Roquesteron walks

To reach the summit of Bau de l'Arc (980m), you pass through the charming little village of Cuébris. Superb panorama at the summit: to the south, the resort of Gréolières les Neiges, the village of Cuébris and the upper Estéron valley; to the west, the Bernade ridge and Mont Saint-Honorat (2,520 m); to the north-east, the Vial ridge. The trail is currently closed between markers 88 and 89 and between markers 104 and 105. Information provided by Randoxygene. For more information, visit https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/

This route will take you on a tour of Roquestéron and La Roque-en-Provence (formerly Roquestéron-Grasse), two villages separated by the Estéron, which formed the border (before 1860) between France and Savoy. Return to Roquestéron via a local track running alongside the Estéron. Editor’s note added on 20/09/2021: some of the paths on this 2016 hike are difficult to find. See the comments at the bottom of this page

Discover two villages, Roquestéron and La Roque-en-Provence, historically separated by the Estéron River, which marks the border between Provence and the County of Nice. Roquestéron on the left bank became French in 1860. Take a walk in the forest along a forest trail converted into a botanical trail and discover the trees and plants of the middle country.

A beautiful hike above Roquesteron. Magnificent views of the villages of Pierrefeu, Toudon and Mont Vial.

The gradual climb to the summit of Cime de la Cacia offers views of the Barre des Molières, a natural rock face that is also used by rock climbers. The summit, which is reached after crossing a scree slope, offers beautiful 360° views. The return trail follows the only route that once connected France to the County of Savoy.

A beautiful circular walk in the heart of the Pré-Alpes d'Azur Regional Nature Park, starting from Ascros and passing through Les Chats, Pécogiu and the Var-Moyen State Forest on the way to the magnificent Sainte-Baume Chapel.

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.

This hike takes place in the welcome and much-appreciated shade of the trees in summer, except during the 500-metre ascent of the rocky ridge of Les Molières. Please note, this hike should only be undertaken in good weather as the section between waypoints (5) and (7) climbs quite steeply and some sections can be slippery and daunting for those who suffer from vertigo. The 360° view from the summit of La Cacia is extraordinary!

A magnificent hike passing Croix de Verse, Jérusalem and Cime du Cheiron in Gréolières les Neiges. Not particularly difficult, with a 360° view between the peaks of Mercantour, Vallée du Loup and the Mediterranean on a clear day. Depending on the season, paragliders take off from the route.

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!

A short hike to enjoy between late April and mid-June to admire the peonies in bloom.Much of the route is through woodland, so it stays cool during hot weather.This mid-mountain walk is a great way to enjoy the area outside the ski season.

Starting from the Gréolières-les-Neiges resort, this short circular hike will take you to the Cime du Cheiron, the highest point of the massif of the same name. You will then follow the ridge to Jérusalem for some magnificent views of the Mercantour and the plateaus further south, Saint-Barnabé, Calern and Caussols, before descending via the slopes. During this hike, you may encounter vultures, chamois and even marmots.

Located a stone’s throw from the village, on the edge of an impressive canyon, the troglodyte fortress known as the “Château d’Aiglun”, with its stone-masonry walls, nestled in its natural surroundings, bears witness to a mysterious past . This rural built heritage, a veritable bastion situated beneath the Giet cliff, is believed to be the largest of its kind in France, spanning nearly 80 metres. The construction of stone steps, the installation of metal steps, the safety works on the access routes, the installation of signage and attractive information points allow visitors to fully enjoy these magical, timeless places.

An exceptional hike, combining history, nature and fitness. The troglodyte fortress is unique, the Vegay waterfall is rivalled only by its Icelandic twin sisters, and the rough section of the nature trail will test your sense of direction. The route concludes with a tour of Aiglun’s beautiful architectural heritage.

A moderately strenuous but very pleasant walk. It is the largest recorded and listed natural waterfall in the Alpes-Maritimes, with its three successive drops. The waterfall is exceptional and, in terms of height, is matched only by its Icelandic twin sisters. The start and end of this route offer a chance to discover the beautiful architectural heritage of Aiglun. Thanks to its strategic location, the inn is a popular spot at the end of this round trip in the Estéron.

The Estèron valley and its turbulent waters. Most of the hike is in the undergrowth, so it is shaded, with a more exposed return.Moderator's warning on 02/03/2021: Caution! Due to rockfalls, a path is closed. See notices dated 27 February and 02 March 2021.

A circular route that will give you the opportunity to visit the typical villages of Les Ferres and Bouyon and discover the Clue de la Cerise, carved out by the turbulent waters of the Estéron.

A short hike that will take you off the beaten track through a relatively easy-to-navigate forest to the summit of Mont Saint-Michel. The summit offers a beautiful view of the village below. The return trail passes through an easy area wooded with chestnut trees. This hike is reserved for off-trail enthusiasts.

A lovely walk which I had mistakenly thought would be uninteresting: a small hamlet, impressive views across the whole Esteron valley, from the Bernade ridges above Soleilhas right down to the lower Var. Explore Pierrefeu, with its church nestled between two rocky outcrops.

