Oppidum of Bagnols-en-Forêt

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A peaceful walk for the whole family with superb views of the region. However, be aware that some sections may be difficult for younger children... This hike can be done in either direction without difficulty.

Details

n°31445336
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.12 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 186 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 182 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 419 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 257 m
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Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the cemetery in Bagnols-en-Forêt.

(S/E) With your back to the cemetery, head south-east along a track until you reach a fork.

(1) Take the right fork and head towards the Col de la Pierre du Coucou.

(2) At this intersection, take note of your surroundings, take the path that climbs to the right and leave the "rolling" track. Enjoy the magnificent view of the valley. Continue until you reach the signpost indicating the oppidum "La Forteresse".

(3) Turn right to reach it. It is easy to see why this place was an oppidum, as the view stretches far into the distance and the village of Bagnols is revealed in its entirety. The architecture of the houses shows that it has not been spared from property development.

(4) Retrace your steps.

(3) Continue to the right until you reach a track at a place called Bayonne.

(5) Turn right onto this wide track and follow it to a fork near an antenna.

(6) Turn right, pass a cistern and arrive at the car park near the cemetery (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 260 m - Cemetery car park
  2. 1 : km 0.75 - alt. 289 m - Fork
  3. 2 : km 1.36 - alt. 345 m - Col Pierre à Coucou
  4. 3 : km 1.69 - alt. 419 m - Fork towards the oppidum
  5. 4 : km 1.98 - alt. 401 m - Oppidum de Bagnols-en-Forêt
  6. 5 : km 4.81 - alt. 330 m - Track at a place called Bayonne
  7. 6 : km 6.34 - alt. 265 m - Fouche (antenna)
  8. S/E : km 7.12 - alt. 260 m - Cemetery car park

Notes

High-top shoes are mandatory as the trail is rocky and uneven in places and ankles must be properly supported.

Worth a visit

Near the hike, not far from the cemetery car park, you will find an unusual place, an "open-air museum". It focuses on archaeology, suitable for younger visitors, as well as the history and heritage of the Pays de Fayence.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 10 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
MCHouvenaeghel
MCHouvenaeghel

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Sometimes lacks signage.

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ANAIS31770
ANAIS31770

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

very pleasant and easy

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jl1309m
jl1309m

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Please note that the option to visit the pagan church is difficult, as the last part of the climb is steep with rocky passages. However, the view is superb. It is a well-marked round trip.

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herve mireille
herve mireille

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant route. There were a few families out walking at the start of the route, but after that we didn't see many people. It's a bit of a climb in the first part, but the view from the top is magnificent. Part of the return journey is on a tarmac road, but it's not very busy so it's not a problem.
It took us two hours to complete the circular.

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VewoboisTTT
VewoboisTTT

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The climb can be tedious for people who are not in good physical shape.
The viewpoint near the fortress is worth a look. However, the impressive dolmens are hidden by bushes, so you have to pay attention to avoid missing them.
We couldn't find anywhere to park.

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jbcucuel
jbcucuel

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A relaxing walk with young children. Very nice.

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Popinée
Popinée

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Scheduled to take 2½ hours... completed in 2 hours with a 20-minute break to admire the breathtaking view from the oppidum.
A beautiful, peaceful walk surrounded by nature.
No difficulty finding your way thanks to Visorando's GPS and good signposting.
A little elevation gain in some places, but nothing difficult.

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Tasunke witko
Tasunke witko

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The path to the oppidum is a bit tricky for young children.

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Pauline Niort
Pauline Niort

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely hike on a very hot day. Not much elevation gain, beautiful panoramic views, including the oppidum, which is well worth seeing, and a pleasant forest trail that is easy to follow and shaded.

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chcorne
chcorne

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb views and magnificent panoramas!
Distance: 9.6 km.

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