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Access: Reach the car park via the D80. Cross the village of Nans-les-Pins and, when you reach the centre, do not turn left towards Sainte-Baume, but continue straight ahead on Boulevard de la Mecque until you reach the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs. Then turn left onto Chemin de l'Orge and park in the small car park on the right, close to the chapel. If there are no spaces, continue along Chemin de l'Orge to park further away at the side of the road.
(S/E) Walk back towards the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, go around it on the right and start this hike by following the yellow markings on the concrete path heading south-west.
(1) At the first fork, continue straight ahead towards the Huveaune (yellow markings). Continue west-southwest. At a fork (altitude 510), follow the left path and continue along the hillside until you reach a cistern.
(2) At the crossroads, continue straight ahead (yellow markings) and descend to the intersection with a path on the left.
(3) Follow this path marked with a yellow cross, which will take you to the right bank of the Huveaune and the "Chemin des Aumèdes" track. At this point, turn right and cross the wooden bridge over the Huveaune.
(4) Turn left to follow the Huveaune river along its left bank. At the first bend to the right, turn left and head back down towards the river. Follow the path that runs alongside the river, heading south-east then south. Further on, admire the magnificent natural rock pools.
(5) At the two wooden bridges on the left, cross and follow the path to the south (green markings) which climbs towards the Grotte de Castelette.
(6) At the first crossroads, there are no signs, but turn right (west) to reach the entrance to the Castelette Cave (green markings).
(7) Retrace your steps.
(6) Back at the crossroads, turn right towards the south (green markings) to reach the Plan d'Aups plateau. Magnificent view of the north face of Sainte Baume and the southern slope of Sainte-Victoire mountain. Continue following the green markings.
(8) There is a shorter alternative route at this point. See practical information.
Otherwise, continue slightly uphill towards the south until you reach a junction with a track, following the green markings.
(9) Follow the track to the left (east) until you reach the junction with theGR®9, marked by a sign on a tree on the right.
(10) Follow theGR®9to the left (north-east, red and white markings). Cross the D80 and continue along the Sentier des Roys (north-east) on theGR®9. Leave the road, walk for about 550 metres and, at a fork, turn left (GR®9) towards the Oratoire de Miette, which you will reach 300 metres further on.
(11) Begin the descent towards Nans-les-Pins. Walk 700 metres and cross the Nans-les-Pins road (D80) again. Continue down the windingGR®9until you reach the junction with theGR®9A.
(12) At this point, leave theGR®9and continue right (north) on theGR®9A(red and white markings). Follow the road for 300 metres and cross the road on the left. Walk alongside the buildings of a horse farm.
(13) Leave the discovery trail on your left and continue straight ahead. Pass through the hamlet of La Jolie and follow Chemin de l'Orge north to the chapel car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Easy 
