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Préalpes d'Azur walks
The Clars Waterfall via the Ubac de Brainée and the Montagne des Louquiers
A superb hike in the Grasse hinterland. On the agenda: megaliths, magnificent views of the entire coast (on a clear day) and, to finish, a superb waterfall in an exceptional setting.
The Siagne Gorges
Starting from the charming village of Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, you will explore the Siagne Gorges. On the programme:
- descent to the Saint-Saturnin Chapel,
- walk along the Siagne canal,
- crossing the splendid Pont des Gabres (or Pont des Tuves, depending on which bank you are on),
- climb back up this wild river with its crystal-clear waters and return to the village for a lovely view of this beautiful valley.
Pic de Courmettes
This short hike starting from the Domaine des Courmettes will take you to one of the main 360° viewpoints between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mercantour mountains.
Baou de Saint-Jeannet
An easy hike in spring or autumn.
At the top of the Baou, there is a magnificent view of the French Riviera with a very accurate orientation table to identify the points along the coast and the surrounding peaks.
Crêtes du Bauroux
A beautiful and enjoyable hike, without any particular difficulty, dotted with historical sites and varied landscapes: rocky, wooded, plains. You won't be bored for a minute and, as a highlight, there is a breathtaking 360° panorama from the highest point.
Circuit from the Saint-Michel Chapel to Coursegoules
Panoramic hike to discover the remains of the past.
Baous de la Gaude and Saint-Jeannet
A double loop in a landscape combining heath, karst plateau and numerous dry stone terraces.
The climb up the two baous offers exceptional views of the coastline from Cap Ferrat to Cap d'Antibes... not to mention the view of the hinterland from the Baou de Saint-Jeannet with the Saint-Barnabé plateau, the Cherion Massif and the peaks of the Mercantour between the Argentera and Mont Bégo.
Return via the Plateau du Baou, where you can discover two drystone shelters.
Gilette and the Estéron gorges
Gilette and La Clue.
From the village of Gillette, perched on a rocky outcrop, this walk takes you to the medieval bridge of La Cerise (scenes from the film "The Hunchback" were shot here in 1997) and then winds through the Estéron gorges.
Tour of the Baous des Blancs and Baous des Noirs
A magnificent hike to the top of the baous, overlooking Vence and Saint-Jeannet. You will pass through karst landscapes and heathland flora. The panoramic views of the sea and mountains are breathtaking.
Loop of the Cavillore Plateau in Gourdon
The Cavillore plateau hike is a loop along historic paths with a troglodyte fortress hidden in the cliff, a Roman road and the former priory of Saint-Vincent. Throughout the route, you will enjoy magnificent views of the coast and the village of Gourdon. This circuit is a variation of hike no. 1337911, "Plateau du Col de Cavillore". The route is unshaded and easily accessible, even for paragliders flying overhead.
Monséguise plateau
This hike starts in the hilltop village of Le Broc and takes you to the Monséguise plateau, which offers a rare view of the Alpes-Maritimes.
After a gradual climb through the Vallon de la Sine, you reach the plateau via a short climb along the "piste du gaz". At the top, you can see the Mediterranean, from the Estérel to nearby Nice, and the peaks of the Nice hinterland as far as the Mercantour!
On the descent, there are numerous views of the hilltop villages of the Nice hinterland.
The Forest of Nans
This is a lovely, easy walk for the whole family in autumn to admire the magnificent colours of the leaves or in summer to enjoy the cool shade of the woods.
Rutting season in Courmes
A short circular hike above the village of Courmes, ideal during the deer rut at dawn or dusk. Thrills guaranteed!
A brief stop on the Saint-Barnabé plateau offers beautiful views of the Cheiron massif to the north and the village of Gourdon overlooking the Gorges du Loup to the south.
Puy de Tourrettes and Pic de Courmettes
Starting from the small village of Courmes, you will climb up to the Plateau Saint-Barnabé to ascend the Puy de Tourrettes, a mountain whose summit plateau offers views of the Mercantour and the coast.
After a short descent, you will climb back up to the Pic de Courmettes, a pretty viewpoint with a 360° panorama of the Loup valley, the Cheiron massif and the Cap Ferrat coastline in the Estérel.
After a steep descent along the western ridge, you will return to the village at a leisurely pace through the forest.
The Bois d'Amon
A lovely family walk in the forest to discover old sites and visit a teaching farm (cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, ponies, horses, etc.).
Cime des Collettes
This circular hike starting from the village of Toudon provides access to one of the main peaks of the Mont Vial massif between Var and Estéron.
On the menu for this hike: pine forests and broom scrub, grassy terraces of abandoned countryside, a slightly steep passage at the foot of a limestone cliff, panoramic views of Cheiron, the Var valley, Mercantour... and even Nice and the sea on a clear day.
Pic de l'Aiglo
A very pleasant, easy family hike through pine forests and small meadows, ideal for a picnic in the mountains.
