Pontevès walks

The Bessillons twins are battered witnesses to history. Occupied during the Iron Age, they saw Pontevès develop during the Middle Ages and served as a refuge for the Resistance during theSecond World War.Developed by the Provence Verdon Community of Communes, the Randonner Autrement project aims to introduce families to the natural heritage, the outlying built heritage, the landscapes and their evolution, as well as views of the villages. (!) VISITOR ALERT:Due to a fire on 18 August 2025, access is strongly discouraged for your safety (unsafe path, risk of falling trees and landslides)

A loop with three major points of interest: - the village of Pontevès and its ruined castle at the top of the village, - the climb up the Petit Bessillon, offering a beautiful view of the Var department, and its technical descent, - the return to Barjols via the Vallon des Carmes and its waterfalls (currently closed, see practical information). Unfortunately, the first hour of the hike is mainly on roads in order to complete the loop.

A walk to a superb viewpoint and two orientation tables, opening to the north towards Digne and Valensole and to the south-west towards Mont Sainte-Victoire, Mont Aurélien and the Sainte-Baume massif.

On the Chemin de Croix, stones roll under your feet. At Notre-Dame de Bellevue, what else can you find but a beautiful view? Between quotes from Jean Giono and game suggestions, there is something for everyone on this route.

In the heart of the Vallon Sourn, where the Argens river winds its way, this short circular walk will take you through the Défens forest near Les Bessillon, via the Vallon des Baumes and the Val Obscur. At the end of the walk, a refreshing dip in the Argens will do you good.

"Pass through the gate and enter the woods, kingdom of the Little People. At your side, Aguia the mischievous guide will lead you to the four Communities. Help him find the lost treasure... Developed by the Provence Verdon Community of Communes, "Randonner Autrement" aims to introduce families to the natural heritage, outlying built heritage, landscapes and their evolution over time, as well as views of the villages, in an educational and fun way.

Déroulez les époques en suivant l’eau, fil d’Ariane du circuit, omniprésente dans le paysage et l’histoire du village. Croisez fontaines, anciens moulins, canaux, ruisseaux, lavoirs et remontez à la source de la Foux. Développé par la Communauté de communes Provence Verdon, le projet Randonner Autrement a pour objet de faire découvrir, à un public familial, le patrimoine naturel, le patrimoine bâti excentré, les paysages et leurs évolutions, ainsi que des points de vue sur les villages…

From the Notre-Dame Chapel to the hamlet of Saint-Estève, the vineyard reveals itself in all its glory, from its history to its seasons, including its transformation. Developed by the Provence Verdon Community of Communes, the "Randonner Autrement" (Hiking Differently) project aims to introduce families to the natural heritage, the outlying built heritage, the landscapes and their evolution over time, as well as views of the villages, in an educational and fun way.

A short walk in Correns to discover its canal, the inclined plane on the right bank of the Argens, its apié and its lime kiln. It bears witness to the traces left by our ancestors with the practice of trades that have now disappeared.

In search of old bridges over the Argens, passing through vineyards and forest.

The medieval village of Cotignac is one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and was voted "France's Favourite Village" in 2022. The impressive Tuf Rock and its troglodyte dwellings, the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Grâces, the old 16th and 17th century houses lining the narrow streets, the Cours Gambetta with its beautiful façades and plane trees, the 17th century Church of Notre Dame de l'Annonciation, the Grand-Rue, the Town Hall Square, the 17 fountains and the two 14th-century towers are the main attractions in Cotignac. The route crosses the Cours Gambetta, climbs up to the Chapel of Notre-Dame des Grâces, continues along the Chemin de Notre Dame, descends towards the village through the Les Verdares and Le Derroc districts, then passes through the Ville-Haute and the Rocher cliff.

Here is an easy walk from the village of Montmeyan, which is well worth a visit in its own right. To visit this abandoned watchtower overlooking the area, children can manage on their own, and dogs are unlikely to disturb any livestock.

Discover two rivers via beautiful green trails covered in flowers in spring, but watch out for mosquitoes. Enjoy the stunning Chute du Tombereau waterfall and cross vineyards and olive groves.

This is an ideal short route to aid digestion and discover the diversity of the Montfort-sur-Argens area: vineyards, olive trees, terraces, huts, heath and forest, stone paths and red earth tracks. I love the diversity of this route, not to mention the views of the village, the Petit and Gros Bessillon hills. The start and finish of the route allow you to explore the picturesque streets of the old village. No particular difficulty.

