Le Castellaras and Lac de Thorenc starting from La Pinée

From Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey or Caussols, take the D5 towards Audibergue. After passing the Canaux junction, continue for 2 km (still on the D5) and park near marker 156, on the left-hand side of the road.

(S/E) Carefully follow the road for 300 m north-west to reach marker 157.

(1) Take the path that descends to the right along the mountainside, heading due west, then due north to reach the dry bed of the Loup. Cross it, then follow the path which continues to climb due north and joins marker 158 and the D79.

(2) Cross the road carefully, then continue your ascent to reach marker 159 and the D5.

(3) Turn right onto the D5 and follow it for about 600 m to reach marker 147. Take the path on the left towards Castellaras and Thorenc until you reach marker 146.

(4) Turn right to reach the ruins of Castellaras de Thorenc. The path starts with a gentle slope before becoming slightly steeper. Pass through the castle’s postern gate, then reach the summit and the chapel. Enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Mercantour and the Grasse Pre-Alps.

(5) Turn back to reach marker 146.

(4) Continue to the right, heading north for about a hundred metres to reach the small pass. Then leave the marked path, which descends towards Thorenc, and turn left, heading west, across a small meadow that slopes slightly upwards: this is where your GPS will be very useful. Join the path at the top of this meadow and continue straight ahead, still heading west, until you reach the end of a forest track.

(6) Cross the track, then follow the path straight ahead as it descends gently along a small valley. Once you reach the bottom of the valley, turn left and then quickly take the marked path on the right, which runs alongside an electric fence, to reach marker 144 and the RD2.

(7) Carefully follow the departmental road westwards for 1 km to reach marker 140.

(8) Turn left to reach Lake Thorenc, which you can walk around. There are tables set up all around the lake, where you can take a break and have a bite to eat. Take the track heading south, which starts at the end of the tarmac road leading to the lake. Then cross the bridge over the ford to reach marker 141.

(9) Turn left and cross the large meadow, making sure to close the electric fence properly if it is closed, then head south-east along the Vallon de l’Ubac track (a drinking trough for animals will serve as a landmark) towards the Col de la Baïsse. Reach marker 142.

(10) Continue straight ahead, and after a few bends, the track becomes a little steeper before reaching the Col de la Baïsse and marker 143.

(11) Continue straight ahead, still heading due south; the path descends towards the hamlet of Font Freye, then reaches marker 153 after crossing the access road to the hamlet.

(12) From there, the path passes in front of a chalet with steeply pitched roofs, then enters the pine forest whilst continuing to descend towards the Pont du Loup and the D79. Once you reach marker 152, cross the D79 with care, then follow this road to the left for about a hundred metres to reach Pont du Loup and marker 154.

(13) Take the track on the right that runs alongside the valley for 150 m, then turn left to join the path that climbs north-eastwards. This crosses the rocky ridge before joining, a little further on, the tree-lined track suitable for vehicles, marked in yellow. Stay on this track, which overlooks the D5, ignoring the offshoots on either side, and head towards marker 156 and the car park (S/E).

I have classified this route as difficult due to its terrain and length. It is advisable to bring suitable equipment for this route.

The only water source on this route (apart from the restaurant at Lac de Thorenc) is near marker 141 at the drinking trough, provided you have a filter bottle.

Make sure you have good walking shoes and suitable equipment.

(5) The Castellaras de Thorenc: an archaeological site featuring the remains of a medieval fortified castle, perched on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 1,400 metres. Its impressive ramparts, 5 metres high and 60 centimetres thick, extend the natural cliffs.

Lake Thorenc: a peaceful natural setting surrounded by dense forest, ideal for a contemplative break.

The Monts d’Azur Nature Reserve: an area where you can observe bison and Przewalski’s horses roaming free.

The Col de Castellaras: a pass offering exceptional views of the surrounding area.

The Castellaras de La Malle: a historic fortified complex in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, listed as a historic monument since 1909.