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Access
From Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, head towards Les Baux-de-Provence on the D5 and, at the pass, park in the large car park on the left, known as the La Caume car park.
PR®® signposting (yellow)
With your back to the D5 road, go through the barrier (small sign "Accès AL115" on the right-hand side) and continue along the small tarmac road. This is also the start of the Botanical Trail.
Not signposted but marked by the Botanical Trail markers
(1) At a sharp right-hand bend, leave the road and go straight up the very stony path. On the way up, avoid two paths on the right, which are actually a loop that returns to the same very rough path. After a flat section, keep to the right-hand path to reach a small clearing.
(2) The trail descends; keep to the right and you will come out onto the abandoned road you left earlier.
YellowPR®® markings and markers for the Botanical Trail
Turn left and shortly afterwards, descend to the left into the Vallon de Saint-Clerg (not mentioned but marked with a signpost indicating "AL218"). At the start, the track descends steeply and then more gently after a hairpin bend. Continue along this main track marked by botanical trail signposts, ignoring two paths on the right.
After a clear space where you can see the cliffs of Mont Gaussier and the ladders of the same name, stay alert because a hundred metres further on, the circuit leaves this track to take the "Sentier des Échelles du Mont Gaussier" at a ruin (remains of a chapel) and an information board.
Blue markings and posts marked "Sentier des Échelles du Mont Gaussier"
(3) Start this ladder circuit on the left, which is well marked and equipped in places. It begins with a steep climb to reach the ladders. As you climb, pass under a natural arch in the rock. Climb these ladders (which are more like steps) to a small natural passage (keep your head down) then another much larger one that crosses the rock and comes out on the west side of Mont Gaussier.
(4) Descend to the left (post), pass a small equipped ledge and continue on the path, ignoring a path on the right and keeping to the left. Climb a small rocky passage and continue on the path, keeping to the left.
The path approaches the cliff, branches off to the left and climbs towards the summit of Mont Gaussier. There is a small passage where you will need to use your hands. Take time to enjoy the view from the small platform. Pay attention to the posts that lead you, after a few steps downhill, to a ledge equipped with handrails.
Climb down a small ladder (facing the rock) and continue following the blue markings through a few rocky passages. You will come out onto a clearer path. After a steep climb, you will see the road you took on the way up below. At the signpost, head towards "Col des Plaines". Continue straight ahead.
(2) Return to the section you completed on the way up, continuing straight ahead to rejoin the road and then the car park (S/E).
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