Senez walks

Route Napoléon via theGR®® 406 - Stage 5/6: Senez - La Clappe.

A hike above the Asse Valley offering views of the narrow Melle Gorges and the landscapes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. You can climb to 1,200 metres, where an isolated chapel on the plateau is the only remnant of a hamlet that was home to great acts of resistance before being destroyed.

A magnificent, challenging and scenic two-day circular route in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, starting from the village of Blieux. The route takes you along the ridges and iconic summits of the massif: the Mourre de Chanier (1,930 m), the Petit Mourre (1,873 m), the Grand Mourre (1,898 m), the Mont Chiran Observatory (1,905 m), then the Hauteur (1,777 m) and the Col de Reibert (1,464 m). You’ll enjoy 360° views of Lake Sainte-Croix, the Verdon, the Mercantour peaks and the vast expanses of the Verdon. An ideal hike for a wild camp in the heart of nature, amongst airy ridges, scree slopes and pastoral trails.

First stage of the circular route from the village of Blieux to the Mont Chiran Observatory. You’ll climb gradually towards the ridges to tackle the day’s peaks: the Mourre de Chanier (1,930 m), the highest point of the stage, the Petit Mourre (1,873 m) and the Grand Mourre (1,898 m), before reaching the Mont Chiran Observatory (1,905 m). The panoramic views stretch out over Lake Sainte-Croix, the Verdon and the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Mercantour. Arrival at the observatory marks the end of this first day, with a welcome water source for the campsite.

Climb Chiran via another route, starting from the village of Blieux. You will reach the Chiran observatory after a beautiful 1,000 m climb through vegetation typical of the Southern Alps. In spring, this hike is beautiful with its colourful orchids on the plateau. At the summit, there is a magnificent 360° view. This hike is not technically difficult and is very easy to navigate.

Hidden within the Tabori Ravine lies one of the most remarkable sites in the Haute-Provence Geological Nature Reserve. A veritable marine graveyard dating back 40 million years, the Siréniens fossil site contains over two hundred bones of marine mammals closely related to today’s dugongs.

Second stage of the circular route from Blieux to Mont Chiran. You leave the Mont Chiran Observatory and follow the ridges northwards towards L’Hauteur (1,777 m), the day’s highest point. After taking in the views of the Mercantour and the Observatory, you’ll gradually descend towards the Col de Reibert (1,464 m) and then follow the long stony track back to the village of Blieux. A day with a gentler elevation gain, but still very open and offering a change of scenery, which brings this tour of the Verdon peaks to a magnificent close.

Chasteuil, like Villars-Brandis, is a hamlet nestled at the foot of the Cadières de Brandis cliffs. Initially abandoned in the early 20th century, it has been revitalised since the 1970s. This walk stays at a high altitude, following a path that runs almost entirely along a ledge above the Verdon. The tiny Saint-Jean Chapel offers a magnificent view of the Cadières de Brandis, and rumour has it that the Templars’ treasure can be found there.

A lovely walk through the Issole State Forest, planted with magnificent pine trees.Throughout the walk, the gradient is gentle, on a path that’s very easy on the joints and which occasionally alternates with a forest track; both are always very well signposted.

A pleasant hike in a beautiful setting with no difficulties. Just for relaxation. This hike complements the Portail de Blieux hike described on the website.

A visit to a small peak overlooking Lake Sainte-Croix and the Valensole plateau.

Route Napoléon via theGR®® 406 – Stage 4/6: Castellane – Senez

A very beautiful, easy route through ancient lands in the wild lavender country.

A magnificent hike overlooking the Verdon. Very little traffic.

A journey to the end of the world, ideal for lovers of nature and tranquillity. And yet we are in the PACA region, in the heart of Haute-Provence, in a wild environment where you can discover the ancient village of Le Poil (in the 19th century, the commune had 350 inhabitants, including more than a hundred in the village).

Through Castellane and along shaded paths, visit the famous and renowned Notre Dame du Roc.