Tour of the Malle plateau from the Col du Ferrier
This hike goes around the Malle plateau, first following the Colle du Maçon ridge and then the Doublier ridge. Most of the route is on the peaks of the Grasse Pre-Alps and offers breathtaking 360° views of the Mercantour, the French Riviera and the enchanting Caussols plateau.
The Malle plateau is farmed by a group of livestock breeders. This route stays within the boundaries of the Malle estate, which are marked by numerous signs on the ground.
The Plan des Noves circuit
Le Plan des Noves, located between Vence and the Col de Vence, offers a beautiful walk through karstic terrain leading to a panoramic view of the Baou de Saint-Jeannet and the sea.
This circuit details walk no. 21 in the Randoxygène guidebook "Pays côtier" published by the Alpes Maritimes General Council.
Anou sheep
Short, easy walk in the limestone Pre-Alps with a climb to the summit of Mouton d'Anou for a remarkable view.
The Grand Près de Caussols tour
This unusual route for the region will take you past limestone rocks sculpted by erosion, including a cave chapel which you can visit. You will pass through the facilities of the Côte d'Azur Astronomical Observatory. This loop will then take you on a journey through 2,000 years of history along a Roman road through the woods. The final section, through stone enclosures and old sheepfolds, bears witness to a pastoral past.
Vescagne Waterfall at the start of the Col de Vence
A very pretty little hike. Walk through beautiful undergrowth, descend into a deep valley, discover the remains of an old mine, cross a river and reach a magnificent waterfall.
Walk around Courmes
A very pretty walk in the forest, cool, flowery and rural with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Take the opportunity to visit Courmes, a charming little mountain village.
The Launes de la Cagne in Vence
This lovely little walk, via the Riou trail, will take you to the banks of a pretty river, La Cagne.
Young and old alike can enjoy the deep pools and waterfalls.
A geographical curiosity. A very beautiful spot.
23/04/2024: The hike is only accessible up to point 3 due to work being carried out after heavy rain.
Le Mouton d'Anou from Le Broc
A circular hike starting from the charming village of Le Broc. A steep climb through the forest leads to the buried Gravière canal, which you follow along a track through the woods before reaching a clear view of Mont Vial and the Mercantour near the hamlet of Les Combes. The climb up the Mouton d'Anou via a track and then a narrow path offers a beautiful 360° panorama from Cap d'Antibes to Mercantour. The descent is via a pleasant path through the woods.
The banks of the Estéron and the Sainte-Marguerite Chapel
This circular hike, starting from the Pont de l'Estéron, takes you along this pretty river with its turquoise waters before climbing into the forest alongside a small stream and joining small isolated roads towards the Chapelle Sainte-Marguerite (17th century).
The descent is via a pretty path overlooking the Estéron, offering some beautiful views towards the Plaine du Var at the end.
This circuit can also be done in the opposite direction, ending with the section along the river.
Croix de Verse via the Cheiron forest
A beautiful snowshoe hike (or not in winter) with no difficulty and panoramic views of the Mercantour peaks and the French Riviera on a clear day.
After a pleasant first section in the Cheiron forest, you cross a small valley before climbing up to Plan des Baumetes and reaching the Crête du Cheiron at Croix de Verse (1,706 m).
360° view of the sea at Argentera!
Plateau Saint-Barnabé
Walk around the Plateau Saint-Barnabé to finish in the "Champ des Idoles" (Field of Idols), a curious landscape of rocks sculpted by nature. A family walk with no elevation gain.
Le Puy de Naouri from Vence
This route takes you to the Puy de Naouri, which overlooks the entire Vence area, both on the sea and mountain sides.
This hike, starting from Vence, seems to me to be more interesting and enjoyable than the one starting from Tourrettes-sur-Loup, even though it is longer, as it does not follow any tarmac roads.
Col de Cavillore plateau
A very short mini hike with a very gradual and gentle climb. The path is very safe and easy to follow.Very pleasant for a light meal with a panoramic view.
Le Pré Royer
A short, easy hike to discover the beautiful landscapes between the Gorges du Loup, the Plateau Saint-Barnabé and the Cheiron Massif.
Le Pré Royer is a beautiful area of successive clearings above the Bramafan forest. During the rutting season, you can hear many deer at dusk or dawn.
Calern plateau, discovery of huts and dry stone enclosures
The Calern plateau above Caussols is extraordinary for its botanical diversity, karstic relief, sinkholes, karstic caves and collapses. This hike reveals an agricultural heritage of cleared sinkholes, dry stone enclosures and huts, and piles of stones that decorate the landscape. In May, the dew adds a touch of magic to the wild orchids, ball thyme and budding lavender.
