Saint-Benoît (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) walks

A beautiful, challenging route that keeps you on the ridgelines. The C-shaped configuration of the Var means that throughout this ascent you can admire the river’s banks on both the north and south sides. At the end of the hike, wander through the narrow streets lined with old walls in this magnificent village.

A very special and unique forest area. Rock formations that defy the laws of balance, vertiginous cliffs and hundred-year-old chestnut trees. A hike that is a feast for the eyes.

A very pretty, magical and interactive hike under oak trees, hundred-year-old chestnut trees and among huge sandstone boulders. Most of the walk is in the cool forest. The Grès d'Annot are world famous and are a listed and protected site.

A short and lovely walk with a magical view of the village, oak and chestnut trees amidst sandstone boulders. Much of the route is through the cool forest.

Discover a beautiful forest near Castellet Saint-Cassien. Following the ridges along unmarked paths offers a delightful way to explore this stunning Haut-Estéron National Forest.

A very beautiful hike where the Col de Roua proves to be a ‘vegetation boundary’: the dominant green of the wooded and alpine areas contrasts with the reddish hues, offering a spectacular display of colours.

Starting from the Pont de Berthéon, this circular hike in the Gorges de Daluis allows you to discover the superb and characteristic landscape of the Upper Var Valley. After a gentle climb through red pelite, you will reach a sublime spot offering a sensational view over the gorges. You will then climb back up the gorges to complete a loop via the Colla and Saussette plateaus, which offer some beautiful views of the mountains in this valley.

A beautiful climb to the Point Sublime viewpoint for a magnificent view of the Daluis Gorges and their red pelites.

A beautiful and original hike on a little-used route offering a lovely view of the Mercantour (some peaks can be seen from unusual angles) from the summit of Pibossan. Spring is the ideal time to walk this route, with the broom in bloom. The route follows what is probably an ancient Roman road (paved path) through the red earth rising from the Daluis Gorges.

From Léouvé to the Dôme de Barrot, in the red rocks between Daluis and Cians.

A magnificent hike with no great technical difficulty, apart from the 1,000 m elevation gain and a distance of over 17 km. The ascent is gradual through a magnificent larch forest. At the summit, a 360° panorama awaits you. Breathtaking views at an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres over the Mercantour: the Grand Coyer, the Mole, the Pic de Chamatte, the Cheval Blanc, the Montagne de Cordeil and the Estrop in the distance, to name the most important. In spring, the flora is in full bloom.

An unusual hike. After climbing a mountain Roman road, the trail winds through areas dominated by reddish ochre colours. The combination of colours between nature and the sky sometimes leaves us speechless.

Circular route from the village of Gars to Briançonnet. This hike takes you to the impressive Source de Gars, the birthplace of Célestin Freinet, pioneer of modern education. It is a varied route that passes through the village of Briançonnet and the ruins of its feudal castle, from where there is a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Both villages are well worth a visit for their rich heritage.

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.

This hike on the edge of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence offers a varied route through forests, rocky outcrops and even a riverbed. It is not particularly difficult, although some descents can be a little steep. It also gives you the opportunity to visit the pretty Saint-Pierre Chapel, tucked away in the woods.

A route at the bottom of the superb Daluis Gorges! A water hike to be undertaken only in good weather, ideal in summer during hot weather. A hike accessible to children who can swim. Closed shoes are essential. This hike crosses a protected natural site that is subject to regulations. See practical information.

A beautiful forest trail that begins with an ascent up the Vallon de Cante and three river crossings. The views of the gorges and the Alpine massif are countless. The passage beneath the natural arch of La Roche Trouée, a stone monument some fifteen metres high and a testament to a distant geological past, leaves all hikers speechless.The Saint-Joseph Chapel in Sauze-Vieux and its picnic area make for a popular spot for a lunch break, facing Mont Saint-Honorat.

A short hike with beautiful views of the lakes of Chaudanne and Castillon, La Barre Rousse and the Crête du Teillon.

A short, moderately challenging hike offering beautiful views of the Var, the Gorges du Daluis and the Pont de la Mariée. The route, which is rarely used, passes through a pine forest before reaching the natural arch at La Roche Trouée, a true natural treasure. On your return to Pont des Roberts, visit the village of Guillaumes, a charming village nestled in the heart of the Upper Var Valley.

This is a very pleasant hike which, after a covered climb, offers breathtaking views of the Daluis Gorges. The landscapes are magnificent, combining red, green vegetation and blue stone. Swimming in the Clue d'Amen is a very pleasant experience in summer. The abandoned hamlet of Amen is a major tourist attraction as it was a completely self-sufficient community for decades, with no other access routes than the hiking trails.

A beautiful, long hike overlooking the Var valley, starting from Guillaumes. Difficult due to its length, it includes a very difficult section that is only suitable for experienced hikers who are not afraid to use their hands to climb over rocks. It is possible to avoid this section; see the Practical Information section. I recommend this hike in autumn to enjoy the beautiful colours of the vegetation.

A beautiful hike through woodland, featuring a monumental arch some fifteen metres high, a testament to a distant geological past, and Sauze, a small, isolated 13th-century mountain village, the outskirts of which are still farmed by a few die-hard farmers. The chapel at Sauze Vieux and its wooden table make a lovely spot for a lunch break, facing Mont Saint-Honorat.

This round trip hike, starting from the charming village of Le Mas, takes you to the summit of L'Arpille. L'Arpille is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Alpes-Maritimes on the Mercantour.