Tour of Mont Ragias from Villars-sur-Var

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This beautiful hike will allow you to explore both sides of Mont Ragias, the highest peak in the Middle Var at 1,174 metres. The eastern slope, which alternates between terraced paths and forest, climbs up the Espignole valley. The other slope, more rocky, overlooks the Var valley, offering beautiful panoramic views. It is only at the Chapelle Saint-Jean du Désert, almost at the end of the route, that you can see Mont Ragias.

Details

n°95059592
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.10 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,612 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,615 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,665 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,355 ft
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Photos

Saint-Jean Chapel
Saint Jean Chapel

Description of the walk

Park in the village car park. The hike starts at marker 58 next to the town hall.

(S/E) Follow the GR®510 signposts, taking the path to the right of the town hall. At the top of the steps, first turn right then left, and repeat this twice to gain height and pass in front of the Sainte-Brigitte Chapel.

(1) Continue on to marker 59.

(2) Leave the GR® and take the path on the right marked in yellow. This lovely PR® trail will take you up the Espignole valley, offering varied scenery, woodland with a balcony-style section and a clear panoramic view.

(3) Continue straight on to marker 62, as the climb to the Chapelle Saint-Jean will be on the way back. Along the way, note the traces of the various water catchments originating from the spring in the hamlet of Sarzit.

(4) Cross the Espignole via the Pont du Champ de Boeuf to continue up the valley.

(5) At marker 75, join a DFCI track and follow it to the left. This will allow you to complete the climb more comfortably and reach the Sainte-Madeleine Chapel (unfortunately in a sorry state) and enjoy an unobstructed view, from the promontory at marker 77, of the village of Thiéry, and the peaks of Aiglo and Fourneuby in the Esteron.

(6) Continue straight ahead on the GR®510 to begin the return journey. Then head left to start the long descent along this western slope, which is very stony.

(7) After about 3.5 km, following a bend, take the unmarked path on the left which leads to the Chapelle Saint-Jean du Désert.

(8) From the viewpoint by the cross, you can admire Mont Ragias on one side and enjoy a stunning view of Villars and the Var valley on the other. Then return to the chapel.

(8) Head straight ahead, then go down the path on the left to rejoin the GR® at marker 61.

(9) Turn left and follow the path to the junction you passed on the way out.

(2) Continue straight ahead and return to the car park via the reverse route of the outward journey (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,358 ft - Marker 58 next to the town hall - Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Villars-sur-Var
  2. 1 : mi 0.18 - alt. 1,490 ft - St Brigid’s Chapel
  3. 2 : mi 0.33 - alt. 1,631 ft - Marker 59. Junction of the circular loop
  4. 3 : mi 1.18 - alt. 2,283 ft - Marker 62
  5. 4 : mi 2.42 - alt. 2,270 ft - Champ de Bœuf Bridge
  6. 5 : mi 3.38 - alt. 2,982 ft - Marker 75, DFCI track
  7. 6 : mi 4.48 - alt. 3,612 ft - Ruined chapel and viewpoint
  8. 7 : mi 6.97 - alt. 2,726 ft - Trail
  9. 8 : mi 7.49 - alt. 2,546 ft - St-Jean du Désert Chapel
  10. 9 : mi 7.77 - alt. 2,287 ft - Marker 61
  11. S/E : mi 9.1 - alt. 1,355 ft - Marker 58 next to the town hall - Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Villars-sur-Var

Notes

There are no water points along the route.

Good walking shoes and walking poles are strongly recommended, particularly for the descent.

Worth a visit

Along the way, discover the three chapels: St Brigid, St Madeleine and St John of the Desert

In the village of Villars-sur-Var, take a look at the mill’s wash house and the communal oven.

At the foot of the village lies the Clos St-Joseph vineyard, the only vineyard classified as AOC Côtes de Provence des Alpes Maritimes.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
Perseepj
Perseepj

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 07, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk starting with a climb through the village of Villars-sur-Vars (a good way to get going for the rest of the route).
I really enjoyed the first section through the Espignole valley with its balcony path.
The arrival at the Sainte-Madeleine chapel makes for a lovely spot to stop for lunch.
The stop at the Saint-Jean chapel makes for a lovely break during the long descent back down.

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