The Paillon National Forest

A bucolic and informative stroll in the back country of Nice.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.42 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 581 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 579 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 752 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 358 m

Photos

Description of the walk

The start point is on the Route de la Pighièra, when you get to the fork. Park here by the waste bins (not much space) or by the cemetery.

(S/E) Take the concrete road that rises parallel with the road and that turns into a track a little higher up. About 350m further up, join the trail to the left that descends the hill and on which you'll return.

(1) Continue for 250 meters and then take the track downward to the right. At the bottom, leave the trail and take the marked track that descends to the left through the stream where you need to cross a ford.
Climb the slope (note the information displays dotted along walk) and gradually climb along the small valley. Pass a small path that descends to the right and then pass several streams. Ignore a path coming from left and then you get to great track.

(2) Turn right for 50 meters, and then leave the track to descend left on the stream bed.
Follow the trail, climbing through the scrub, passing a beautiful ruin and reaching a track.

(3) Fork right then immediately left, descending. Walk along the RU and then come out on the track. Follow it to the left for about 50 meters then turn onto the trail that climbs left along the track. Get to some wasteland that you have to walk past to your left to reach an information display.

(4) Turn left. The climb continues as you pass several gullies, and leads to the Baisse de la Croix.

(5) Take the first path on the left and continue to climb through spectacular rocks and the chestnut grove. Enjoy the view, but children need to pay attention on the rocks!
Ignore the path from the left (not marked on the map) and come out further on, on a track, opposite a large building near a fountain.

(6) Turn left down the track (you can get to a viewing point on the right after going down about 100m). Anyone who wants to cut out the hairpin bends, find the descending path to the left, otherwise continue on the track and take a seat on the picnic table for lunch or enjoy the view, next to the reservoir above the track on a turn.

(7) Continue to descend on the track and after the third bend, find the marked path on the right.

(8) Descend straight down to the right.
Keep to the yellow markers and stay on the main trail. You'll alternate between small climbs and descents, pass a few streams in the chestnut grove and then join the Ruisseau du Brusc.

(9) Climb a series of fairly wide hairpin bends and arrive at a Col a few steps from the Berre-les-Alpes.

(10) Turn left for the descent on an old cobblestone path. Follow the yellow markers, pass two hairpin bends and you'll soon get to the grey marl.

(11) The is the trickiest part of the circuit, because the descent is very steep and not very reassuring in the marl, despite a few rare iron handrails. Come out on a beautiful track (spot height 468) and take the Piste du Collet opposite for 200m.

(12) Exit the track and turn right to follow the trail along the flank of the hill which takes you back to the track you took on the outward leg.

(1) Turn right and go down this track to return to the car.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 358 m - Car park, route de la Pighièra. Near the - Paillon (fleuve)
  2. 1 : km 0.35 - alt. 394 m - Crossroads, opposite (outbound) and to the right (inbound)
  3. 2 : km 2.3 - alt. 459 m - Runway, right then left
  4. 3 : km 3.02 - alt. 539 m - Runway, right then immediately left
  5. 4 : km 3.47 - alt. 547 m - Signpost, turn left
  6. 5 : km 4.47 - alt. 644 m - At Baisse de la Croix, take the 1st path on the left
  7. 6 : km 6.26 - alt. 752 m - Fountain, turn left
  8. 7 : km 6.61 - alt. 726 m - Picnic table
  9. 8 : km 7.51 - alt. 642 m - Leave the track, go down to the right
  10. 9 : km 9.54 - alt. 525 m - Ruisseau du Brusc
  11. 10 : km 10.03 - alt. 626 m - Pass, turn left
  12. 11 : km 10.62 - alt. 542 m - Grey marl, danger
  13. 12 : km 11.19 - alt. 472 m - Leave the track and take the path on the right
  14. S/E : km 12.42 - alt. 358 m - Car park route de la Pighièra

Practical information

No water-filling points.
Do not use this itinerary if you suffer from vertigo, when it's raining, or with children not used to hiking.
Good walking shoes.
Yellow markers are obvious to follow.

In the nearby area

Look at the information boards on the flora, enjoy the view, study the rocks, the old house, dry-stone ruins and walls in the chestnut grove.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 13 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.2 / 5
jajaar
jajaar

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Very nice walk, met very few people. Appropriate place to find peace and variety in the landscapes. 👍
Beware of point 11, which can be difficult for some.

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Bruno Fontaine
Bruno Fontaine

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 28, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A very beautiful circuit.
Be careful, the path is forbidden between markers 163 and 164.

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ty ZZ 98
ty ZZ 98

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 21, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Just for point 11 "problematic".
Going up or down, the real problem is the small gravel on the ground right at the handrails. Whether you're facing the void or with your back to it while holding the cable, with this gravel you can't be sure of your footing. As a result, if you slip, it's better to have a firm hand and not worry about getting scratched.
Otherwise, a really nice loop.

