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Park in the car park at the climbing school.
(S/E) With your back to the cliff, head towards the D17. Follow it to the right for 250 m.
(1) Take theGR®® 6 to the right for 2 km until you reach a junction by a magnificent vaulted sheepfold and a long livestock trough.
(2) Turn right to follow the path northwards, which is marked in blue for about 700 m until you reach a low dry-stone wall. Take the cairn-marked path on the right which climbs up to the Arpian cave, whose small entrance is framed by vegetation.
(3) Return to the path and continue to the right, following the cairns and blue markings for about 400 m. It veers to the right and climbs towards the Barres Rouges rocks, which you cross. Continue to follow the easy path for 400 m.
(4) The blue-marked path turns sharply right and descends into the Glauges valley. It can serve as a quick retreat in case of bad weather.
When you leave the blue markings, head towards the rocky ridge on the left, which you must cross at a cairn on a large rock.
Look for a small path that descends gently through the vegetation for 300 m and joins the narrow track ascending from Aureille.
Recommended direct alternative: It is possible to continue straight on, following green markings that climb up through the scree, cross an easy rocky outcrop and reach the Opies secondary summit.
(5) This unmarked path is steep and features numerous short scrambling sections requiring the use of your hands. Near the summit, you’ll find recent blue markings leading to the old watchtower.
(6) The Opies watchtower (Aupiho in Provençal) stands on the summit of the Alpilles, which rises to 498 m. This small square tower was built in 1923 and later used by the occupying forces during the Second World War. It served as an observatory until the 1960s before being abandoned due to difficulties in accessing it. A few rusted remnants of the power line remain on the southern slope. Shelter available. The 360° view is magnificent.
Begin the descent on the eastern side, then head due south towards the valley that separates Les Opies from its secondary summit; a less-frequented peak marked by a small metal cross. A long valley flanked by rocky ridges separates these two summits. Follow this cool, shaded valley, which joins the Vallon de Lègue, traversed by a good path.
(7) Turn right to descend easily to the bottom of the fertile Vallon des Glauges. Cross the road and continue along the path opposite through the vegetation.
(8) Take the steep little path that climbs through the vegetation due south towards the summit. Follow the red markings to reach the edge of the cliff.
(9) The path leads into a cave which you must cross (a torch is recommended). The entrance is wide enough, but the exit is narrow and requires you to take off your rucksack and crawl on all fours. Continue along the marked path to the summit of Mont Menu, ignoring a track that branches off to the left at an open area.
(10) Continue to follow the cairns along the ridge, negotiating a few rocky sections, heading south.
You need to pay close attention to the path so as not to lose it; a GPS is useful...
(11) The rocky ridge is interrupted by a large valley; turn left, descend into it and climb up the other side, then head right, following the cairns which become fewer and fewer.
The final stretch is a matter of following your instincts, easily following the numerous ridge paths that lead to the climbing school and then to the car park via a small bridge spanning the stream (S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Association / Club / Walk leader
