Tête de Claudel and Tête du Collier on Montagne de Faraut

Park at a place called Le Barry, on the D17T, a few dozen metres past the junction with the Route du Pin.

(S/E) Set off by taking the^GR®93eastwards. Follow the Rif (a stream that is very often dry in summer) upstream. You’ll reach a Fork in the road near the Sources de Pierre Grosse.

(1) Do not head up the Combe de la Saume; leave the^GR® to the left to reach a ridge line. From there, there is no marked path. Climb north then north-west (Serre du Bal) until you reach a cairn.

(2) The grass becomes sparser and the route less obvious. Continue along the ridge to another cairn.

(3) Change ridge lines to head north and pass behind the Tête de Girbault, gradually turning north-west.

(4) A tricky section, bordering on scrambling, to reach the summit ridge. The path is clearer and easier here, with a series of ascents over the various peaks and descents. Reach the Tête de Claudel.

(5) The ridge continues towards the Tête du Collier.

(6) Before climbing the Tête du Collier, note the path on the left which will provide the return route.

(7) Tête du Collier: continue towards Roc Roux.

(8) At the foot of Roc Roux, the ridge route can be continued (see § Practical Information). However, to avoid making the walk unnecessarily long, it is best to turn back towards the path noted earlier.

(6) Descend to the right, down into the ravine, avoiding the large slabs (steep slope); stick to the scree slopes instead. Continue towards the paragliding platform.

(9) This platform was used as a launch site for paragliders some time ago. To the north-west, an old forestry track begins. Take this track and follow it downhill until you rejoin the^GR® at the foot of the Faraut.

(10) Turn left onto the^GR® 93, skirting the fields to the south-east, and join the D17 at a place called Le Barry (S/E).

(8) The route can continue via the Roc Roux, then along the ridge of the Montagne de Faraud, before returning via the Chabournasse pass and joining the^GR®93.

Proper kit is essential (footwear, clothing, possibly a rope).
There is no water, no refreshments and no shelter along the route.
Binoculars will come in handy for spotting the abundant wildlife.
The slopes are often steep, there is one exposed section, and few marked paths.
Wild flora and fauna await you.