Le Bau de Quatre Auros via the Pas de la Cavale, at Broussan

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This route, which is relatively short but very strenuous, focuses on the climb to Bau de Quatre Auros via the scree corridor of Pas de la Cavale.

Details

n°33010916
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.63 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 254 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 254 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 574 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 318 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Évenos (83330)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.170472° / E 5.888341°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3346OT
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Photos

Le Baou
Almost at the pass
Rocky path descending to the Col de Garde
Path through the heath

Description of the walk

The easiest way to get to the start is to head towards Le Broussan in Sainte-Anne d'Evenos and, at Le Broussan, continue along the road to the Col du Corps de Garde.
At the pass, park in the car park on the left, on the esplanade where there is a cistern.

(S/E) Cross the road and head south, leaving the return path on your right. The forest track starts off level and then descends gently to the thalweg, after which it heads east.
You will soon pass a gas installation. Note the Croix du Signal on your left. Shortly before this, you will come to a crossroads.

(1) Continue straight ahead for a few dozen metres to reach the cross. It has lost its horizontal arm and is now (at least when we last visited) just a simple vertical pole. Enjoy the scenery, then retrace your steps.

(1) Take the track heading south (the old Toulon to Evenos road).

(2) After passing the reservoirs, the most difficult part of the route begins. See Practical Information.
Take the path on the right that climbs along the fence and leads to the cliffs and then to the scree corridor. The climb is steep, so it is best to stay on the left at the edge of the scree corridor, where the path is generally clearly visible. In the second half of the climb, there are a few low walls along the path and, in the upper part, there are some nice switchbacks, making the end of the climb easier.

(3) At the summit of Bau de Quatre Auros, there is a concrete hut and a beautiful esplanade. Enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the entire region, including the entire bay of Toulon.
Take the stony track down to Rouvière Plane. See Practical Information.

(4) Just after the Rouvière Plane reservoir, visible below a bend on the left, take a path on the right that leads into the heath to the north-west. This is theGR®51. It leads to a rocky ridge.

(5) Descend to the right of the rocky embankment, following the north-west-facing path, still on theGR®51. Further on, it turns north-east and leads back to the Col du Corps de Garde and the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 392 m - Parking around the cistern - Col du Corps de Garde (391m)
  2. 1 : km 1.05 - alt. 384 m - Croix du Signal
  3. 2 : km 2.05 - alt. 318 m - The trail starts after the reservoirs.
  4. 3 : km 2.68 - alt. 573 m - The summit - Cap Gros/Baou de Quatre Ouro
  5. 4 : km 3.68 - alt. 505 m - La Rouvière Plane
  6. 5 : km 3.9 - alt. 502 m - Rocky ridge - Gas pipeline
  7. S/E : km 4.62 - alt. 393 m - Car park - Col du Corps de Garde (391m)

Notes

Hike completed at the end of March 2023.

(2) As the difficulty of this route is concentrated on the climb up the scree slope of the Pas de la Cavale, you should equip yourself accordingly for this section, with good mountain boots and a pair of walking poles, or even a rope to help a teammate in difficulty if necessary. That said, you can manage very well by studying each step carefully and securing yourself with either your poles or your hands. For example, at over 70 years of age, this was the third time we had climbed it, and without rushing, it took us an hour between point (2) and point (3).

(3) The trail that descends from Cap Gros (summit of Baou) to Rouvière Plane can be treacherous as it is very stony and can pose a risk of falls (especially if your attention is distracted by the superb landscapes).

(4) TheGR® trail descending towards the Col du Corps de Garde is often very rocky and is not recommended in rainy weather.

As for the track leading to the Croix du Signal and then to the reservoirs, it is a simple walk.

Worth a visit

Take advantage of the many viewpoints along this route to admire the majestic harbour of Toulon and the city spread out at your feet, and to get your bearings for other walks: the Faron, the Coudon, Mont Caume and La Tourravelle, published on Visorando.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Richard ERPÉ
Richard ERPÉ

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful hike, but...
Between points 2 and 3, the climb up the scree slope is borderline dangerous... You should not take anyone who is afraid of heights or not physically fit enough.
That said, once you reach the summit, the view is extraordinary.
I would recommend doing the hike in reverse to enjoy the view at the summit and then turning back to avoid the very difficult section between points 2 and 3.

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robindm
robindm

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful, physically demanding hike with spectacular 360° views at the end. It is important to follow the blue trail, which keeps you close to the cliff and prevents you from ending up in the scree.

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jejouff
jejouff

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful walk with a superb view of the Mediterranean from Porquerolles to La Ciotat at the summit! The climb is tricky because it is steep and rocky. But it's worth it if it's not too hot, as it faces south.

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Alain 71640
Alain 71640
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 25, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful route with stunning views of the coastline from Cassis to Porquerolles. Breathtaking views of Toulon harbour. However, part of the route is challenging and requires sturdy footwear, with steep sections uphill and along the scree path. Not recommended for those who suffer from severe vertigo.

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jcrando83
jcrando83

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,
First of all, thank you for this walk, which offers some beautiful views.
Landmark 1: The cross has been rebuilt and the work is of high quality.
I should point out that between landmarks 2 and 3, the route is particularly steep. I recommend following the blue markings on the ground, which allow you to follow the bottom of the cliff on your left for as long as possible, so that you reach the scree as late as possible.
Nevertheless, be careful not to stray from these markings, otherwise you may find yourself at the edge of the precipice (on your right).
I also advise against attempting this climb in very hot weather.

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trotignon
trotignon

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A fairly challenging hike, but never dangerous.
Superb views over Toulon harbour.

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