The Vallon des Escombes via the Puits de Besson

From Plan de Cuques, take the D 908 towards Logis Neuf. On Avenue Salvador Allende, turn left onto Chemin de Bon Rencontre, then, 900 m further on the left, take Chemin du Vallon des Gages. Follow the path to the end to reach a car park at the start of the walk.

(S/E) Go through the gate and follow the track. You will pass two water retention dams in succession. Keep to the right.

(1) Keep to the right and follow the stony path which, after a circular bend to the right, leads to a power pylon. Turn left at the pylon, heading north, and continue in this direction until you reach a fork.

(2) Turn left, then keep to the right to reach an area of tall pine trees. Continue northwards: below on the right is the shooting range, then further on, the dog training centre (elevation 334). Go round the large water reservoir on the left, then join the Chemin de Mimet. Turn left, heading towards the Col Sainte-Anne.

(3) Turn left at the signpost towards Pilon du Roi. You will come to a fork.

(4) Keep to the right, then follow the green markings leading to the Puits de Besson.

(5) Turn right at the well and join the DFCI track, which you should take to the left.

(6) At the hairpin bend, turn left onto the path that descends into the valley, winding through the vegetation.

(7) Keep to the right, heading due south, at the Y-junction. You will arrive in the Vallon des Escombes. Cross numerous rock slabs and water-filled potholes. The path then becomes flat and pleasant, leading to a grassy, open area. On the right, you will see the Jas Bonifay.

Pass a line of gas pipes (yellow posts), continue along the path which narrows considerably as it winds through dense vegetation. Then cross a very narrow rocky section before arriving at a tunnel of vegetation where you will need to crouch to get through. You will reach a rocky face where the tunnel becomes impassable. Do not go in.

(8) Then turn left onto a path that climbs towards a rock face, passes near a small cave and winds its way through the dense vegetation to reach a flat area near a water retention dam. Follow the track that runs to the left of the dam.

(1) Return along the same route as on the way out to reach the car park (S/E).

Important note: the Vallon des Escombes, like many other valleys in the Chaîne de l’Étoile, is not marked on IGN maps as a signposted trail but as a stream bed. You should therefore take precautions if you are walking through this valley. The route suggested here is shown on the IGN satellite base map.
- There are many stones along the route and numerous obstacles that may hinder progress.
- Narrow, overgrown sections (wear long clothing).
- Large, flat limestone slabs that are often wet. Watch out for slipping.
- Take care after a storm, as the stream may be flowing strongly.

For reference: the author’s estimated time for this route is 2 hours 20 minutes (excluding a lunch break).

The Memorial to Captain Ike B. Webb Jr., whose plane was shot down by German fighters on 24 October 1943 (turn right at (2) and follow the path to Mimet below the shooting range. The site of the plane crash: between the electricity pylon above (1) and the point (8).

The Puits de Besson, restored by a hunting association.

The Jas de Bonifay on the right as you descend the Vallon des Escombes.