Pourcieux walks

Between Sainte-Victoire and Sainte-Baume, two prestigious mountains in Provence, you can reach Olympe.

Less frequented than its illustrious neighbour, Mont Aurélien, Mont Olympe offers no less than an exceptional 360° panorama of most of the region's iconic peaks, even as far as the Mercantour on a clear day. After a fairly long approach walk on a gentle, steady slope, the final steep climb is more suited to experienced and trained walkers. But what a reward!

A beautiful walk among rockroses, thyme and rosemary with lovely views of all the mountains around Pourrières, including Sainte-Victoire and Mont Aurélien. Best done in spring when the rockroses and wild orchids are in bloom.

A challenging 26 km circular route starting from the Figuière valley The entire ridge of Mont Aurélien, Rocher de Onze Heures, Mont Olympe. Breathtaking views of Sainte-Baume, Sainte-Victoire and the entire valley. Please note: this hike should be done outside of hunting season on Sundays and should also be avoided in strong winds. This hike is reserved for experienced and trained mountain hikers.

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.

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.

This hike takes you to the ruins of Castrum Saint-Jean, 600 metres above sea level, on the spur of the hill overlooking the present-day village of Rougiers. Don't forget to visit the Guillandière spring in the communal woods, east of Saint-Jean hill.

This short hike allows you to discover a picturesque and unique medieval site, including beautiful views of the green Provence and the Pre-Alps. The ruined village is a remarkable example of dwellings built on the side of a cliff.

A beautiful hike starting from Les Rougiers at the foot of Sainte Baume, where you will discover historical sites dating from the Gallo-Roman period to the Middle Ages: the Piégu oppidum, the Fontaine de la Guillandiére, the Château Saint-Jean, the ruins of the fortified village and its troglodyte dwellings, and its 19th-century chapel.

An easy walk on pretty paths and wide tracks facing the cliffs of Sainte-Baume. 8/11/2023: Hike modified due to an obstruction onthe GR® between (5) and (7).

This is an unpretentious hike that allows you to discover the beautiful autumn landscapes near this peak overlooking Saint-Zacharie. Unfortunately, we were unable to climb this hill because part of the path is private and has been closed off. The GR®9A is completely inaccessible from the points (2) and (3) (perhaps the route will be modified at a later date).

A magnificent hike towards Mont Olympe and Rocher de Onze Heures, where hikers can enjoy views of Sainte-Victoire, the Sainte-Baume massif and, finally, Mont Aurélien throughout the route. This hike starts at Pas de la Couelle and passes by the Hermitage of Saint-Jean du Puy.

Nestled at the foot of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the Puyloubier vineyard occupies a large part of the commune's territory. This hike, proposed by the local cooperative winery, allows you to explore this vineyard on paths dotted with oratories, with superb views of the mountain.

Circuit to the Pic des Mouches combining a steady, gentle climb above Puyloubier via the Malivert oratory and a challenging descent in a magnificent, very wild setting to the Saint-Ser inn via the Green trail. Please note: (4) The descent via the green trail is impossible: there is a signprohibiting access between 1 February and 15 July each year (to protect birds, butterflies, reptiles, etc. during the breeding season). See practical information.

This is a variation on one of my previous hikes, From Saint-Zacharie to La Mouère, which takes a different path to a lovely viewpoint above Saint-Zacharie. In hot weather, walking under the trees for most of the route is very pleasant.

A beautiful hike starting from Saint Zacharie, which takes us to discover the fairy of the spring, on the banks of the Huveaune. Then, the walk climbs up to Montmorin via the Vallon de l'Espagnol. On the way down through the Vallon des Jourdans, there is a superb panorama of Sainte-Baume. The walk is accessible via the free bus network of the Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Étoile.

Shaded climb to Pic des Mouches from Col des Portes, passing by the Oratoire de Malivert. The return route passes by the Citadelle, an ancient settlement north of Sainte-Victoire, then by the Sinne astronomical observatory.

A beautiful hike offering varied panoramic views of Sainte-Victoire, the Vauvenargues valley and the Durance riverbed from the crest of Montagne des Ubacs.

A circular starting from the northern slope of Montagne de la Sainte-Victoire to reach Col de Suberoque via the Sentier des Plaideurs trail, then following the GR®9 along the ridges towards Pic des Mouches. A few technical sections without any major difficulties and, above all, a 360° panorama.

This is a moderately difficult hike that takes you from the Col des Portes to the Pic des Mouches, one of the peaks of Sainte-Victoire, where the view is superb. The loop ends at the Citadelle, a rocky plateau that vaguely resembles a fortified castle (with a little imagination).

In the Sainte-Victoire region, there is an easy circular in the heath with several points of interest: the Citadel oppidum, the Lambruisse farm and chapel, and the Sinne observatory. Beautiful views of Sainte-Victoire and even the Alps.