Loup (fleuve) walks

This short but challenging hike starts in Cipières, a village at the foot of the Calern plateau facing the Cheiron massif, and takes you to the banks of the Loup, a 49km coastal river (the second longest in the Alpes-Maritimes) through deciduous forests. Once you reach the banks of the Loup, you will walk along the buried Foulon aqueduct, which supplies water to Grasse and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, although the river is right by the path, it remains difficult to access.

The hike starts with an uphill climb to Pré de Marthe, where you can enjoy a view of Montagne du Cheiron. At Baisse de Saint-Barnabé, you can visit the magnificent Oratoire de Saint-Jean-Baptiste. The return journey takes you through the village of Courmes, which is well worth a visit.

Another route providing access to the ruins of Castellaras and Lac de Thorenc follows part of the existing circuit on Visorando. It starts from the D5, at a place called La Pinée, and is just as interesting. I have classified this route as difficult due to its orientation and length. It is advisable to bring a suitable tool for this route.

After visiting the hilltop village of Gourdon, the old mule track will take you to a natural site nestled at the bottom of a steep-sided valley. The Gorges du Loup reveal themselves to our eyes. Numerous waterfalls, the Courmes waterfall, the Saut du Loup and aerial views from the Pont de l'Abîme are all on the menu for this beautiful hike.