La Rochette walks

A very pleasant hike criss-crossing the sunny and shady sides of this mountainous area, offering two contrasting types of vegetation and views of the Alps that will have you stopping regularly to take in the scenery.

This hike takes place in the welcome and much-appreciated shade of the trees in summer, except during the 500-metre ascent of the rocky ridge of Les Molières. Please note, this hike should only be undertaken in good weather as the section between waypoints (5) and (7) climbs quite steeply and some sections can be slippery and daunting for those who suffer from vertigo. The 360° view from the summit of La Cacia is extraordinary!

This circuit is ideal on sunny days and a surprising route thanks to the diversity and beauty of the valley, which is still wild. On the northern slope, you'll appreciate the quiet atmosphere of the pine forests and the oaks that dominate the verdant agricultural plain of Sallagriffon, with a panoramic view up to the foothills of the Mercantour mountain range. On the southern slope, you'll appreciate the magnificent mineral landscapes with tremendous views of deep clues carved out by the capricious course of the rivers.

Second stage of the journey through the Haut-Estéron region. This stage takes you to Saint-Auban via the pretty villages of Gars and Briançonnet, then over the somewhat steep Col de l’Escoussier; a variety of landscapes and a trek through wild countryside await!

Discover a beautiful forest near Castellet Saint-Cassien. Following the ridges along unmarked paths offers a delightful way to explore this stunning Haut-Estéron National Forest.

An exceptional hike, combining history, nature and fitness. The troglodyte fortress is unique, the Vegay waterfall is rivalled only by its Icelandic twin sisters, and the rough section of the nature trail will test your sense of direction. The route concludes with a tour of Aiglun’s beautiful architectural heritage.

A moderately strenuous but very pleasant walk. It is the largest recorded and listed natural waterfall in the Alpes-Maritimes, with its three successive drops. The waterfall is exceptional and, in terms of height, is matched only by its Icelandic twin sisters. The start and end of this route offer a chance to discover the beautiful architectural heritage of Aiglun. Thanks to its strategic location, the inn is a popular spot at the end of this round trip in the Estéron.

Located a stone’s throw from the village, on the edge of an impressive canyon, the troglodyte fortress known as the “Château d’Aiglun”, with its stone-masonry walls, nestled in its natural surroundings, bears witness to a mysterious past . This rural built heritage, a veritable bastion situated beneath the Giet cliff, is believed to be the largest of its kind in France, spanning nearly 80 metres. The construction of stone steps, the installation of metal steps, the safety works on the access routes, the installation of signage and attractive information points allow visitors to fully enjoy these magical, timeless places.

Exploring the Vallon and Montagne de Mairola shows that these vast spaces have been shaped by humans over the centuries: the south-facing cereal fields of Puget-Rostang, state forests reforested to combat erosion, the Dina plateau with its fields cleared of stones with patience, scattered farms now used only as shelters during the hunting season (Fournès, Villars, la Combe, Mairola)...

The gradual climb to the summit of Cime de la Cacia offers views of the Barre des Molières, a natural rock face that is also used by rock climbers. The summit, which is reached after crossing a scree slope, offers beautiful 360° views. The return trail follows the only route that once connected France to the County of Savoy.

A beautiful and original hike on a little-used route offering a lovely view of the Mercantour (some peaks can be seen from unusual angles) from the summit of Pibossan. Spring is the ideal time to walk this route, with the broom in bloom. The route follows what is probably an ancient Roman road (paved path) through the red earth rising from the Daluis Gorges.

This round trip hike, starting from the charming village of Le Mas, takes you to the summit of L'Arpille. L'Arpille is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Alpes-Maritimes on the Mercantour.

Spectacular landscapes, a remote, wild region, villages nestled in the mountains: you are in the Haut-Estéron region. Three days’ hiking in this magnificent setting, alternating between paths and tracks through the woods, across the plains and along the ridges, whilst passing through some beautiful, isolated villages.

