The Source de Barquieu and the Sentier des Dansaïres

Park in the large car park at the Domaine Départemental de Pichauris.

(S/E) Go through the large gate at the park entrance and follow the path. Walk past the Fontaine Muriel.

(1) Turn right. The path curves to the left and then reaches a small earthen bridge. Turn right after the small bridge and follow the track, which leads to a three-way junction and fire tank no. 524.

(2) Turn left onto the DFCI track. Follow this track, keeping to the right at all times, until you reach fire tank no. 480. Pass to the left of the tank and head down the track opposite, which curves slightly to the right.

(3) At the bottom, turn left towards Puits de l’Aroumi (signpost). The trail is marked in yellow.
The path winds through the trees, climbing via large rocky steps known as the Escalier du Goï. Pass through the Barre Coupée gap. You will then reach man-made steps made of large logs. The path widens, with a stone hut on the left. Continue for about 40 m.

(4) Turn right, heading south, onto the path that climbs through the trees and, after a left-hand bend, joins a straight track leading to the Col du Tubé.

(5) Head straight ahead, south-eastwards, along the partially tarmac-surfaced track. You’ll arrive near the facilities and masts at the Butte des Pinsots. Join the track leading to the Col du Garlaban. Take in the view.

(6) Leave the track to the left and keep left. Follow the signs for Lascours (signpost). The route is marked in yellow.
Caution: there is a difficult section where you’ll need to use a cable anchored in the rock, and a steep descent over scree. You’ll reach a T-junction and the Source de Barquie, at an elevation of 515.

(7) Turn right, heading east towards the Sentier des Dansaïres. You’ll reach a Fork in the road and a ‘Bird Protection’ sign.

(8) Turn sharp left, heading west, towards the 283-metre mark along the long, stony path which climbs steeply in hairpin bends. This is the most challenging part of the route. You’ll reach a Y-junction.

(9) Keep to the right until you reach the 568-metre mark.

(10) Turn left and follow the cliff path overlooking the Grand Vallon until you reach a fork. Take in the view.

(11) Turn right at the signpost, towards Le Mont du Marseillais. You’ll come to a Fork in the road.

(12) Take the left-hand fork, towards Col du Régage. You’ll reach the pass, at an elevation of 586, where you’ll find fire hydrant no. 525 at a crossroads.

(13) Carry straight on northwards along the^GRP® 2013. Watch out for a fork on the right.

(14) Leave the^GRP® 2013 and turn right onto a small, clear path that descends through the vegetation. You’ll reach a T-junction.

(15) Turn right and walk for about 80 m before taking a less visible path on the left. Continue downwards towards the north. You’ll come to a T-junction.

(16) Turn left, then veer right twice to reach the large meadow at the Domaine de Pichauris. Turn left and follow the track that skirts around this meadow. You will reach the hamlet of Pichauris.

(17) Explore the area, then turn left onto the track at elevation 346, heading north-west, and return to the original junction.

(1) Carry on straight ahead and you’ll soon reach the car park (S/E).

For your information: the author’s time for this route was 5 hours (excluding lunch break).

This walk is classified as difficult due to its length, the numerous ascents and descents, and the section with a safety cable after (6).

This walk is a variation on walk 2032649: On either side of the Grand Vallon – shorter but more physically demanding.

The Croix du Garlaban
The Puits de l’Aroumi