Bréche du Mont-Saint-Martin via Sallagriffon
This circuit is ideal on sunny days and a surprising route thanks to the diversity and beauty of the valley, which is still wild. On the northern slope, you'll appreciate the quiet atmosphere of the pine forests and the oaks that dominate the verdant agricultural plain of Sallagriffon, with a panoramic view up to the foothills of the Mercantour mountain range. On the southern slope, you'll appreciate the magnificent mineral landscapes with tremendous views of deep clues carved out by the capricious course of the rivers.
The summit of Calern
Short hike to the summit of the Causse de Calern, where the panorama is remarkable with views of the coastline in the distance, the Caussols Plateau, and the peaks of Cheiron and Mercantour. On the way, visit Notre-Dame de Calern, a cave converted into a chapel.
Thiey Mountain via Canaux and Nans Forest
A little-used route in the Grasse hinterland. 360° view from the summit of Montagne de Thiey on the Calern Plateau, the bays of Cannes and Saint-Raphaël, the azure Pre-Alps and the Mercantour in the distance
Before reaching the summit, you will pass through beautiful woodland and the livestock farming areas of Canaux.
Le Bau de Saint-Jean via Pey Subert
A very pleasant circular route to discover the Plateau de Saint-Barnabé and enjoy a remarkable view of the Loup valley.
This route presents no particular difficulties except for the climb to the summit of Bau de Saint-Jean, where caution is advised.
This route is very well marked.
Montagne des Louquiers
A short, easy climb to a peak in the Haut Var with a 360° view and the chance to see some megalithic ruins. A beautiful walk through the heath.
Mont Vial from Revest-Les-Roches
A beautiful climb through the forest to reach the summit of Mont Vial, with magnificent views of several peaks in the Alpes Maritimes. You will pass through three small, little-known but charming and peaceful villages: Revest-les-Roches, Toudon and Tourette-du-Château.
The Col de Rigaudon
A very pleasant hike criss-crossing the sunny and shady sides of this mountainous area, offering two contrasting types of vegetation and views of the Alps that will have you stopping regularly to take in the scenery.
Bonson and small pass Saint-André from Plan du Var
A very beautiful and varied hike on the outskirts of Nice, with a less frequented first section on paved slanting street paths. The climb up the small pass of Saint-André offers magnificent 360° panoramic views. A bountiful natural environment in every season and a cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.
From the Plateau de la Sarrée to Saint-Christophe
Circular route from the Bar-sur-Loup karting track. Gentle climb then hike through oak trees with several views of the Pic des Courmettes, Opio, Châteauneuf-Grasse, then magnificent panorama of the coast, the bay of Cannes and Grasse. Fairly steep descent above Grasse and return along the contour line.
Route de Tracastel and Clue de Saint-Auban
Remains of medieval Saint-Auban, breathtaking views of the mountains and a sublime finale at the edge of the Clue de Saint-Auban.
Please note that part of the route is by road.
Pic de Fourneuby
At an altitude of over 1,400 metres, this pleasant hike through the pine trees takes you on a journey of discovery through an enchanting environment. The Pic de Fourneuby overlooks the village of Le Mas and offers a 360° panorama of the foothills of the Alpes-Maritimes and neighbouring departments.
Notre-Dame de Calern
Notre-Dame de Calern, the cave chapel overlooking the small village of Caussols, leaves no one indifferent. Located on the southern slope of the Calern plateau, this place of devotion and fervour is the destination of an annual pilgrimage on 15 August.
Le Puy de Naouri via the Combe de la Baisse
Starting from Tourettes-sur-Loup, this hike offers breathtaking views. A 360° panorama stretching from the bay of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to the bay of Antibes on one side, continuing on to the peaks of the Mercantour.
Castellaras de la Malle and the summit of La Colle from Col du Pilon
This is a classic hike to the summit of La Colle, which offers exceptional views of the Côte d'Azur and the Grasse Pre-Alps. The fairly steep climb between points (1) and (2) passes through a beautiful oak forest, then a pine forest, before crossing Castellaras de la Malle, a prehistoric camp surrounded by a well-preserved rampart.
Le Haut Montet
A beautiful circular starting from Caussols, which first leads to the summit of Montet and then to that of Haut Montet. Magnificent and varied landscapes, exceptional views.
Peony Route from Gréolières-les-Neiges Resort
This is a short hike to do between late April and mid-June to admire the peonies in bloom.
Much of the route is in the woods, so it stays cool even in hot weather.
This mid-mountain walk is a great way to enjoy the area outside of the ski season.
Cheiron Peak
Cime du Cheiron via a trail that is little known to walkers. This trail has been cleared by our club and marked with cairns.
Moderator's note description from 2013; the situation on the ground seems to have changed with regard to the cairns marking certain sections. See reviews. GPS or Visorando app useful.
Circular Estéron via Gilette and La Clave
A pleasant little circular loop along the Estéron, passing by the Pont de l'Estéron, the pretty hilltop village of Gilette, its botanical trail, La Clue and La Clave, and returning along the Route de la Clavée. If you are lucky, you can pick wild asparagus in spring or swim in the Estéron in summer.