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On leaving Géménos, head towards Le Plan d'Aups – Sainte-Beaume and then join Parc Saint-Pons. Park on the left-hand side of the car park just before the private property.
(S/E) From the car park, go through the entrance gate and take the footbridge over the stream opposite.
Yellow-red signposts
Turn left and cross the car park. At the signpost, turn right towards "Abbaye Saint-Pons". Pass the toilets and the Maison du Parc.
(1) Keep following the paths on the right, crossing the park and the picnic area. Do not turn left at the signpost that crosses the stream again. You will come to the D2 just before a bridge. Cross the bridge and continue straight ahead.
Yellow-red + yellow signposts
Turn right and immediately left onto a path that runs alongside a drainage ditch and leads to the old Paradou factory (under renovation). The path crosses the ditch, turns right into the woods and passes a waterfall at the Moulin du Foulon. Continue along the path, ignoring two footbridges on the left, to reach a beautiful mill with a waterfall. You can make a round trip to the left to see the old Saint-Pons Abbey.
(2) Continue to the right of the waterfall, taking the steps. After the first flight of steps, turn right to reach a crossroads.
There are no longer any signposts, just a few blue markings
Leave the Chemin du Blé on your right and turn left onto the Chemin de la Cabrelle. Go up the valley, which is very shady at first, then the path enters the heath until it reaches a crossroads on the heights.
Red and white markings
(3) Continue left on theGR®98, which branches off to the left 50 m further on. 300 m further on, at a T-junction, turn left and then, 10 m further on, right to come out onto a path 200 m further on.
Make a left-right-left zigzag and continue on the path (north-east) which offers beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.
When you reach a track, go up to the left and leave the signposting for a moment (at a cistern on your left) and take the path on the right, which joins the signposting on the ridge 100m higher up at a crossroads.
(4) Leave the track on your left and continue right on the path. 200m further on, the signposting branches off to the left onto a path. At the next fork, take the left. The path goes around a rocky outcrop and then descends to a crossroads (incorrect signposting on the map).
Yellow signpost
Leave theGR® on your right and continue left towards "Col de Bertagne via Pas de Cugens" on a stony path. Take the left at the next fork and you will arrive at the pass with its magnificent views.
(5) Descend to cross the Pas de Cugens (be careful). At the bottom of this tricky passage, leave a yellow trail on your right as you climb and turn left to descend.
The trail then continues almost along the mountainside and comes to a crossroads below the peak. Leave the trail to the right towards the "Col du Saint-Pilon" and continue left towards the "Col de Bertagne".
Leave the two paths to the left towards La Glacière and continue straight ahead on a gently sloping path through a wooded section. At the end of the forest, continue straight ahead at the crossroads towards the Col de Bertagne.
(6) When you reach an oratory marking the pass, turn right onto the path that climbs towards Pic de Bertagne. The path climbs steeply and at times you will need to use your hands. When you reach the ridge, the path descends a little to join the access road to the peak.
Continue right on this road until you reach the gate of the civil aviation site. Turn left at the signpost, then leave it and follow the fence to the right. Continue until you see a metal hut marking the approach to the cliff and Pic de Bertagne. Enjoy the view.
(7) Take the same route back to the road, then take the path on the left that leads to the Col de Bertagne.
(6) At the pass, continue straight ahead towards "Le Col de l'Espigoulier", cross a path and immediately you will come to a small steep passage. Cross it and the path continues flat until you reach a crossroads.
Continue straight ahead towards Col de l'Espigoulier, ignoring all other paths. The trail will remain on the mountainside below the cliffs. Ignore the next two paths that descend and continue to the pass.
(8) Cross the D2 and head towards the car park opposite. At the end of the car park, turn left towards Saint-Pons. The path will climb up towards the ridges and you will come to a cairn. Continue along the path that runs alongside the cliffs (take care) and then move away from them.
(9) At a crossroads, turn right towards Saint-Pons via the Gour de Brest, leaving the path marked "Espace Naturel Sensible" on your left. After a steep descent, turn left at the fork towards Saint-Pons. The path climbs steeply to rejoin the ridges and plunges down the other side to a crossroads. On the left, you will see another sign for "Espace Naturel Sensible"; turn right and continue downhill until you reach a road.
(10) Turn left for a few metres and, before cistern no. 53, leave the road and descend the path on the right. Continue along the main stony path, ignoring the paths on the right and left. Complete the descent of the gully and arrive at the edge of the stream. Continue to the left and cross the footbridge on the right.
(1) Then turn right to return to Parc Saint-Pons and the car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Association / Club / Walk leader
