Valensole Plateau and Ravin de la Combe

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A peaceful hike on the Valensole plateau via the Ravin de la Combe. You can admire the magnificent lavender fields in season and pass by beehives, which you should leave alone, of course (if they have not been moved in the meantime). The hike is not complicated and is accessible to all, but please take into account the comments mentioned in the Practical Information section.

Details

n°22532331
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.67 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 123 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 122 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 616 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 485 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Valensole (04210)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.864968° / E 5.959659°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3342ET
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Description of the walk

Take the D15 to the Ravin de la Combe crossroads and park in the bend in the shade of the trees.

(S/E) Turn right onto the path running alongside the woods and follow the gentle, steady climb to the Ravin de Tarabuc trail junction.

(1) Take this path to the right and continue climbing, then descend slightly to reach a crossroads in the woods.

(2) Turn left and you will soon see some beehives on your right (they may have been moved since I last walked this route). Then walk along the large lavender field to the Champ Clos crossroads.
(3) Turn right and continue to Mas Saint-Andrieux.

(4) Continue straight ahead for a few hundred metres until you reach a crossroads with four almost perpendicular paths.

(5) Take the path on the right. Follow the almost straight sections to reach the D15.

(6) Cross it carefully and continue straight ahead. Walk between the lavender fields and then along the edge of a wood. You will come to a crossroads at the corner of a wood (elevation 585).

(7) Take the path on the right towards the woods. Turn left and enter the woods. You will reach the Ravin de la Magallonne.

(8) Here, start a fairly steep descent on the right, with lots of stones. Finish this descent at the Ubac de la Font Sainte trail junction.

(9) Turn right, now slightly uphill, and walk gently back to the Ravin de la Combe car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 534 m - Ravin de la Combe car park
  2. 1 : km 0.9 - alt. 555 m - Tarabuc Ravine crossroads
  3. 2 : km 2.11 - alt. 597 m - Wooden crossroads
  4. 3 : km 2.52 - alt. 610 m - Champ Clos
  5. 4 : km 3.09 - alt. 614 m - Mas Saint-Andrieux
  6. 5 : km 3.52 - alt. 609 m - Crossroads
  7. 6 : km 5.39 - alt. 598 m - Route D15
  8. 7 : km 6.89 - alt. 585 m - Edge of the woods
  9. 8 : km 7.87 - alt. 567 m - Ravin de la Magallonne
  10. 9 : km 8.7 - alt. 485 m - North-facing slope of Font Sainte
  11. S/E : km 10.67 - alt. 535 m - Ravin de la Combe car park

Notes

Between (8) and (9), take care when descending into the Ravin de la Combe as the gradient drops rapidly and there are quite a few rocks that could cause you to trip or slip. This is the only difficult section.
Bring water and something to cover your head, as most of the route is in direct sunlight.
Bring sun protection as this hike is very exposed to the sun.

Worth a visit

Between (2) and (3), you will pass by beehives on the Valensole plateau. The hives are on the right, and of course, we leave them alone to do their work and make delicious lavender honey.
During the hike, you can admire the lavender fields, depending on the season.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Narzo
Narzo

Thank you very much for your feedback, and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I did this hike two years ago, and with time it's possible that some areas may have been closed off, but you've confirmed that this isn't the case, so that's perfect. I can't wait to return to the region, it's my favourite place, I love it 😍. Happy hiking!

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BCC
BCC

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did this easy, well-marked hike today.We had no problems with the route. There are no restrictions on using the paths we took. At point 1, just remember to turn right towards the Tarabuc ravine and not continue on the gravel track that goes up towards the buildings.
I confirm that you should not disturb the beehives on the right-hand side of the path that descends towards the ravine between points 7 and 8.
This route covers a variety of sites and is very pleasant. Very few people use it at this time of year.
Thank you for publishing this information.

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Narzo
Narzo

That's very kind of you, thank you.

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BCC
BCC

Thank you very much for your reply. I will try to go there this week. I will let you know.

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Narzo
Narzo
• Edited:

Hello. I haven't been able to go back yet, as I live in Seine-et-Marne. I'll see when I return to the area. But if you look at the map, there's a path that continues straight ahead, which should be accessible. I think the restriction is when you turn right shortly after setting off, following the Ravin de Tarabuc (Point 1).

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BCC
BCC

Did you take the forbidden passage or did you find another solution?
Thank you for your reply.

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Narzo
Narzo

Yes, I will edit the text of the hike to provide more information, and if a user happens to be in the area, perhaps they can take a photo for us.

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Narzo
Narzo

As I am not from the area, I will not be able to go and look for an alternative. Perhaps another user will be able to go before me.

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Narzo
Narzo
• Edited:

Okay, okay, I did this hike two years ago, so there have been some changes, which is a shame. Did you get to see the beehives?

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Crapet
Crapet

No, the sign is straight ahead. It's the one that was stolen.

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Narzo
Narzo
• Edited:

Hello and thank you for your feedback. From memory, I know that the first path on the right at the start cannot be used, as there is a private property sign. Is this the path you are referring to, or is it further on? The hike avoids this path by continuing straight ahead. With all the landowners who no longer want hikers on their property, hiking trails are becoming increasingly limited, which is sad. Yet hikers respect nature and the environment, at least for the most part.

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Crapet
Crapet

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We start this route at the point indicated on the map, but a few metres further on there is a sign saying "no access for walkers". What's more, the markings that were there before have been completely removed... but we decide to go ahead with this pleasant walk anyway.

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