The first stage of the journey through the Haut Estéron region: the landscapes are magnificent and the area extremely wild; we didn’t come across a single other hiker. The trails are varied and well-marked. We’ll set off from the village of Le Mas to reach Amirat (lodge) via the Charamel mountain and the village of Les Mujouls.

A lovely, challenging hike starting at the confluence of the Var and Cians rivers, leading up to the Plateau de Dina whilst taking in four chapels along the way. Beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Circular route from the village of Gars to Briançonnet. This hike takes you to the impressive Source de Gars, the birthplace of Célestin Freinet, pioneer of modern education. It is a varied route that passes through the village of Briançonnet and the ruins of its feudal castle, from where there is a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Both villages are well worth a visit for their rich heritage.

Far from the most popular trails in the Alpes-Maritimes, this walk takes you through a few small villages in the upper Estéron valley. The circular route described here also offers some lovely panoramic views of the Mercantour mountains and features a fairly varied landscape, ranging from woodland to farmland. A long route with significant elevation gain but no technical difficulties. Please note: there appears to be an issue regarding private property.However, there is an issue between the waymark (7) and (8). The path is now closed by the owner of the farm. You must continue via the Crête des Rochers des Côtes and then rejoin the path at the far end of the Rochers de Notre-Dame.

A lovely, mostly shaded walk, following theGR® 4 andGRP® trails of the Grande Traversée des Préalpes.

This route will take you on a tour of Roquestéron and La Roque-en-Provence (formerly Roquestéron-Grasse), two villages separated by the Estéron, which formed the border (before 1860) between France and Savoy. Return to Roquestéron via a local track running alongside the Estéron. Editor’s note added on 20/09/2021: some of the paths on this 2016 hike are difficult to find. See the comments at the bottom of this page

To reach the summit of Bau de l'Arc (980m), you pass through the charming little village of Cuébris. Superb panorama at the summit: to the south, the resort of Gréolières les Neiges, the village of Cuébris and the upper Estéron valley; to the west, the Bernade ridge and Mont Saint-Honorat (2,520 m); to the north-east, the Vial ridge. The trail is currently closed between markers 88 and 89 and between markers 104 and 105. Information provided by Randoxygene. For more information, visit https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/

An unusual hike. After climbing a mountain Roman road, the trail winds through areas dominated by reddish ochre colours. The combination of colours between nature and the sky sometimes leaves us speechless.

From Léouvé to the Dôme de Barrot, in the red rocks between Daluis and Cians.

Discover two villages, Roquestéron and La Roque-en-Provence, historically separated by the Estéron River, which marks the border between Provence and the County of Nice. Roquestéron on the left bank became French in 1860. Take a walk in the forest along a forest trail converted into a botanical trail and discover the trees and plants of the middle country.

Starting from the Gréolières-les-Neiges resort, this short circular hike will take you to the Cime du Cheiron, the highest point of the massif of the same name. You will then follow the ridge to Jérusalem for some magnificent views of the Mercantour and the plateaus further south, Saint-Barnabé, Calern and Caussols, before descending via the slopes. During this hike, you may encounter vultures, chamois and even marmots.

A short hike to enjoy between late April and mid-June to admire the peonies in bloom.Much of the route is through woodland, so it stays cool during hot weather.This mid-mountain walk is a great way to enjoy the area outside the ski season.

A magnificent hike passing Croix de Verse, Jérusalem and Cime du Cheiron in Gréolières les Neiges. Not particularly difficult, with a 360° view between the peaks of Mercantour, Vallée du Loup and the Mediterranean on a clear day. Depending on the season, paragliders take off from the route.

A beautiful snowshoe hike (or not in winter) with no difficulty and panoramic views of the Mercantour peaks and the French Riviera on a clear day. After a pleasant first section in the Cheiron forest, you cross a small valley before climbing up to Plan des Baumetes and reaching the Crête du Cheiron at Croix de Verse (1,706 m). 360° view of the sea at Argentera!