Siou Blanc-l'Impluvium d'Orves-Pyramide de Cassini-L'Arche de la Garoute

This hike will take you across the Siou Blanc plateau. First, head south towards the Impluvium d'Orves, the Pyramide de Cassini and its fabulous view of Mont Caume and the Rade de Toulon, as well as the Grand Cap. Then head north overlooking the Gapeau valley to discover the Arche de la Garoute hidden in the woods of the Morières-Montrieux national forest.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.79 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 488 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 487 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 782 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 580 m

Photos

Description of the walk

From Sollies-Toucas, take the forest road that climbs up to the Siou Blanc plateau through the Morières-Montrieux national forest towards Signes. Park at elevation 655, just before the Aven du Caveau, near a cistern and a large embankment on the left.
Please note that this road is closed by a DFCI barrier during the summer to protect the entire Siou Blanc plateau site, from 15/06 to 30/09 (indicated on the entrance sign).

(S/E) Take the track that climbs southwards, following the green markings, called Les Chemins des Quatre Confronts. Stay on this track until you reach the GR®99 after passing under the high-voltage power line.

(1) At the GR®, at elevation 679, take the track on the left until you reach an intersection with a cistern.

(2) Pass the intersection, walk a few steps and take the path on the right, marked by a cairn. Descend for 100 m, pass a property marker (yellow), and arrive at a large rock slab. At the end is the Impluvium d'Orves.

(3) Retrace your steps back to the fork.

(2) At the crossroads, continue for a few metres along the PR® opposite, with a cistern on your left. Take the path that climbs to the left after the cistern.

(4) Pass under the high-voltage power lines again. Leave the path that branches off to the left and continue along the path on the right. Follow this path to the summit, following the blue dotted markings without straying from the path, as there is a risk of getting lost in this maze of white rocks dotted with crevasses, known as a sharp limestone pavement: the Glacier de Pierres.

(5) The summit, crowned with antennas, is also home to the Pyramide de Cassini (see below for the story of Cassini). Enjoy the splendid 360° view. From there, take the path heading due north.

(6) Turn right to make a round trip to the Grand Cap and enjoy the panorama to the east.

(7) Retrace your steps to the fork.

(6) Do not take the PR® (blue markings, variant). Follow the path on the right that descends to the departmental road: technical descent, blue dotted markings. See also "Variant" blue markings in "Practical information".

(8) Follow the departmental road on the right and descend straight ahead to the next bend. Leave the road and follow the track opposite, passing under the high-voltage line to a crossroads.

(9) Take the blue-marked path on the right to the next crossroads. Leave the blue markings on the right and continue straight ahead, along an electric fence.

(10) At this crossroads, there is an antenna; take the path that descends to the right until you reach the GR®51 (white and red markings). Follow the GR® to the left, passing under the high-voltage power line again. This path offers magnificent views over the Gapeau valley to the Hyères Islands (photos). Continue in the same direction, ignoring the paths branching off to the right.

(11) At a hairpin bend to the right, before the Pas de Belgentier, leave the GR® and take the green-marked path that climbs left into the woods (about a hundred metres before the bend, the view is magnificent).
Shortly afterwards, you will come to a large rock. Go around it to discover the Arche de la Garoute.
Pass under the arch, with a pool on your right, and climb the path through the woods. At the top, climb the large rocks on your right to enjoy the view.
After the summit, there are some beautiful rocks. Pass a hut on your right and a water reservoir. You will come out onto a track.

(12) Turn right and follow it for about ten metres. Take the path on the left, which is not very visible, marked in green. A cairn at the foot of an oak tree (marked with the number 30 in white, surrounded by green) serves as a landmark.
At a crossroads, continue straight ahead on the track, which initially climbs before reaching the departmental road. Cross it and turn right to arrive at the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 653 m - Start of the hike - Aven du Caveau
  2. 1 : km 1.55 - alt. 680 m - Intersection, on the left
  3. 2 : km 2.19 - alt. 667 m - Fork in the road. Return trip to the impluvium
  4. 3 : km 2.34 - alt. 652 m - Impluvium d'Orves
  5. 4 : km 3.17 - alt. 719 m - Continue along the path towards the summit.
  6. 5 : km 4.21 - alt. 780 m - The summit, the antennas and the > - Au somet la pyramide de Cassini
  7. 6 : km 4.44 - alt. 771 m - Fork in the road. Return trip to the viewpoint
  8. 7 : km 4.55 - alt. 779 m - Grand Cap
  9. 8 : km 5.41 - alt. 608 m - The main road
  10. 9 : km 6.29 - alt. 603 m - Intersection, on the right
  11. 10 : km 7.77 - alt. 671 m - Intersection, on the right
  12. 11 : km 10.45 - alt. 581 m - Green marked path in the woods - L'arche de garoute
  13. 12 : km 12.87 - alt. 596 m - Turn right for a few metres.
  14. S/E : km 14.79 - alt. 653 m - Arrival, end of the hike

Notes

Hike without major difficulties.
Don't forget your IGN map, which will help you find your way around this vast site.
No water source.
Binoculars are a plus when stopping at viewpoints.
Good hiking boots are essential, especially on the sharp limestone pavement.

Easier alternative

(5) Take the path heading north. After a few metres, follow a track on the left that descends to the departmental road, which you will take on the right (easy descent), marked in blue, to return to the crossroads (8).

Worth a visit

The Cassini Pyramid.

