The Calern plateau from Cipières, a circular route

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A magnificent hike through the wild, karst landscapes of the Grasse Pre-Alps. As a bonus, a very well-preserved drystone shelter.

Details

n°42720471
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 17.54 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 634 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 630 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,331 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 757 m
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Photos

Puy de Tourette and Pic de Courmettes
Le Cheiron
the plateau
The ridge

Description of the walk

The hike starts from the village of Cipières. Parking is available in the village.

(S/E) Start the hike with a brief visit to the charming village of Cipières. Then, from the village square (fountain), take a road heading south-west (signpost indicating the start of several hikes). Red and white markings.

(1) At marker 160, take the path on the left, towards Gourdon on the GR°®°51. Pass under the power lines and reach marker 161.

(2) Take a short detour to the left to visit a beautiful, well-preserved drystone shelter, then continue south-east along the wide forest track to marker 162.

(3) Take the track on the right, heading due south, staying on the GR®.

(4) As you emerge from the coniferous forest, turn onto the path on the right (south-west), towards marker 163.

(5) Turn right towards Colle de Rougiès (leaving theGR®). Follow the path, ignoring the left-hand turn-offs at the junctions (markers 46 and 47), until you reach the first buildings of the Côte d’Azur Observatory.

(6) Once past the first buildings of the observatory, turn right onto a concrete track, continue for a few dozen metres to find marker 49. Turn right towards Cipières.

(7) At marker 189, turn right, following theGR®4(red and white markings).

(8) Here, in the rock, there is a well with clear water (when I passed through; filter or use disinfectant tablets). Continue along theGR® until you reach marker 160, ignoring a path on the left at marker 181.

(1) Follow the route back in the opposite direction to return to the village and the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 765 m - Village car park
  2. 1 : km 0.88 - alt. 822 m - Marker 160
  3. 2 : km 3.67 - alt. 992 m - Marker 161
  4. 3 : km 5.39 - alt. 949 m - Marker 162
  5. 4 : km 7.12 - alt. 1,060 m - Crossroads
  6. 5 : km 7.45 - alt. 1,072 m - Marker 163
  7. 6 : km 12.28 - alt. 1,268 m - Côte d'Azur Observatory
  8. 7 : km 13.13 - alt. 1,251 m - Marker 189
  9. 8 : km 14.2 - alt. 1,134 m - Well
  10. S/E : km 17.54 - alt. 765 m - Village car park

Notes

Several parking spaces in the village.
Good walking boots are essential (very stony ground). Always bring at least a windbreaker, as sea breezes often get trapped on the slopes of the plateaus even in fine weather. Do not approach the rocky outcrops in foggy conditions. The ridge running along the Calern plateau is often very windy
This hike is recommended in autumn when the oak trees are ablaze with golden leaves. Avoid summer as it can get hot, even though part of the ascent is through woodland on the north-facing slope.
No water available, except perhaps at the observatory if necessary, and a well in the rock on the return route shortly after the karstic cave of the Enclos
No particular difficulty, but the ground can be slippery in places if damp.
Red and white markings are clearly visible onthe GR®51on the ascent and onthe GR®4on the descent. Yellow markings are less visible between marker 163 and marker 48 near the Observatory. On this section, the path is not always clearly visible, but simply follow the ridge towards the Observatory buildings

Worth a visit

Numerous views of the Cheiron massif on the ascent and descent. A beautiful, well-preserved and clearly signposted drystone shelter at marker 161. 360° panorama from the Colle de Rougiès: the coastline stretching to the Estérel and Corsica on a clear day, the mountain range bordering the Gramondo to the east, and the peaks of the Mercantour to the north. You can even see Mont Pelat.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Seb-Dhen
Seb-Dhen

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 12, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike, easily accessible. The scenery is varied and the section along the ridges offers splendid views. We walked it in the suggested direction, but it can easily be done the other way round, although the ascent is a little steeper.
A very beautiful route that I would recommend without hesitation.

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User 12168186

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful route to do in spring or autumn as there is little shade. The view from the Cheiron peaks is superb and the Calern plateau is magnificent as far as the eye can see after a 2-hour climb with good signposting. The hike is not very easy, but rather of moderate difficulty. You can go as far as the observatory and find your way back without having to go back and forth. Visiorando was very useful, especially on the plateau where there are many paths. And a short break for lunch with a menu offering homemade local products in the village of Cipières, which has been very well restored.

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Piter
Piter

A very well-marked walk with lovely views of the sea from the Estérel to Menton, though the sea is often behind you. Next time we’ll try it the other way round.
But do give it a go!

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Bessillon
Bessillon

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

From the observatory, I carried on to the Oratory of Notre-Dame de Calern (not easy to find!!!!) and then headed back onto the GR4 towards Cipières... 21 km

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Piter
Piter

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk and very well signposted. Next time we’ll try doing it the other way round so we can follow the ridge and enjoy the views of the Estérel, the Lérins Islands, Cap d’Antibes, and so on...

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