This circular loop will take you past the Chapelle Saint-Laurent chapel, then through the undergrowth to the banks of the Bresque river with its water pools, along the right bank of the waterfall, then to the viewpoint on the left bank and the village of Sillans.

A lovely little family hike that takes you to Notre-Dame de Paracol. Beautiful views of all the surrounding hills.

Follow the animal tracks, learn to recognise a few plant species and, above all, make sure you leave only a minimal footprint on this forest ecosystem. Developed by the Provence Verdon Community of Municipalities, the Randonner Autrement project aims to introduce families to the natural heritage, outlying built heritage, landscapes and their evolution over time, as well as views of the villages, in an educational and fun way.

A peaceful walk that starts in a shady valley, approaches the Rocher des Abeilles, and crosses the heath of the Var plateaus. Please note that fires ravaged this area during the summer of 2017.

A walk through the forest, passing through the beautiful villages of Saint-Martin-de-Pallières, Esparron, Artigues and Ubac. Return to the valley via an old railway line.

Starting from Le Val, this circular route north of the village passes by the Saint-Cyriaque Chapel and then takes a detour to the magnificent 360° viewpoint from the Notre-Dame de Paracol Chapel. The return journey is via the Vallon des Flammes valley and then the vineyards.

This route offers views of most of the peaks of Provence with the Alps in the background.

This circular walk takes you up to La Verdiére via the road for the views, and back through the woods for peace and quiet.

Easy hike to Lac de Carnier. Moderator’s note: route amended on 23/06/23 – starting point is now the Source des Treize Rais rather than the Le Val equestrian centre.

A beautiful hike with a fairly significant elevation gain in some places.

This hike will visit the village of Carcés, Carcés Lake and the splendid Caramy Falls. Best in the spring when the water flow is stronger. You also will take a part of the path of Saint Jacques de Compostela.

This cycle route will take you on a journey through the green heart of Provence, past its lakes and castles. It will guide you through the Provençal countryside, taking in charming traditional villages, lakes, vineyards and olive groves, along quiet roads and paths suitable for hybrid bikes. You’ll be free to stop off, for as long as you like, at your own pace, in the small villages to explore them.

A lovely little walk along a path that runs alongside a small canal and leads to the magnificent Caramy Waterfalls.

Tour of Carcès via the lake, passing by the Notre-Dame de Caramy chapel, the waterfalls, the lake, the heights of Brauch and back through the village. Route modified. Moderator's addition on 14/06/2021: Please note! Crossing the village of Lac is prohibited (private property). See alternative in the description (and notice dated 14/06/2021)

Explore the turquoise waters of the lower Verdon Gorge by canoe, kayak or electric boat.

A circular route between Quinson and Lac d'Artignosc, passing on both sides of the Verdon. Walk along tracks and small paths with views of the Verdon at various points and of the villages of Quinson and Artignosc. Return via the Baume Bonne cave and the view of the Quinson dam.

A walk around Quinson, to be done before or after a visit to the Prehistory Museum.

Wonderful hike through the Lower Verdon Gorges, starting in Quinson.

A family walk around the Old Castle of Vins-sur-Caramy.

A walk on the eastern heights of Vins-sur-Caramy, pleasant in summer as it is often shaded by trees. It also allows you to visit the Grotte des Résistants, a key location for the local resistance during theSecond World War.

A lovely, challenging hike along forest tracks with beautiful views from the ridges.

A pretty walk off the beaten path. The views are breathtaking in diverse landscapes, all from the beautiful little hilltop village of Artignosc-sur-Verdon.

From the lake, the forest track and then steep steps lead us to the Rocher de Brauch, whose ridge overlooks the expanse of water of Lake Sainte-Suzanne, commonly known as Lake Carcès. This panorama offers a peaceful setting in the heart of Provence Verte. A long forest path and then a trail take us back to the lake shore. The Visorando app may be useful on one section.

A beautiful and varied walk through the countryside, culminating in the medieval village of Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier (with its chapels, mills, church and 360° panorama of Provence).

Located on a hilltop at an altitude of 580 metres, overlooking the plain, the historic old village of Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier offers a superb panorama of the Durance valley, the Verdon mountains, the Montagne de Lure and, on a clear day, Mont Ventoux.