A lovely, challenging hike starting at the confluence of the Var and Cians rivers, leading up to the Plateau de Dina whilst taking in four chapels along the way. Beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Circular walk starting from the new car park in Saint-Pons (commune of Gréolières) towards Coursegoules, passing under the Cheiron. A very varied route passing by the 6th-century Saint-Michel Chapel. Return via the Chemin de l'Autreville and the Vespluis and Taillet valleys, with a small ford that is easy to cross. Ideal for a full day out with a nice stop in Coursegoules: restaurant or picnic, bakery and water point.

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.

A pleasant little walk, presenting no technical difficulties, best undertaken in fine weather if possible as it offers stunning views of the coastline and the Nice hinterland. The Montagne du Cheiron, which overlooks the villages of Gréolières and Coursegoules, is a place to linger and take in the scenery. 

This walk takes us to explore the gorges of the River Espignole. This round trip offers a delightful mix of views of the Var, a visit to the beautiful village of Villars-sur-Var, its church and streets, and the chance to discover an unmarked path that follows the route of the Canal du Moulin, which brings water to the village, without any significant change in elevation.

Starting from Tourounet, this mostly shaded route will take you to the Saint-Barnabé plateau, then to the outskirts of the village of Coursegoules, before descending via an ancient Roman road lined with pine and oak trees back to Tourounet.

After exploring the old streets of Coursegoules and seeing its sights, this is a beautiful hike that surprises with the beauty of its trails and paths, passing through three different wooded areas of pine, oak and beech trees, sometimes winding through terraced fields offering lovely views of the Cime du Cheiron.

Panoramic hike to discover the remains of the past.

A circular route with superb views of the pretty village of Coursegoules and the Saint-Barnabé plateau. Photos taken in the snow, but the landscapes are just as beautiful without.

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.

Superb hike along a long ridge with endless views across the entire department. The hike is quite long but can be extended for the more athletic by passing through Coursegoules or even Bézaudin. The luckiest hikers will catch a glimpse of Corsica in good weather. It is common to see chamois and marmots. The return via Vespluis and Les Miroirs (no difficulty) allows you to admire the entire ridge and the south-facing slope of this mountain in pastoral tranquillity.

This sunny walk, at the foot of the rocky ridges of the Montagne du Cheiron, offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Calern plateau, Cipières and the Loup valley. The walk starts near the Tourist Office, by the D2 road, then climbs towards the Font d’Antony before descending to the ruins of the old medieval village of Les Hautes-Gréolières, where you can still admire the Chapel of Saint-Étienne. The route then descends via a wide, stony path which quickly leads back to the village and the starting point. After this journey into the past, take a stroll through the bustling streets of the modern-day village.

This beautiful hike will allow you to explore both sides of Mont Ragias, the highest peak in the Middle Var at 1,174 metres. The eastern slope, which alternates between terraced paths and forest, climbs up the Espignole valley. The other slope, more rocky, overlooks the Var valley, offering beautiful panoramic views. It is only at the Chapelle Saint-Jean du Désert, almost at the end of the route, that you can see Mont Ragias.

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.

This is a very pleasant hike starting from the magnificent village of Bézaudun-les-Alpes. It is a fairly long but not too physically demanding journey, with plenty of variety and splendid views. There are many changes of direction, but the route is fairly easy to follow. In short, it's a great way to spend a wonderful day with a dream picnic at the summit. GPS or Visorando app, useful in some places.

A circular loop in the Nice countryside, passing through two pretty little villages and along quiet paths offering beautiful views of the coast.

You can't start this hike without visiting this inland village. It's a journey into the past, leading to covered passageways, narrow streets, fountains, chapels and a wrought-iron bell tower in perfect condition. This magnificent hike then takes you off-trail with a view overlooking the village of Bouyon, then at Estellier, breathtaking views of the Estéron Valley with beautiful panoramas of the sea and the Alps.

A magnificent hike through the wild, karst landscapes of the Grasse Pre-Alps. As a bonus, a very well-preserved drystone shelter.

This short but challenging hike starts in Cipières, a village at the foot of the Calern plateau facing the Cheiron massif, and takes you to the banks of the Loup, a 49km coastal river (the second longest in the Alpes-Maritimes) through deciduous forests. Once you reach the banks of the Loup, you will walk along the buried Foulon aqueduct, which supplies water to Grasse and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, although the river is right by the path, it remains difficult to access.

A very pleasant hike, the start of which is south-facing, which is very pleasant in winter. Once you have visited the village, the rarely used return trail ends in a rocky area, where it disappears. Take care when walking through the wooded area of thorn bushes and oak trees on the Dos de l'Éléphant ridge along the banks of the Var .

This is a very pleasant short walk with a south-facing route, which is very pleasant in winter. This century-old mule track linked the village of Massoins to Malaussène railway station, facilitating logistics and trade.

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.

Short, easy walk in the limestone Pre-Alps with a climb to the summit of Mouton d'Anou for a remarkable view.

Exploring the Vallon and Montagne de Mairola shows that these vast spaces have been shaped by humans over the centuries: the south-facing cereal fields of Puget-Rostang, state forests reforested to combat erosion, the Dina plateau with its fields cleared of stones with patience, scattered farms now used only as shelters during the hunting season (Fournès, Villars, la Combe, Mairola)...