Tourrettes walks

The shepherds of Provence offer us wonders along this short hike: the drystone shelters and their exceptional architecture. The Seillan drystone shelters were built between the18th and19th centuries, a period when land clearing and cultivation developed. The hills were then all cultivated in terraces, restanques and banquettes where chickpeas, wheat, barley, vines, olive trees and fruit trees grew. These huts provided shelter for farmers and their tools. Shaped like igloos, they maintain the same temperature in summer and winter, providing good protection against the heat or the mistral wind. Why are there so many drystone shelters in Seillans (more than 80!) and so few in neighbouring villages? It remains a mystery!

This is a very shady hike that starts in Montouroux, descends to the Siagne through woods, passes by the beautiful Pont des Tuves bridge and its swimming spots, and returns through a beautiful forest of centuries-old oak trees. ⚠️ 15/09/2025: It appears to be impossible to start the hike at the starting point and connect to point 2: private path with signs and fencing. Hike awaiting verification.

A beautiful walk along the Siagne, through the woods, with some lovely surprises in store: the Tuve bridge and its waterfall, a beautiful little beach, numerous ruins that bear witness to a major agricultural activity in the past, and a forest of centuries-old oaks that is nothing short of fairytale forest. In short, it's the perfect tour for nature lovers and those who enjoy a refreshing swim.

Between the Maures mountains and the forests of Fayence, Seillans and Saint-Paul-en-Fôret, this hike takes you to the 11-hectare Lac de Meaulx in a densely wooded and green environment. The Riou de Méaulx hillside reservoir was built by the Syndicat Intercommunal pour l'Aménagement du Cours Supérieur de l'Endre (Intercommunal Association for the Development of the Upper Endre River). Lac de Méaulx, straddling the municipalities of Saint-Paul-en-Forêt, Seillans and Fayence, was filled with water in December 1981. The reservoir has a capacity of 900,000 m3 and a surface area of 16 hectares. Its maximum length is 1 km and the dam is 20 metres high. The lake was used as a support area for forest fire defence. Following damage, it was emptied in October 2006. Currently owned by the Community of Municipalities, it was refilled in early 2017 after renovation work.

A very pleasant walk through the heart of the Royal Forest, with its downy oaks, cork oaks and hornbeams. Several species of birds can be observed, including woodcocks and kingfishers. During the hike, you will enjoy magnificent views of Lake Méaulx. The inhabitants of Saint-Paul, steeped in a strong forestry culture, have always known how to draw resources from this forest: timber for building houses and ships, acorns for feeding pigs, wood for heating and fuelling lime kilns and craft kilns, particularly for firing tiles and glassware. From the16th century onwards, the Royal Navy consumed large quantities of timber for its ships. Today, the Royal Forest is no longer exploited, but with its downy oaks, cork oaks and hornbeams, it is a very pleasant place to walk.

A short trip to the end of Lake Saint-Cassien in the Fondurane area. A beautiful climb at the start and a superb view of the Estérel.

Lac du Rioutard is a hillside reservoir dating back to 1974. During this hike, discover an exceptional natural setting and a botanical trail created in 2007 by the Respire association, where you can learn about Mediterranean plant species. The dam covers an area of 5.8 hectares and has a capacity of 200,000 m³ of water. The dam is 14 metres high. Fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at catching tench, carp or perch. The botanical trail is marked by around thirty botanical panels highlighting Mediterranean plant species: stone pine, maritime pine, cork oak, holm oak, Montpellier rockrose, arbutus, juniper, tree heath, cade, mastic tree, thorny broom, thyme, etc.

This is an easy hike offering magnificent panoramic views from the lookout point over Audibergue, Estérel, Fréjus, Colle du Rouet, Maures, Coudon, and more.

A family hike to discover Mons, the Oratory of Saint-Pierre and the Riens megalith. The Riens dolmen is located in the centre of a tumulus and housed collective tombs. The commune of Mons has several dolmens from the late Neolithic period, which bear witness to an important social group more than 4,000 years ago. The capstones of the Riens dolmen are missing; it housed collective tombs. One of them probably lies on the ground on the north side, the other has disappeared. The entrance to the chamber is very unusual, with an ogive shape not found anywhere else. Two other dolmens without capstones can be seen on the path leading to Escragnoles: the Colle dolmen and the Brainée dolmen.

