, then enter a beautiful forest.

(2) Turn left, following the blue-turquoise markers, and cross the large patches of sharp limestone pavement to reach the Pyramide de Cassini.

(3) This point forms part of three triangles, the other four vertices of which are at Cap Sicié, Colle Noire, Saint-Pilon and Notre-Dame des Anges. It was these thousands of triangles that enabled France to be mapped in detail for the first time in the 18th century, a task accomplished by three generations of geographers, the Cassinis.

Continue to the right to the summit of Grand Cap, which offers a magnificent view of the sea and the Alpes de Haute Provence.

(4) Head back towards the pyramid, making a short circular loop to rejoin the path you took on the way up, which you follow to the left.

(3) For the return journey, follow the blue markings (lines, not dots) which start from the pyramid to the south-west. The quiet, gently sloping path eventually leads onto a wide forest track.

(5) Turn left and follow the track, taking care of stones rolling under your feet. Join the road and cross with the same caution to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 408 m - Car park near Chemin des Turcos
  2. 1 : km 0.08 - alt. 421 m - Crossing the circular loop
  3. 2 : km 2.5 - alt. 688 m - On the left: Blue-Turquoise Points
  4. 3 : km 3.14 - alt. 780 m - Au somet la pyramide de Cassini
  5. 4 : km 3.43 - alt. 773 m - Grand Cap
  6. 5 : km 5.95 - alt. 515 m - Trail
  7. S/E : km 6.77 - alt. 409 m - Car park near Chemin des Turcos

Notes

The outward journey follows a rough path (stones, rocks) but with a moderate incline along the Ravin du Cierge. A good level of fitness is recommended.

Good walking shoes are essential. Walking poles may be useful.

This shaded route makes it suitable for summer walks when the heat is not stifling.

Worth a visit

Find out more about the Cassini triangulation of France: Cassini Map.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
3.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
colonel tapioca
colonel tapioca

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 06, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you, Visiorando, for this lovely walk, which we were lucky enough to enjoy in glorious weather with no wind. As mentioned in the description, you’ll need sturdy footwear as the route is very stony almost all the way. It’s a fairly challenging hike, but you’re rewarded with a superb view at the end. In short, pure bliss!

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mbabi
mbabi

Thanks to Amrit for his insightful comment.
I went back the next day and found that there were indeed gaps in the markings at the end of the climb up the sharp limestone pavement. So, I’ve sorted that out by adding some more turquoise dots.
Happy hiking
Michel

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Amrit
Amrit

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An interesting start on a path built on a stone wall filled with pebbles. It’s like a raised walkway along this mountainside, leading down into the Cierge valley. On days when the mistral is blowing, the ascent up the valley is sheltered. At the fork at the top of the valley leading to the pyramid, you need to pay close attention to the various branches. These forks are not marked on the map, and it is easy to lose sight of the markings and the path amidst the alternating sharp limestone pavement and vegetation. You must remain very vigilant. There are few places to stop for a picnic before the summit.
The summit is impassable in strong mistral winds. It was freezing yesterday.
The descent is pleasant and somewhat sheltered.
A good walk that absolutely requires sturdy footwear as the route is very stony; best done at the weekend to avoid the traffic from the quarry, which remains ever-present in the surroundings.

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mbabi
mbabi

What a brilliant idea!
Enjoy your walks
Michel

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alain plaisant
alain plaisant

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 02, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Actually, I used your routes as a basis to create my own by combining two of them. I didn’t encounter any problems along the way and had the pleasure of discovering the Orves catchment area. Very interesting.
The trail markings are good; I even had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with two people who were out hiking and refreshing the red and white GR markings.

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mbabi
mbabi

OK, I’ve updated the description.
I had, however, mentioned in the practical information section the rocky terrain and the need to be in good physical condition.
Enjoy your hikes.

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MOC
MOC

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 18, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I find the difficulty level to be above average
Walking on this rather stony terrain is tough, and the estimated time, with an elevation gain of almost 400 metres, is too short given the difficulty

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guillaume.sacher
guillaume.sacher

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 16, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
A pleasant walk with a beautiful view when you reach the Cassini Pyramid, and the descent is very gentle.
Best regards.

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