Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume walks

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.

Between Sainte-Victoire and Sainte-Baume, two prestigious mountains in Provence, you can reach Olympe.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

A challenging hike with magnificent views of the ridge line.

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

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 short route that climbs up to the summit of the Loube mountain where you can enjoy a panoramic view over the sea and Alps. A wonderful walk with every step!

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.

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.

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.

Warning dated 23 May 2025. (Pending modification). User comment.(!) Hello, after (1), it is no longer possible to climb up into the valley due to a fence with a sign saying "private property, no trespassing". We had to turn back and climb up via the route planned for the descent. Hiking in Provence Verte. In 5 to 6 hours, discover several beautiful places near La Roquebrussanne. The old Saint-André chapel hidden in the mountains, the summit of La Loube with a view to the north towards Sainte-Baume, Saint-Maximin and Brignoles and to the south, the sea and the Iles d'Or, the cave of the 400 sheep.

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.

Walk along the Sainte-Baume ridge after visiting the Marie-Madeleine cave.

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.

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

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.

Religious history and panorama in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume.

A beautiful, challenging hike that combines many of the features of Sainte-Baume: undergrowth, ledges, chain passages, a visit to a cave, ridges, etc. ⚠️ 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.

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.

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.

A pleasant hike offering magnificent 360° views from the summit, stretching from the Alps to the sea via Mont Ventoux. Route for experienced hikers.

A loop with three major points of interest: - the village of Pontevès and its ruined castle at the top of the village, - the climb up the Petit Bessillon, offering a beautiful view of the Var department, and its technical descent, - the return to Barjols via the Vallon des Carmes and its waterfalls (currently closed, see practical information). Unfortunately, the first hour of the hike is mainly on roads in order to complete the loop.

A hike off the beaten track to discover an almost forgotten chapel perched among the rocks and caves carved out by nature under huge dolomitic rocks. Please note that the first half of the route sometimes follows small, very rocky paths that are not marked on maps. It's quite a steep climb up and down!

The Bessillons twins are battered witnesses to history. Occupied during the Iron Age, they saw Pontevès develop during the Middle Ages and served as a refuge for the Resistance during theSecond World War.Developed by the Provence Verdon Community of Communes, the Randonner Autrement project aims to introduce families to the natural heritage, the outlying built heritage, the landscapes and their evolution, as well as views of the villages. (!) VISITOR ALERT:Due to a fire on 18 August 2025, access is strongly discouraged for your safety (unsafe path, risk of falling trees and landslides)

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.

A beautiful hike that is neither long nor difficult, and which can be extended to the Source des Orris if you have more time.

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…

An easy walk in the Garéoult Communal Woods. The route alternates between paths through oak woods and stony tracks. The woods provide food for goats, which graze on the bushes and low oak foliage. Their milk is made into cheese at the Bergerie du Défens.

A fairly challenging hike to a little-visited summit with splendid views of the coast, the Maures, Sainte Baume, Sainte Victoire and the Verdon.

A fairly easy hike that leads along the Riboux valley and then towards the Château Renard estate, made famous by the film "Jean de Florette".

Une petite randonnée d'été dans les sous-bois du Plan d'Aups, bien agréable en ces temps de canicule.

A beautiful hike that leads to the Pic de Bertagne, where you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° view.

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 walk to a superb viewpoint and two orientation tables, opening to the north towards Digne and Valensole and to the south-west towards Mont Sainte-Victoire, Mont Aurélien and the Sainte-Baume massif.

This is an easy route in the hills of Néoules, most of which is through the forest. It takes you to the Plan de Séouve, a garden in the heart of nature, and the Pierre Plantée.

A walk through the Var forests, alternating between trails and wide tracks, and from Pilon Saint-Clément, a path along the cliffs with magnificent views of the sea.

Easy walk in Provence Verte. Suitable as a family walk with children (without pushchairs). The walk takes about two hours, with very little elevation gain. Most of the route is on communal paths with little traffic, the rest is on dirt tracks.