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ejr
ejr
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 03, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

We hiked in a clockwise direction, which was considered preferable after the rain the day before. The passage through the grey marl is tricky, particularly where the belay cable is concerned, as one of the fixings in the wall has come loose. Two other passages between Baisse de la Croix and L'Escarène are tricky if you're afraid of heights, as the path has collapsed in places.

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JulienCaillaud
JulienCaillaud
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 09, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Hello, very good hike, 2 things to note, it should be indicated between waypoints 9 and 10 (after the waterfall) that you must follow the red and green route because the yellow is no longer indicated. You'll find it again after waypoint 10 at the junction with the Chemin de Berre-les-Alpes. What's more, point 11, which is highlighted, is in fact quite tricky on a few sections, and I can't see a child getting through safely. Otherwise very well signposted, thank you. It took me 4 hours, stopping to observe. Note the very pleasant birdsong throughout the walk. Interesting flora to observe.

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henri57
henri57 ★

Hello,

Thank you for the information you've given us about this tour.

To remember,

1. We strongly advise you to do this tour in the opposite direction to the one indicated in the description.
2. The tricky section is between waypoints 163 and 164, precisely between the point (11) and waypoint 164.

This tricky section is highlighted in bold in the description.

(11) This is the trickiest part of the route, as the descent is very steep and not very reassuring in the marl, despite the occasional iron handrail. Exit onto a good track (468m) and take the Collet du Chat track opposite for 200m.

Practical information:

Do not take this route if you suffer from vertigo, in wet weather or with children who are not used to hiking.
Good walking shoes are required.
Obvious yellow markings to follow.

A+

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soppelsa.marc
soppelsa.marc

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 24, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Hello,
I hiked in the opposite direction (clockwise) as suggested by some hikers. This advice was very useful because I don't think I would have dared to do it the other way round (anti-clockwise). There aren't many cables and the slope is steep. It's a shame because the dangerous part is only a few metres long. The rest of the route is great!

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Legall Yves
Legall Yves

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 20, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

I didn't get the details I wanted about the tricky sections from any of the clubs. I recognised this route on Saturday
19/01/19 and here are my observations:
-First of all, we strongly advise you to do this route in a clockwise direction.
-steep start at marker 157
-tricky / steep section 164/163 but secured by cables
Beyond marker 163, the route is without difficulty, with a picnic area recommended for its sunny location at "Baisse de la Croix".
la Croix, follow the yellow markings carefully to avoid the forest tracks and stay on the paths.
Here you are, Yves

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Jubulbe
Jubulbe

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 18, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Hello,

Hiking today, in the opposite direction as suggested by some in the comments. As a result, the passage through the marl on the way up was quite easy, including the 10m you had to do with the cable. To be honest, I was expecting something more dangerous, given the comments made by some people, but frankly, don't be scared, it's really easy!

Note that the tour took me 3 hours, plus a diversion to the village of Berre les Alpes. A pleasant hike but nothing breathtaking either.

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Patrick Picard
Patrick Picard
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 05, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I highly recommend doing this magnificent hike the other way round. Firstly, the tricky passage through the marl is not difficult on the way up and secondly, it's not as hot in the morning as it is in the late afternoon.

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bibi
bibi ★

Thank you for your feedback. Can you pinpoint the location so that we can include it in the description?
Sincerely

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Sylvia06000
Sylvia06000
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 2.7 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 20, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing

We had to turn back because of a vertiginous passage (40 metres of almost sheer drop) and very poorly secured at the end (extremely crumbly marl, almost total absence of a path). I was dismayed when I saw the cables that were supposed to secure the via ferrata-style passage, but they were far too soft and low, at thigh height (and still!). There was nothing reassuring about it. Reinforcement on the slope side wouldn't be a luxury either, or consider deviating the route by going through the forest, which would at least make you feel a bit more "contained".

It would be useful to think about people who suffer from vertigo, children and people who simply don't want to risk their lives hiking.

It literally spoilt the fun for us. The hike is superb, apart from this major obstacle.

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pucette
pucette

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 25, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A magnificent walk with very contrasting landscapes. A bit tricky on the way down but nothing dramatic. I really enjoyed it.

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c6fran
c6fran

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 11, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

nice, well signposted walk and a good stop at the viewpoint with picnic tables as the icing on the cake
I can confirm that the descent of the last marne is a little dangerous.

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JC Robert
JC Robert

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : May 04, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A pleasant walk in a varied environment that is still really wild in places (points 9 and 10).
It does get a bit... chaotic at point 11 (you might want to wear a good pair of trousers to let yourself slide on your bottom). But there's no emptiness and no danger.
There is a very loud and continuous accompaniment of birdsong, especially in the 1st part (at this time of year?).
There is a water point at the fountain at point 6.

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