Starting from the charming village of Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, you will explore the Siagne Gorges. On the programme: - descent to the Saint-Saturnin Chapel, - walk along the Siagne canal, - crossing the splendid Pont des Gabres (or Pont des Tuves, depending on which bank you are on), - climb back up this wild river with its crystal-clear waters and return to the village for a lovely view of this beautiful valley.

From the small Provençal village of Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, this partly shaded route, running alongside the water and following ancient paths, will take you back in time. You will cross the famous Pont des Tuves bridge, walk up the banks of the Siagne river, passing the ruins of the old paper mill, then the Pont des Moulins bridge, before returning to the Siagne Canal to its water intake. The return journey is via the old Pont de Mons bridge.

After crossing the village centre, which has retained its feudal appearance, you will walk along magnificent paths, some of which are paved slanting streets. This hike is reserved for lovers of wooded areas and places steeped in history, as numerous remains bear witness to the intense activity that took place here until the early 20th century.

Very easy hike suitable for young children. The route runs alongside the Petit Riou (dry in summer) and benefits from the shade of the trees and the coolness of the valley. Magnificent waterfall at the end of the route: the Gourbachin. "Along the way, the Vauloube rushes from the top of a porphyry bank into a hollow, a veritable green chasm, where its waters, which are often turbulent after the slightest storm, have carved out a magnificent gour." The waterfall is no less than six metres high and, thanks to the overhanging rock, walkers can walk all the way around it, passing under the waterfall. The walk is fun and charming, ending at the Gour Bachin, which is a marvel." This text by L. Henseling, dating from 1934, is still relevant today.

A pleasant short hike through the woods, with a view of the sea, Saint-Raphaël and the Estérel halfway along the route. Majestic pines, oaks and even olive trees line the trail. In spring, rockroses will brighten up your walk, in summer cicadas and in autumn heather. At the beginning of the last century, the Var was France's largest producer of cork. The actual harvest, known as "levage", depends on the health of the tree, the heat and the rise of the sap from early June to early August. The first harvests are unsuitable for making corks and are used for insulation. After nine years, when the bark is about three centimetres thick, it is harvested to make corks. Cork also protects the tree during fires.

A short, easy climb to a peak in the Haut Var with a 360° view and the chance to see some megalithic ruins. A beautiful walk through the heath.

A lovely family walk in the forest to discover old sites and visit a teaching farm (cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, ponies, horses, etc.).

A beautiful, easy circular in the Esterel via wide tracks with a visit to the ruins of the Malpasset dam.

A peaceful walk for the whole family with superb views of the region. However, be aware that some sections may be difficult for younger children... This hike can be done in either direction without difficulty.

A pleasant hike to do in good weather to enjoy the view. You will discover an old millstone quarry in the heart of the red rocks with magnificent views! Enjoy the view to the south over the sea and the Argens plain and to the north over the village and the Haut-Var mountains.

This short hike takes you to an old millstone quarry and a prehistoric settlement with remarkable views.

Lake Saint-Cassien covers a total of 420 hectares. This hike follows the GR®49 on the left bank of the lake. The return journey is via a PR® and then an unmarked path before rejoining the GR®49. A shaded route, close to magnificent hilltop villages, offering the opportunity to picnic by the water's edge.

A stroll in an exceptional place, discovering the gorges of the river Blavet and the cave of Mueron which was inhabited in the Bronze Age. Ideal in summer and on warmer days, avoid periods of heavy rain.

Carved into red volcanic rock, the gorges offer beautiful geological features such as the Grotte de Muéron, one of the major climbing sites in the Var, and at the heart of this hike. At the foot of one of these many cliffs, you will find the prehistoric Muéron cave, which was occupied 10,000 years BC. From its very wide entrance, it extends deep into the rock and still provides shelter from storms today. Its proximity to the Blavet river and forests (a source of fuel), its southern exposure and its commanding view of the valley made it possible to follow wild herds and made it particularly attractive for camps during the Bronze Age.

A beautiful circular walk in the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Park.This moderately difficult route will take you from the Siagne valley to Escragnoles via the Briasq Forest. You will reach the Baou Mourine watchtower, which offers exceptional views. The descent follows the Cavalet ridge to return to the starting point.