The Pic de Chamatte, starting from Vergons

Take the N202 towards Vergons. Park on the second street leading into the village.

(S/E) From there, head towards the centre, then take the first street on the right to leave the village until you reach a ford.

(1) Take the track that climbs to the left before the ford and pass the first junction. Yellow markings.

(2) Carry on straight ahead, ignoring the path coming from the right, which will be the return route. Continue to another junction.

(3) Turn left onto the track and continue to another junction, where several paths branch off. Ahead of you, the track has a Fork in the road.

(4) Continue climbing along the track on the right (ignore all the small paths), which winds upwards in two large hairpin bends to a restored shelter at an altitude of 1280 metres. The view is already stunning, with Lac du Castillon coming into view, along with Pré-chauvin and Castellard. Pass the shelter and continue along the path, which runs along a ledge and then winds in hairpin bends, narrowing as it leads to a junction at an altitude of 1540 metres.

(5) Continue left along this path, which runs along a ledge, straight ahead, towards the summit of the Crêtes de Chamatte. At the summit, the view is very clear, offering a glimpse of the Verdon peaks behind Lac de Castillon.

(6) Continue to the right, through the larch trees, to the cairn at the edge of the ridge.

(7) The slope is steep up to the summit masts of Chamatte.

(8) From the top of the peak, there is a 360° panorama. To the north, the first peaks of the Mercantour, the main ones being the Puy de Rent, the Grand Coyer and the Estrop; to the side of Lac du Castillon, in the distance the Grand Marges, the Grand Mourre, the Mourre Charnier and the Chiran; then, in the foreground, the Castellard and the Chauvin; further south, the Teillon, the Crêtes de la Bernarde, the summit of the Gourre and, in the background, the highest point in the Var, Mont Lachen.
For the return journey, turn back as far as the first larch trees, marked by a cairn on the edge of the ridge.

(7) At this point, turn sharply left and begin the descent along a treeless ledge. It would appear that a fire destroyed this former larch forest. The descent follows a series of switchbacks on ground that is sometimes unstable. Take care, as the path is sometimes difficult to follow. The markings are still yellow.
The path descends rapidly.
At an overhang overlooking Lac du Castillon, a junction is marked by a cairn (at around 1530 m).

(9) You have two options:

• Either continue along the ledge following the yellow markings, straight ahead, which ensures you stay on the right track. You’ll arrive back at point 5; head down to the left to return to the start of the walk.
• The second option (the one we chose), which is the trickier in terms of finding your way. Leave the yellow markings and take the path that winds down to the left, zigzagging between two ravines.

Please note: as this path is rarely used and is overgrown, the trail is sometimes difficult to make out. After this long descent, you’ll come out onto a wide track.

(10) Head left for a few hundred metres. Before a large bend, you’ll come to a junction with a signpost indicating the return route to Vergons; follow the yellow markings again.

(11) Leave the track and turn sharply right onto the path that rejoins the track you started on.

(2) Turn left and head back to the village and your starting point (S/E)..

Admittedly, this hike does not present any major technical difficulties, but the elevation gain is substantial, reaching over 800 m, and requires a good level of fitness.
A good knowledge of navigation and map-reading is essential if you choose the path leading down to point (9) on the left. A possible alternative route is described in the itinerary.
You’ll need good walking boots, binoculars, water, an IGN map, and of course a camera to capture the panoramic views.
This walk is best done in spring, to enjoy the colours and the flora.