The Grande Tête circuit starting from Saint-Pons

Park at the Saint Pons car park.

(S/E) Go through the forest gate and past the park house. At the small V-shaped junction, turn left and cross a small wooden bridge. Turn left after the bridge towards the Col de l'Espigoulier. A few metres further on at the crossroads, follow the yellow-marked path uphill to the right. Stay on this ascending path, ignoring all the small paths to the right or left. Stay on the main path, which is stony. At the top of this climb, on the ground, you will find a large stone with the inscriptions "la glacière, le Col de l'Espigoulier". Continue straight on along the path, which winds to the right, until you reach a signpost indicating a left turn

(1) At the junction, follow the yellow signposting to the left; a few metres further on, you will find a signpost on the right pointing towards the Col de l'Espigoulier and the Pic de Bertagne. Take this path. When you reach the blocked path, turn left, following the yellow signposting and the sign for “Col de l'Espigoulier”. Stay on the main path, ignoring the small paths to the right or left.

(2) At the junction, go straight on. The path is blocked. Follow the yellow markings to the left as you descend. At the first junction, marked by a yellow ‘Y’ painted on the rock, turn left, heading slightly against the flow of traffic onto a path along the mountainside. The vegetation is very green on this side of the mountain and you can admire the scenery throughout the descent. You’ll reach a fork in the road. Change direction and head left onto the main path. It’s a narrow, descending track. Stay on this main path and avoid the side tracks. Stay on this beautiful, green and clear path until you reach a junction with a very wide path and a cairn on the right.

(3) Continue down the descending section (left) to reach cistern number 54. Continue along this DFCI track.

(4) At the junction, turn onto the SB 104 on the right, then very soon look out for a large rock bordering the track on the left. Pass the rock and, a few metres further on, take a path that descends to the left. This is a short cut (it is possible to stay on the DFCI track). Rejoin the DFCI track further down and follow it as it continues (to the left), still heading downhill. Pass a beige container and continue downhill.

(5) At the junction, leave the DFCI track and continue to the left (you’ll see a green relay mast on the right). Look out for a lovely little stone heart on the ground. You’ll then reach a small clearing with a lovely view. At the junction, carry straight on along a very narrow single track that descends. The descent is a bit technical with stones rolling underfoot. Stay on this path, which is well marked.

(6) When you reach a very passable path, follow it to the left, cross a path branching off to the right and stay on the main path heading left to reach a wooden gate. This marks the end of the wooded section. Take the road to the right, following the wooden fence, then very quickly turn left to find a small wooden bridge

(7) Cross the bridge, then cross the car park road and follow it to the left to return to your car (S/E).

Hike suggested by A.M.I.S Rando Aubagne.