The Montmeyan lookout

(S/E) Start from the square by the old cooperative and the town hall. You can park in the car park below, near the motorhome area. With your back to the car park, head up into the village via Avenue du Verdon, turn right onto Rue de la Gendarmerie, and arrive at Rue des Lauves.

(1) Continue straight on, following a path downhill, ignoring the side paths leading off to the plain on either side. You will reach a fork in the road.

(2) Turn left and continue uphill, even when the path narrows. You will reach the D30, Route de la Verdière.

(3) Cross it carefully, take the path directly opposite, and reach a junction.

(4) At the junction, take the path climbing to the right and follow it to the watchtower. This is the highest point of the walk. The view is lovely. There is a water tower right next to it; it is fenced off.

(5) Continue along the same path, heading downhill. When you reach a fork, turn right onto a wide DFCI track.

(6) Follow it to the left for about 700 m

(7) To leave this track, there are several paths branching off to the left. Take the one that appeals to you most to reach the large oak tree (see alternative route in practical information).

(8) Follow the path down into the forest. You are now beneath the Trois Croix.

(9) At this junction, take the path that climbs very slightly to the left and follow it on level ground until you reach the junction from the outward journey. Through the trees, you can see the Cadenières goat farm, where the goats produce milk for the cheese sold directly

(4) Continue straight on and, taking the opposite route to the outward journey, return to the starting point, the square by the former cooperative and the town hall (S/E).

There are no water sources along the way (apart from wild boar wallows for dogs on the DFCI track).

Alternative route: (7) If you stay on the track for almost 2 km (turning left at both junctions), you will reach the beautiful Trois Croix viewpoint, a hike described on Visorando starting from the village of Tavernes. There are then two ways to rejoin this route: retrace your steps to the point (7) or make your own way like a wild boar up the hill to the point (9). Allow a good hour extra

You can’t climb the watchtower, but it’s a lovely spot, ideal for playing pirates or Robinson Crusoe.

The village of Montmeyan is charming with its narrow streets and medieval feel. There are information panels on the buildings. Restaurants and a grocery shop are open all year round... or almost.