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!

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.

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.

The Huveaune river has its source in the Sainte-Beaume massif at the Castelette cave. It is actually several resurgent and petrifying springs.

This hike leads to the Hermitage of Saint-Jean du Puy, an observatory overlooking the Arc Valley and facing the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. On the other side, to the south, is the village of Saint-Zacharie and the Sainte-Baume mountain range. The site, which has become a favourite spot for hikers, consists of a refuge, a chapel, a shelter with gardens and a watchtower that serves as an observatory overlooking the valley.

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).

A loop passing through the Gorges de l'Huveaune to its source, with some beautiful views across the hills to Sainte-Baume and Sainte-Victoire. Please note that from 6 November 2023 to 22 December 2023, access to the source of the Huveaune is prohibited. ONF construction work in progress.

An energetic loop in Sainte-Victoire leaving from the Saint-Ser car park. The climb up goes via the east of the Bau de l'Aigle and the descent back down is via the 'Pas du Clapier'.

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

If you would like to discover a pretty spring in the South of France, I recommend a circular route starting from the Plateau, passing by the Oratoire de Miette, the Tumulus des Béguines and the Chemin de Rois. You will discover the spring and its magnificent colours and the Castelette cave on the way back.

A beautiful hike in the hills of Tourves. A remarkable view over the Saint-Maximin plains and the mountain La Loube. Wonderful opportunity to discover and tour the Saint-Probace Chapel

An alternating view of pasture and fresh forests, this pleasant flat walk will lead you past the Notre Dame d'Esparron chapel and its small cemetery classified as an historical monument. Crossing the tiny village of Artigues is also surprising. You'll particularly enjoy refilling your water bottles at the communal fountain. The advantage of this charming loop that it's flat and very manageable, there are only one or two small climbs along the route.

Religious history and panorama in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume.

Walk along the Sainte-Baume ridge after visiting the Marie-Madeleine cave.

A beautiful, challenging hike that combines all the best features of Sainte-Baume: undergrowth, ledges, chain passages, a cave, ridges, and more. ⚠️ This hike should not be done between 15 February and 15 July in order to respect the peace and quiet of the area and not disturb the birds nesting on the Marcel Estruch trail.

The coolness of a large forest on the north side, the rocky beauty of the south side, magnificent views from the summit ridge, small paths along ledges, and a cool return trip. Please note that this hike can be difficult in bad weather or windy conditions, particularly between waypoints 3 and 5. Therefore, be very careful and do not take any unnecessary risks.

A very pleasant hike along the banks of the Caramy, with swimming possible on the first part of the route.

A dense, cool forest and a panoramic view of the Provençal mountains with the Îles du Levant in the distance. A mostly elevated hike, a floral explosion in June, and a refreshing end along a small river.

A lovely hike up to Pivaut ice house (1880), which has been beautifully restored.

A splendid walk starting from the Encanaux, near Auriol, along the top of the Infernets and then the Coutronne ravines. At times along the cliffside ravines, similar to some sections of the Gorges du Verdon. From Lare Pass (Col de la Lare), you will have a magnificent view of the Sainte-Baume range and the Pic de Bertagne to the south and Sainte-Victoire Mountain, Mont Olympe and Mont Aurélien to the north.

A short, easy and pleasant hike, alternating between springs, gorges and small caves, with picnic areas along the stream. Moderator's warning on 25/01/2021: Please note! Reviews of this hike indicate that it is preferable to have a GPS device to follow the route correctly and that some paths have been overgrown.

A challenging hike with magnificent views of the ridge line.

Une petite randonnée d'été dans les sous-bois du Plan d'Aups, bien agréable en ces temps de canicule.

A beautiful hike that leads to the Pic de Bertagne, where you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° view.

A walk to this little Provençal chapel on the heights of Jouques, at the top of Concors Mountain. Particularly isolated, it is only accessible on foot. From the top of Mont Concors, there is a beautiful view (watchtower), notably of the castles of Grand Sambuc and Petit Sambuc, and of Sainte-Victoire. You can do this hike in reverse if you want to enjoy the views better on the way back. And enjoy a nice climb in the shade ;-)