The Rosace des Piches and the rock carvings at Pas du Loup

Follow the Route d’Éoures (D44) towards Aubagne. Pass the large car park at La Font de Mai and the bus stop for bus no. 10, ‘La Gastaude’. After the small central reservation, turn left and continue to the end of Chemin de Ruissatel. Park in the large car park next to the Puits de Raimu.

(S/E) Walk along the tarmac road until you reach the junction with the Chemin de la Font de Mai. Turn left towards the Col d’Aubignane. Walk past the Mas de Massacan (Ugolin’s house in the film “Manon des Sources”) and continue along the road, which splits into two dirt tracks, each blocked by a barrier. Keep to the left and you’ll reach the Col d’Aubignane.

(1) Turn right onto the track leading to Garlaban via Le Draioulet. You may choose to take the shortcuts across the tracks or follow the main track.

(2) Stay on the track to discover, on the left, numerous rock carvings by Louis Drouard (sign on a rock). Follow the rock carving route and rejoin the track.

(3) Look out for more rock carvings on the right. Return to the track and cross the Col du Garlaban.

(4) Continue to the left towards the Col du Tubé.

(5) Leave the track and take the steep path on the left which descends towards the Vallon des Piches.

(6) Just before the junction leading down to the left towards Pas Heath, look out for flat rock slabs on the right. The Rosace des Piches is situated about 5 m above the track. Continue along the route, keeping to the left.

(7) Pass the Puits du Murier and carry on straight ahead towards Le Jardinier. The pleasant descent runs alongside the Taoumé and reaches the Pas du Loup. Turn left at the sign.

(8) The rock carvings are on the left, at the edge of the cliff, before the descent towards the Tête Ronde. Then head down the track. Pass by the ruins of the Jas de Batisto and its olive tree. After a circular bend to the right, then to the left, you’ll reach a junction (signpost).

(9) Keep left and go through the gate. Pass by some facilities and go round the Tête Ronde. Admire the Grande Tête Rouge on your right.

(10) Turn left towards a former bauxite mine. Continue along the path, which winds its way uphill in numerous hairpin bends.

(11) Turn right to follow the path down through the trees, skirting the cliffs of the Vallon de Passe-Termps.

(12) Turn left at the end of the path, go downhill, then climb the very steep slope. At the top, turn left to reach the Col d’Aubignane (gas pipeline path)

(1) Turn right onto the DFCI track and head for the car park (S/E).

This walk can be combined with:
- the ascent of Garlaban (steep).
- a detour via Baume Sourne, turning right just after the Murier well.
- the Pic du Taoumé and the Grosibou Cave (elevation 623).
- a detour via Angèle’s farm.
- the Pierre Tchernia path, the ruins of the village of Aubignane and the Saint-Esprit cross.

Important note: the rock carvings described on this walk are just a small part of all the traces left by our ancestors in the hills, but they are fragile. In addition to natural wear and tear over time, to preserve this heritage for as long as possible, we must take care of it by avoiding walking on them, daubing graffiti or carving our own inscriptions.