Le Castellaras and Lac de Thorenc from La Pinée

From Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey or Caussols, take the Départementale 5 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 the mountainside, heading west, then north to reach the dry bed of the Loup. Cross it, then take the path that climbs back up (still heading north) and joins marker 158 and the D79.

(2) Cross it carefully, then continue climbing to reach marker 159 and the D5.

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

(4) Turn right to reach the ruins of Castellaras de Thorenc. The trail starts with a gentle slope before becoming slightly steeper. Cross 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 100 metres to reach the small pass. Leave the marked trail, which descends towards Thorenc, and turn left, heading west, across a small meadow that climbs slightly. Join the trail at the top of this meadow and continue straight ahead, still heading west, on this trail until you reach the end of a forest track.

(6) Cross the track, then follow the path that descends gently along a small valley. Once you reach the bottom of the valley, turn left and take the marked path on the right that runs alongside an electric fence for about 250 metres until you reach elevation 1138 and a track that crosses the fields heading due west.

(7) Take this track west towards Lac de Thorenc, which you can walk around. There are tables around the lake where you can take a break and have something 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.

(8) Turn left and cross the large meadow, making sure to close the electric fence behind you if it is closed, then head south-east on 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. Continue straight ahead, and after a few bends, the track becomes a little steeper before reaching the Col de la Baïsse and marker 143.

(9) Keep heading south; the trail descends towards the hamlet of Font Freye, then reaches marker 153 after crossing the hamlet's service road.

(10) From there, the trail passes in front of a chalet with steeply sloping roofs, then enters the pine forest while continuing to descend towards the Pont du Loup and the D79. Once you reach marker 152, cross the D79 carefully, then take this road to the left, heading east for about 100 metres to reach the Pont du Loup and marker 154.

(11) Turn right onto the track that runs along the south side of the valley for 150 metres, then turn left to join the path that climbs eastwards. This crosses the rocky outcrop before joining, a little further on, the tree-lined track marked in yellow, which overlooks the D5 and leads back to marker 156, the parking area (S/E).

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.

Please wear good walking shoes and bring appropriate equipment.

Le Castellaras de Thorenc: an archaeological site with the remains of a medieval castle, perched on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 1,400 metres. Its impressive ramparts, 5 metres high and 60 cm thick, extend the natural cliffs.

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

The Monts d'Azur biological reserve: an area where you can see 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 enclosure located in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, listed as a historic monument since 1909.