A shaded walk around the Vallon de Porquier in Castagniers

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This short walk starting from the village of Castagniers, around the Vallon de Porquier, offers shaded sections through the forest and the chance to eat a few arbutus berries in season.

Details

n°29631321
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.29 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 801 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 830 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,243 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 522 ft
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Photos

Castagniers
Rue de Castagniers
The cross
Top of the Vallon du Porquier

Description of the walk

Parking is easy and free at the Castagniers car park, 50 m from the start of the walk.

(S/E) From the car park, head down towards the Route de Castagniers, cross it and take the Chemin de la Florette on the right heading north, towards Le Gressier, until you reach a Fork in the road.

(1) Take a track called Chemin de la Forêt on the left, heading down towards the mills via the Porquier. Follow this track down and take a path leading down to the left, north-north-west into the Porquier ravine.

(2) Cross the Ruisseau du Porquier and head back up the ravine to join the Chemin du Grand Bois. Please note that the path is very steep and not suitable for young children or the elderly.

(3) Follow this road to the right towards the north; it is a one-way road, with traffic travelling uphill. Pass two hairpin bends on this road and continue until you reach a wide track at a left-hand hairpin bend.

(4) Take the Chemin Forestier du Descaus Inférieur on the right, heading east, and join the Chemin de la Plane Soutrane after crossing the Ruisseau du Porquier for a second time.

(5) Pass a cross on your left. This cross was restored by the Cistercian nuns of the nearby Monastery of Notre-Dame de la Paix. Continue due south along the Chemin de la Plane Soutrane and join the Route de Castagniers, which you should follow for 50 metres, before turning right onto a tarmac path that passes under the road.

(6) This tarmac track descends gently and joins the Chemin de la Florette; follow this due south to reach the Fork in the road with the Chemin de la Forêt, which you passed on the way out.

(1) Turn left and you’ll soon reach the Castagniers car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,125 ft - Castagniers car park - Castagniers
  2. 1 : mi 0.26 - alt. 1,040 ft - Junction marking the end of the circular loop
  3. 2 : mi 0.98 - alt. 525 ft - Porquier stream
  4. 3 : mi 1.06 - alt. 636 ft - Road
  5. 4 : mi 1.81 - alt. 1,020 ft - Chemin du Descaus Inférieur
  6. 5 : mi 2.22 - alt. 1,168 ft - Cross
  7. 6 : mi 2.67 - alt. 1,230 ft - Tarmac path
  8. S/E : mi 3.29 - alt. 1,125 ft - Castagniers car park

Notes

Restaurant in Castagniers.

Worth a visit

Cistercian Monastery of Notre-Dame de la Paix: chocolate on sale.

Reviews and comments

3.7 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Reliability of the description
3.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
3.3 / 5
User 3485885

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

There are several tricky sections along the route: slippery paths, steep slopes and a small river to cross. The biggest problem is crossing a small ditch; the wooden bridge has collapsed and only a single wooden beam remains (just before point 3 on the route). We had to turn back as it was impossible to cross that beam. I wouldn’t recommend this hike (it’s not a walk suitable for families)

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Débutante06
Débutante06

Overall rating : 2.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

A narrow, dangerous and slippery path with a tree trunk to help you cross from one side to the other. Ropes are provided at certain points because the path is so narrow that you could fall into the ravine. There are steep ascents and descents. It’s by no means easy, so don’t go there with children or elderly people.

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Lunah06
Lunah06

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hello
On the way back, near the path to the big wood, the little wooden footbridge on the trail was broken: only one beam remained, and with young children it wasn’t possible to cross.
We had to take quite a detour.
The walk there was pleasant and shaded, which is great when it’s hot.

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Isaphilippon
Isaphilippon

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

In my opinion, this is more of a hike than a stroll. In two or three places, the descent is steep and slippery due to the numerous stones. And the climb back up the ravine is quite a challenge. In fact, a rope has been put in place over a 10-metre stretch to help you; without it, the steep slope would be difficult to negotiate. I would rate this hike as moderate. The rest of the route is pleasant but offers few points of interest. We didn’t come across anyone else on our way.

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Francois Marchais
Francois Marchais

Thank you for the photos and comments...

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GOGO
GOGO

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely little walk under the canopy of trees in the valley. Be careful, though, as the climb up the ravine is a bit tricky because it’s very steep and slippery. In my opinion, it’s best avoided with young children.

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millepat06
millepat06

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
I went on this hike during the week, so I can’t say how busy it was;
it’s not exactly a stroll, even though I’m used to hiking.
In my opinion, it’s not suitable for a family walk.
Otherwise, the abbey’s chocolate is well worth a visit.
Thank you.

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