Tour du Chaussemine and return via the banks of the Var

Park at the side of the D6202 next to marker 26, against the crash barrier: do not use the car parks belonging to the housing estate.

(S/E) From the car park and marker 26, you can see the Sainte-Pétronille footbridge below, your next destination. After a few steps, take the path leading down to the left. Take your time to cross the railway line safely ( there is no barrier) and continue along this lovely wooded path until you reach the footbridge, which you must cross to reach the path junction at marker 22.

(1) Turn right towards Baraquin. A sign warns that the path has some tricky sections. Proceed with caution, though the start of the path is equipped with a safety lifeline for about 100 metres. Then, follow the single path as it winds its way through a few terraces and ruins, amongst oak and pine trees, as you climb up the Chambole ravine. You will reach the junction marked by signpost 29.

(2) Turn right towards Touët-sur-Var. From this point, the shaded path takes you back down to the Var plain via a series of hairpin bends, some wide and some tight.

(3) This sunny section, known as the Ravin du Mal d’Espinet, features a narrow path that requires caution. Continue to the path junction marked with signpost 28.

(4) Turn right onto the path with no signpost.

(5) At this point, the path becomes a dirt forest track suitable for vehicles. Continue to a track junction.

(6) Turn right and follow the banks of the Var.

(7) Look out for a lovely pebble beach on your left where you can get right up close to the Var, then continue along the forest track until you reach a junction marked by a ruin.

(8) Keep to the left. The track is overgrown with grass but clearly visible. Carry on until you reach the hairpin bend to the right.

(9) Take great care at this point: this is a distinctive area as trees have been planted here. A cairn situated opposite this bend marks the entrance to the path we took on the way there, located barely 10 metres from the plantation. Follow the route back in the opposite direction to the outward journey, and you’ll come across marker 22.

(1) Cross the footbridge and the railway line again with the same caution, and make your way back to the car park (S/E).

Hiking boots and walking poles are recommended.
Avoid doing this walk after a spell of rain.
There is no water along the route.

In summer, make the most of the Var ‘beach’ to cool off a bit.