The Orves impluvium

The Orves rain water reservoir carved into rock is one of the few in the Var region that surprises visitors with its monumental character. A rain water reservoir is traditionally a stone structure used to collect runoff water, the shape of which varies considerably from one region to another, and whose origins are lost in the mists of time. All rain water reservoirs carved into rock have in common a system for collecting runoff water called an "impluvium" and a cistern built or dug into the rock. The one in Évenos is one of the most surprising; sometimes called the Citerne d'Étienne or Estienne, sometimes the impluvium d'Orves. Its name links it to the illustrious Provençal family of Estienne d'Orves and reminds us that in the past, our hills were a hive of activity: charcoal burners and shepherds crossed paths with caravans from the quarries or, at night, those transporting ice from Sainte-Baume via Signes and Le Revest. The megalithic-looking structure was designed to protect the water from evaporation and possible pollution, while keeping it cool. The rainwater that accumulated under these slabs could reach a volume of more than 60 m³. An imposing dry stone wall formed the perimeter of this complex, acting as a barrier to prevent animals from contaminating the water and the runoff area. This is why the top of the wall is finished in a "fishbone" pattern with stones arranged in a zigzag pattern.

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.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 22 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
jean michel83160
jean michel83160

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

The climb to Cap Gros is steep and very technical. I recommend taking the trail. For your information, I did the hike in the opposite direction

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Nicolas83210
Nicolas83210

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 28, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with magnificent views, exact duration and number of kilometres.

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gegemft
gegemft
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This time I did the route in reverse. The warm-up is gentle from the start to point 9. Then there is a steady climb to Pas du Pilon. At the summit, on the right, you discover a lunar landscape following a huge tree felling operation. What a sad sight! The descent to the Arche de la Garoute is really pleasant, with beautiful views of the Pas de Belgentier and the mountains in the distance. From point 7 to point 6, we come across the devastating deforestation again. From point 6 to point 5, the route is rolling, with a short section on the road. From point 5, the trail climbs and we decided to take the rough path to the summit of Grand Cap. A very beautiful section to do in dry weather. Grand Cap dominates the entire Siou Blanc plateau. To the south, you can see the sea and to the south-west, Mont Caume. A quick photo on the Cassini pyramid. The crossing of Grand Cap on the way back is over a very fractured sharp limestone pavement that looks like a dormant glacier. The return to the starting point is over an easy rolling section.
A beautiful hike to discover the Siou Blanc plateau.

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Rct92
Rct92

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 22, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful walk on a hot Sunday morning. The descent after the pyramid (blue dots) is tricky. The loop to the Garoute arch is of limited interest. According to my GPS, the total length of the walk is closer to 16 than 14 km.

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serge fiippi
serge fiippi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 09, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

superb, just follow the blue markers.

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Serge BOUTET
Serge BOUTET

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 06, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The section of the hike between Cassini Pyramid and the trail junction is not marked with yellow dots but with blue dots. The yellow dots appear after the trail junction.

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RIBANA
RIBANA

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

for this hike from point 5 to point 2, very good, varied landscapes, but from 3 to 4 at the sharp limestone pavement, frankly not at all pleasant.

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ferrari174
ferrari174

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 23, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk, with a beautiful view of the harbour.

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jbcucuel
jbcucuel

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 24, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike with very varied landscapes. Superb

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Jacques combot
Jacques combot

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 10, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Wonderful walk with friends, well done and thank you again.

Jacques.

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F78
F78

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 26, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike in a vast natural environment. The trail runs along the sharp limestone pavement leading to the highly visible Cassini pyramid (be careful not to leave young children unattended in this area: there are many deep crevices). There is a beautiful 360° view from the summit. We did not do the 'Garoute' section and turned left after passing the high-voltage power lines via a small uphill path leading to the return path => a very pleasant alternative.

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Astera2278
Astera2278

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 01, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

We stopped the hike at point 6 because the weather was turning bad, and we plan to do it again soon.

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tortueluth
tortueluth

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 29, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The weather was nice for this hike, which is important for this type of outing. The circuit consists mainly of sharp limestone pavement and undergrowth, and in my opinion, it would lose its appeal in cloudy or rainy weather.
That said, as mentioned in the comments of other hikers, it is essential to follow the BLUE trail through the sharp limestone pavement to reach the Cassini pyramid without any problems.
You must leave the BLUE trail at point 6 and follow the electric fence (wire), which has been badly damaged by wild boars.
Another important point is at point 8. You must go around the rock on the right to discover the "Arche de la Garoute". Pass under the arch and then follow the GREEN trail, a very discreet path that starts slightly to the left and then turns right. After that, you will have no problem reaching your destination.

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jolo07
jolo07

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 15, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike done in the opposite direction without any problems: just pay attention to the signs and markings
Climb up to the pyramid via the blue dots without any difficulty; a return trip to the impluvium, where the path starts at point 667 due west (200m return) (point 2 on the route) and a return trip to the karstic cave of the sarcophagus (easy to spot, with power lines practically above it)

Make sure you have good shoes and plenty of water!

many thanks
jolo07

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amitié nature
amitié nature

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 18, 2019
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Route completed this Sunday with a group of 17 people.
The GPX track is accurate, so you just need to follow it. However, a map and compass are still essential safety equipment in this vast area of Siou Blanc... in case the GPS batteries fail!
After the Cassini pyramid, the descent via the track marked on the map to reach altitude 649 is comfortable. It avoids the direct descent, which is a little too "technical" for some.
Thank you for your contribution.
JP S

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