La Roche Trouée via Sauze Vieux

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A very beautiful walk which is an alternative to route no. 39996906; the outward leg of that route, described as very difficult, will be our return leg. This route is in the opposite direction and shorter. It follows the River Var at the start, climbs gently through the forest to the hamlet of Sauze Vieux, crosses a large field offering magnificent views of the mountains – particularly in autumn (late October) – passes by La Roche Trouée, and descends back to the starting point via a very steep path.

Details

n°110940245
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.89 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,483 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,460 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,183 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,680 ft
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Photos

Passage between two walls
Hollow rock (stone arch)
Marker 66
Collapsed wall

Description of the walk

Once in the village of Guillaumes, cross the Pont Maurice Durandy, turn left towards the Parc des Sports, and park by the tennis courts.

(S/E) Follow the right bank of the Var along the riverside path and head for marker 13 just before the Pont des Roberts.

(1) Take the path on the right, following the sign for Sauze Vieux: wooden signpost. Follow the yellow markings on this path, which climbs gently through the forest.

(2) At marker 12, turn right towards Sauze Vieux and Roche Trouée, keeping to the yellow markings. Just after stone marker no. 66, you’ll come out onto a wider track leading to a property; follow this to the right for a few dozen metres, then rejoin the yellow-marked path, which winds upwards opposite and leads to another wide track: marker 95 and a sign for “Sauze Vieux”.

(3) First turn left then right, and rejoin the path. Navigate another series of hairpin bends before reaching the junction at marker 90.

(4) Carry on straight ahead: you’ll cross a small pile of rubble from a wall on the path. You’ll reach the hamlet of Sauze Vieux: drinking water tap.

(5) After thefirst house on the left, take the path on the right which runs between a building and a caravan above it. The path is no longer very clearly marked, but you should keep slightly to the left after the caravan, then follow a small wire fence and a field on your right.

(6) Pass between two large piles of stones, cross the large field downhill (superb view of the surrounding mountains), and rejoin the forest and the more clearly marked yellow-signposted path coming from marker 90.

(7) Head left towards La Roche Trouée and you’ll come to a three-way junction: marker 91.

(8) Keep to the left. At marker 92 (damaged), turn left again to reach La Roche Trouée after climbing a short, steep slope: magnificent views and an ideal spot for a picnic.

(9) Return to marker 91.

(8) Take a sharp left-hand bend to begin the descent. The path passes by a large ruin: go round it and continue down the very steep, winding but sheltered path to marker 14. You will then reach the car park very quickly (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,733 ft - Tennis courts - Var (fleuve)
  2. 1 : mi 0.9 - alt. 2,723 ft - Marker 13, on the right - Pont des Roberts
  3. 2 : mi 1.28 - alt. 3,058 ft - Marker 12, on the right
  4. 3 : mi 1.61 - alt. 3,409 ft - Marker 95 – Sauze Vieux signpost
  5. 4 : mi 1.99 - alt. 3,947 ft - Marker 90, opposite
  6. 5 : mi 2.18 - alt. 4,131 ft - The hamlet of Sauze Vieux
  7. 6 : mi 2.4 - alt. 4,173 ft - Pile of stones
  8. 7 : mi 2.54 - alt. 4,121 ft - Return via the yellow-marked path
  9. 8 : mi 2.68 - alt. 4,108 ft - Roche Trouée junction
  10. 9 : mi 2.8 - alt. 4,124 ft - Roche Trouée (Sauze)
  11. S/E : mi 3.89 - alt. 2,733 ft - Tennis courts

Notes

Hiking boots and walking poles recommended. The terrain is stony and slippery in places, depending on weather conditions.
Take particular care on the final descent, which is very steep.

Worth a visit

The village of Guillaumes and the ruins of Queen Jeanne’s Castle.

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