Mont Richarmet and Roche d'Arié

A beautiful, long hike overlooking the Var valley, starting from Guillaumes. Difficult due to its length, it includes a very difficult section that is only suitable for experienced hikers who are not afraid to use their hands to climb over rocks. It is possible to avoid this section; see the Practical Information section. I recommend this hike in autumn to enjoy the beautiful colours of the vegetation.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 18.22 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 926 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 931 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,618 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 758 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Guillaumes is accessible via the D2202 from Nice in the south or Barcelonnette in the north. At Place de Provence, take Rue du Dauphiné (to the left of the Proxi mini-market). After the bridge over the Var, turn left and continue to Parc des Sports Jean Ravel. No parking difficulties.

(S/E) Go through the wooden barrier and continue to marker 14, following the old football field, which you will return along.

(1) Turn right into the undergrowth and follow the yellow markings. The path quickly climbs in switchbacks through the pine forest, where the needles on the ground are slippery after rain. Reach a ridge that has been cleared by fire: beautiful view overlooking the confluence of the Tuébi and Var rivers. To the south, you can see the Roche Trouée. The trail is now less steep. At a place called Vémiane, pass by a ruin and some remarkable oak trees. Cross the Vallon de Vémiane and reach marker 91.

(2) Take the path on the right towards La Roche Trouée and reach marker 92.

(3) Leave the path and take the track on the left: a sign indicates La Roche Trouée. Reach it from below: on its left, a rock shelter can be used as a shelter in case of rain.

(4) Pass under the arch and enjoy the view overlooking Guillaumes. A few cairns on crumbly ground allow you to climb south-west until you find a path under Mont Richarmet.

(5) Hikers who are uncomfortable with exposed sections are advised to keep to the right to reach the summit (7).
Otherwise, continue left towards the cliff (choice of route). The slope is very steep, and some passages with high steps require you to hold on to the sharp rock or shrubs. Reach Mont Richarmet, which is just a plateau above the agricultural area of Sauze Vieux.

(6) Follow the small ridge westwards and, after a short descent, rejoin the path.

(7) Take the path on the left and join the small tarmac road (D76). Turn right and follow it to the entrance to Sauze at marker 78: be careful, there is traffic.

(8) Enter the village. Pass close to marker 81, following the direction of La Lare; there is a fountain on the left before you reach marker 82: you may encounter cows coming to drink here on their own. At the last house, turn right and descend slightly to marker 83 just after the pumping station.

(9) Take the path on the left towards La Lare and climb a long way through the woods to a clear plateau where you will find marker 83a, which is not shown on IGN paper maps or the app.

(10) Enter a pastoral area. You may encounter guard dogs here in summer, so avoid sudden movements. Take the path on the left into the moorland, heading south-east, climbing along the ridge: there are no cairns. Cross a fir forest and reach the summit of Roche d'Arié (or Roccia d'Ariel), where a large cairn stands in the middle of a vast clearing. To the west, Barre du Plan and Mont Pinet are dominated by Mont Saint-Honorat. To the east, the boundary of the Mercantour National Park, Tête de Méric, Crête de la Montagne de l'Alp, Mont Mounier and Valberg resort.

(11) Retrace your steps to marker 83a.

(10) Take the path on the left towards Ravin de la Lare. Follow the yellow markings along the stream, crossing it several times until you reach marker 84.

(12) Take a sharp left turn towards Les Selves. This is a beautiful trail used by mountain bikers, so take care. Take the path on the right to cross the hamlet until you reach the tarmac road and marker 85.

(13) Please note that from here, there is more than a kilometre to cover on tarmac. Take the road on the left, pass a fountain and walk on almost flat ground to marker 86.

(14) You can take the path on the right to reach Sauze Vieux via Villetalle Basse, but you will have to go downhill and then uphill again to reach (15).
Otherwise, continue on the tarmac road to elevation 1298.

(15) Take the path on the right to reach the road below, heading towards the Chapelle Saint-Joseph, which is already visible. Continue to marker 88.

(16) Descend along the road to Sauze Vieux at marker 89.

(17) Descend to the left into the hamlet. From there, follow the signs for Guillaumes. Continue along the winding road to marker 90.

(18) Continue downhill, going straight ahead to marker 95.

(19) Cross the track and continue straight downhill to marker 12.

(20) Take the path on the left towards Pont des Roberts. The path overlooks the Var and joins marker 13.

(21) Leave the bridge on your right and go back up the track towards the micro power station dam, passing a small bend below a cliff via a secure passage. Then cross the old football pitch and return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 778 m - Jean Ravel Sports Park - Var (fleuve)
  2. 1 : km 0.1 - alt. 778 m - Marker 14
  3. 2 : km 1.75 - alt. 1,193 m - Marker 91
  4. 3 : km 1.88 - alt. 1,198 m - Marker 92
  5. 4 : km 1.93 - alt. 1,236 m - Roche Trouée
  6. 5 : km 1.97 - alt. 1,242 m - Fork to the left, difficult passage
  7. 6 : km 2.06 - alt. 1,305 m - Mont Richarmet
  8. 7 : km 2.21 - alt. 1,289 m - Crossroads, on the left
  9. 8 : km 3.73 - alt. 1,307 m - Sauze Marker 78
  10. 9 : km 4.03 - alt. 1,312 m - Marker 83
  11. 10 : km 5.55 - alt. 1,565 m - Marker 83a, not shown on IGN maps.
  12. 11 : km 6.33 - alt. 1,618 m - Roche d'Arié
  13. 12 : km 8.9 - alt. 1,430 m - Marker 84
  14. 13 : km 10.84 - alt. 1,351 m - Marker 85
  15. 14 : km 11.91 - alt. 1,356 m - Marker 86
  16. 15 : km 13.96 - alt. 1,302 m - Elevation 1298
  17. 16 : km 14.35 - alt. 1,245 m - Marker 88
  18. 17 : km 14.59 - alt. 1,222 m - Sauze Vieux Marker 89
  19. 18 : km 15.03 - alt. 1,145 m - Marker 90
  20. 19 : km 15.62 - alt. 990 m - Marker 95
  21. 20 : km 16.17 - alt. 880 m - Marker 12
  22. 21 : km 16.84 - alt. 766 m - Marker 13
  23. S/E : km 18.22 - alt. 778 m - Jean Ravel Sports Park

Notes

Fountains in the village of Sauze and the hamlet of Les Selves.

Possible shelter in the ravine downstream from Roche Trouée.

(5) It is advisable to go directly via (7), veering to the right, then making a return trip to Mont Richarmet.

Worth a visit

Village of Guillaumes.

Queen Jeanne's Castle.

Daluis Gorges.

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