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 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.

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).

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.

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.

Hike to discover the Piémont de la Sainte Baume along the banks of the Huveaune, with a permanent view of the long summit ridge of the massif.

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

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.

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.

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.

A lovely, very easy family walk between Peynier and Les Michels, with an elevation gain of just 120 metres. You will pass an old miner's house, enjoy beautiful views of Sainte-Victoire and walk along an ancient Roman road, some of whose cobblestones remain.

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.

A beautiful panoramic view of the north face of Sainte-Victoire. In the distance, the Luberon, Lure, the peak of Mont Ventoux, a beautiful view of the Alps on a clear day, crossing isolated meadows at the foot of the Ubacs mountain. Part of the route crosses a private hunting ground, so it is unthinkable to do this section during the hunting season, but it can easily be avoided.

Yet another hike to the sources of the Huveaune, but one that stands out from the others by heading towards the Grotte de la Castelette via the left bank of the "river" and then a steep (but not impossible) climb over the last few hundred metres to reach it.

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.

Short family hike. Start on the botanical trail (optional) then climb up to the chapel. Pass by a cave and you may see some goats.

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'.

A challenging circular in Sainte-Victoire starting from the Saint-Ser car park. The ascent is via the Col de Saint-Ser and the descent via the Col de Vauvenargues. The Saint-Ser black trail is closed from 1 February to 15 July 2023 (between 4 and 6). See practical information.

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

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.

Short, challenging hike in the Baudino refuge area via the Grand Couloir (chain/cable passages) and descent via the Pas de Clapier after enjoying the views from the Plan de la Crau

Circular, via the ridges of Montagne d'Artigues, with an optional visit to the village of Esparron. The first part follows the red and white markings of the GR®99A, and the second part follows the blue markings on the ridges.

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.

In hot weather, it is pleasant to walk along tree-lined paths and enjoy the coolness of the river. Today, I suggest you explore the Caramy Gorges on both banks and admire the chaotic rock formations of the Sauts du Cabri.Today's hike has been modified to take into account comments from the moderator and hikers. Obviously, avoid this hike after or during heavy rainfall.

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.

This is a "hiking-climbing" route along the Voie Gombault and the Marcel Estruch trail on the north-east face of the Sainte-Baume massif. Direct access to the ridges via a vertical route, then a complete crossing of the balcony trail from east to west. Undergrowth, ridges, ledges and cave visits also feature on this aerial route. ⚠️ This hike should not be undertaken between 15 February and 15 July in order to respect the tranquillity of the area and not compromise bird reproduction on the Marcel Estruch trail.

This is a family hike that allows you to visit the Huveaune springs via a rather unusual route starting from the Hôtellerie de la Sainte-Baume.

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 many of the features of Sainte-Baume: undergrowth, ledges, chain passages, a visit to a cave, ridges, etc. "A protected species, the peregrine falcon, nests on the Béguines cliff and may be disturbed. Avoid using this trail between February and June to ensure its protection."

This summer walk allows you to enjoy the beauty of the Sainte-Baume forest while avoiding the heat.

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.

There is a long, steep descent, but the views are magnificent on both the Sainte-Baume and Sainte-Victoire sides. The forest surrounding the Gorges de l'Huveaune is cool and dense, and the yellow waterfalls in the riverbed are surprising. This is a short excursion into the Sainte-Baume forest. a varied and challenging walk.

This walk is not difficult as it is mostly on easy-to-walk, fairly wide tracks. It takes you through the heath with beautiful views of Sainte-Victoire and Sainte-Baume. Its highest point, Le Régagnas, offers a 360° view, which is perfect on clear days. You can picnic nearby and even see the foothills of the Alps if the weather permits.

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

This short walk on the heights of Auriol was discovered by chance while trying to get as close as possible to the chapel, which stands out immaculately against the blue sky. It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family, climbing just 37 metres. From the top, there is a remarkable view of the village and the entire surrounding area, from the northern slopes of the Sainte-Baume mountain range to the east to the Étoile mountain range to the west.

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.

The Encanaux and Infernets ravines are two remarkable valleys near Auriol. This route will take you up the entire length of the wild Encanaux ravine, which is very quiet and shaded in hot weather. The return journey will take you through the more classic Coutronne and Infernets ravines with their beautiful landscapes.

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 walk to the Dents de Roque Forcade in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume, passing by the Tour de Cauvin, starting from Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume.

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 ;-)

This is a short, challenging hike, which could be described as "ravine hiking", in the steep, arid ravines of the Coutronne (now a dry river) and the Infernets to the Encanaux. There, the latter flows into the Vède in a charming, shady and fairly wide spot, which is popular with walkers at the weekend. The hike takes you through the potholes (giant's kettles) of the two rivers, in truly wild surroundings. The first ravine is very rarely visited.

Hike in the hills above Mazaugues in a wild and sometimes surprising environment.

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…