Le Chiran via Blieux

de fr

Climb Chiran via another route, starting from the village of Blieux. You will reach the Chiran observatory after a beautiful 1,000 m climb through vegetation typical of the Southern Alps. In spring, this hike is beautiful with its colourful orchids on the plateau. At the summit, there is a magnificent 360° view. This hike is not technically difficult and is very easy to navigate.

Details

n°3204868
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 15.16 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 923 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 924 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,901 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 976 m
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Photos

Orchids
Lake Sainte Croix
The Chiran Observatory
Le Grand Mourre

Description of the walk

The start of this hike is at the end of the D21 after the village of Blieux. Park your vehicle just before the end of the tarmac road.

(S/E) Take the beautiful path that crosses the Asse de Blieux river via a bridge. The path climbs rapidly towards the pass between Grand Mourre and Chiran. Stay on this path until you reach the crossroads at Portail de Blieux.
NB: On your left is the Grand Mourre: a hike on Visorando that I recommend.

(1) Turn right and begin the ascent of Mont Chiran via a wide track.

(2) At the summit, the Chiran observatory at an altitude of 1,905 metres is a magnificent orientation table that allows you to identify the peaks stretching from east to west via the north.
The summit offers a 360° panoramic view.

  • To the north: the Cheval Blanc massif, Cordeil mountain, and in the background: Mercantour with Estrop and Pelat.
  • South side: the Petit, Grand Mourre and Mourre Chanier ridges.
  • South-west side: a magnificent view of Lake Sainte Croix and Grand Marges.

With binoculars, you can see the Luberon plateaus and Mont Ventoux.

The return journey follows the same route back to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 978 m - Bridge over the Asse de Blieux
  2. 1 : km 4.83 - alt. 1,612 m - Blieux Gate
  3. 2 : km 7.59 - alt. 1,901 m - Le Chiran (1905 m)
  4. S/E : km 15.16 - alt. 977 m - Bridge over the Asse de Blieux

Notes

No technical difficulties, but a significant elevation gain. This hike is best enjoyed in spring when the vegetation is at its most colourful.
There are no water sources along the route.
Although this is not a difficult hike, the elevation gain requires good physical condition.
Don't forget your binoculars so you can take in the view from the summit.
Good shoes with good grip, especially for the return journey.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 27918828

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful landscapes!

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jl1309m
jl1309m
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I changed the route to avoid going back and forth on the rather long track that climbs up to the observatory.
On the way there, at altitude 1498, turn right at LE RUTH to reach the ridge. It is well marked and a good path. Once on the ridge, which you follow as closely as possible, the view is magnificent all the way to the observatory. What's more, the entire climb to the observatory is gradual and takes place on grass.
This allows you to complete a circular loop by descending via the track.
12 km and 970 m elevation gain.

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philkikou
philkikou

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Didn't read the comments before going via Ruth and doing a variation, my bad ;-) .. Had a really hot afternoon!

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viricel jacques
viricel jacques

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful day, lots of flowers, magnificent scenery, a feast for the eyes. The route is easy despite its length, but you need to start slowly, wear good shoes and bring a pair of walking sticks to enjoy it to the full. Thank you for this hike.

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jjG
jjG

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 25, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk in a fairly wild setting.
Barely disturbed by two groups of motorcyclists
As in the previous comment, I recommend a circular route via the ridges (grassy lawns) and joining the uphill trail via the dotted trail (Le Ruth/1498); this section is marked with cairns from the ridge.

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JODIDO
JODIDO
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 31, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I hadn't planned this hike initially, as I had set out to do the Trois Mourres circular, a hike established by LesCopainsRandonneursDu04.
I left the town hall in Blieux at around 8:30 a.m., and walked 2.5 km along a small road to find the marked trail leading to the Portail de Blieux.
Around 11 a.m., I was at the Portail des Blieux, and then I continued towards the Grand Mourre, with the aim of climbing to the summit via a "chimney". I searched for it unsuccessfully for 45 minutes, and as I had neither a map nor a photo of where this chimney was located, I decided that it would have to be for another hike.
I returned to the Portail des Blieux and climbed Mont Chiran in less than an hour (300 metres of elevation gain).
Beautiful views at the summit! Lunch break inside the refuge. Following the advice of a local, and not wanting to take the trail again, I walked along the ridges before descending to find the path. There are no defined tracks, you just have to spot the path from the top and descend through grassy areas without too many rocks and heath. Nothing complicated, but you have to stay focused.
Return to Blieux a little before 4 p.m.
A very beautiful 22 km hike with 1,000 metres of elevation gain, and even though I wasn't able to do the Trois Mourres (next time!), I had a great time!

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HappyAnneR
HappyAnneR
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 27, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Overcast day and still a lot of snow at this time of year. However, the hike is very well marked. The route is reliable and in good weather it must be splendid. It is best to do it from the end of March onwards.
We had walking poles, which came in handy.
Good footwear is recommended.

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randoouestmarseille
randoouestmarseille

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 19, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Good footwear is essential (approximately 10% of the trail is rocky). Walking sticks are recommended. A hat is essential in strong sunlight.
Daniel CAST

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