Very surprising viewpoints from the Col de l'Âne and Col de Plein Voir passes

A magnificent, varied and challenging circular offering superb views of the Gorges du Verdon, the Pont du Galetas and Lac de Sainte-Croix, accompanied by vultures, which are very present in the cliffs.

See practical information regarding difficulties and vertiginous passages.

Details

3342690
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.52 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,690 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,677 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,098 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,146 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the Félines car park (signposted Départ Randonnées) located on the D952 road, 6 km from Moustier-Sainte-Marie.

(S/E) Follow the road for a few metres and turn left towards the Bois de Félines.

(1) Follow the south-east facing trail, marked in yellow, which is very pleasant and gently sloping at the start. It is in the shade almost all the way to the pass. The trail turns south and reaches a 90° left turn.

(2) Turn left for the last part of the climb to the pass, which is very steep (unstable scree).

(3) At Col de l'Âne, there is a beautiful view of the lake. Head south, taking the GR® on the right towards Col de Plein Voir. Nice trail through the woods.

(4) At the pass (large cairn), continue towards the ridge via a visible path starting from the pass between the yellow descent route and the GR®. Proceed slowly along this path to thefirst viewpoint. Superb view of the lake and the Pont du Galetas.

(5) From thefirst viewpoint, continue to thesecond viewpoint. Another superb view.

(6) You can continue along the Issioule ridge for about 1 km until you find your "own little corner of paradise" accompanied by vultures. Be careful, however, of the ravines, which are sometimes well hidden by vegetation.

(7) Turn around and take the same path back to the Col de Plein Voir.

(4) From the pass, descend to the left along the steep yellow trail through the forest to thethird viewpoint.

(8) Continue the descent (very steep in places) to the Saint-Maurin sign.
Shortcut option: see Practical Information.

(9) Continue alternating between small climbs and descents, like a roller coaster, until you reach the "strait", a slightly dizzying but superb equipped passage overlooking the Pont du Galetas.
Then switch to a steady downhill section on a balcony, parallel to the road you are approaching.

(10) Continue to the Félines woods with a short, gentle climb at the end.

(1) Turn left onto the path you took on the way up, then head back to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,208 ft - Departure: Félines car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.18 - alt. 2,320 ft - Carrefour du Bois de Félines
  3. 2 : mi 1.01 - alt. 2,946 ft - Left turn
  4. 3 : mi 1.47 - alt. 3,593 ft - Col de l'Âne (1,094 m)
  5. 4 : mi 2.04 - alt. 3,845 ft - Col de Plein Voir (1168m)
  6. 5 : mi 2.39 - alt. 4,035 ft - 1st Belvedere - Viewpoint over the Verdon Gorges (river) - Tributary of the Durance
  7. 6 : mi 2.61 - alt. 4,045 ft - 2nd Belvedere
  8. 7 : mi 2.81 - alt. 4,029 ft - Another viewpoint
  9. 8 : mi 3.9 - alt. 3,340 ft - third viewpoint on the descent
  10. 9 : mi 4.57 - alt. 2,546 ft - End of the steep part of the descent
  11. 10 : mi 5.87 - alt. 2,149 ft - Roadside
  12. S/E : mi 6.52 - alt. 2,211 ft - Arrival: Félines car park

Notes

(8) Shortcut: if you want to shorten this hike, you can rejoin the route taken on the way up via a path that leaves the viewpoint to the north and joins point (2).

This hike is classified as difficult due to the steep sections on the way up (Col de l'Âne) and thefirst part of the descent, as well as some vertiginous passages. However, it remains accessible to experienced walkers.

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.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 51 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
quito84
quito84

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Marie Flo Rando
Marie Flo Rando

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 11, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A fabulous walk with breathtaking views!
The route is certainly challenging, with a climb right from the start (half in the shade, half in the sun).
I was a bit worried about the descent after reading the reviews, but whilst it is indeed a bit long, it’s actually less difficult than I’d been led to believe. Wearing trail running shoes, with poles just in case, and on dry ground, I didn’t slip at all – apart from once, but I didn’t fall!
The exposed section is short and well worth the effort.
The resurgence was dry. The arch is just after point 6: you need to proceed carefully to cross the ledge, but it’s not difficult!
Thank you so much!

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User 29716529

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 28, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A challenging but breathtaking hike, with stunning views from the lookouts just past the Col de Plein Voir. Magnificent views of the gorges, Lake Sainte-Croix and the Valensole plateau. The climb up to the Col de l’Ane and the Col de Plein Voir is steady and manageable for the average walker. However, the descent is extremely tricky over steep, long and slippery terrain, where you need to be vigilant every second. In some places, you have to place your hands on the rocks and find handholds, just like when climbing, to navigate a section safely. There’s also the sun glinting off the rock, which intensifies the heat on the final stretch (after the Saint-Maurin sign) and makes it feel stifling when the outside temperature is around 40° (even though I’d set off on the hike at 8 am). I should point out that I have experience of hiking and was using walking poles, but even so, it remained challenging. I’d taken 3.5L of water with me, but I drank 2.5L because I was so parched. I would therefore advise against this route for inexperienced walkers or those who aren’t comfortable on technical terrain; alternatively, returning via the same route as the outward journey would undoubtedly be less difficult. And also, avoid it during periods of extreme heat!

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samis
samis

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 29, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike, but one that requires a bit of effort for those who aren't used to hiking...
Very clear instructions
The climb isn’t very difficult as it’s steady, but the descent is long and stony, which makes it challenging.
Be careful at point 9... you come to a three-way junction with a yellow marker, but it doesn’t provide any direction; you need to take the clearly marked path that goes up to the right, and you’ll find another marker much further on...
The view from the summit is magnificent, with vultures as a bonus...
I recommend it.

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User 25136267

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 17, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely, fairly challenging hike, featuring a long, very steep, stony descent. A beautiful route, stunning scenery, and lovely views of the lake and the start of the gorges. A 4-hour walk.

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User 13272369

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb hike with magnificent views, and the climb is well worth it for the chance to see vultures up close – provided you’re there at the right time of day to catch them in flight.

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marie3084
marie3084

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We absolutely loved this hike to the various viewpoints.
Magnificent.
On the other hand, the descent was difficult and seemed to go on forever.
Slippery – we fell twice despite having walking poles.
Admittedly, we’re older, but we’re used to hiking.
If I were to do it again, I’d take the same route back to the car.
The descent is slippery and rocky...
That’s my opinion...
Have a good day.

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quito84
quito84

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mstirnim
mstirnim

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A wonderful hike, with stunning scenery!
A must-do in the Verdon Gorges region.
The descent from the Col du Plein Voir to St Morin and the return to the car park is quite steep with a few exposed sections, but not too difficult if you’re properly equipped.
An absolute must-do – it’s simply too beautiful between the Verdon Gorges and Lake St Croix

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User 130205

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I took advantage of this route to discover the St Maurin nature reserve and the caves located there.
Thank you for suggesting this hike.

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quito84
quito84

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sithmonster
sithmonster

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Excellent route, no problems along the way, we were blown away by the views, the sun was shining and there was no wind. An idyllic day for it.
The descent was the most difficult part. You do need to be reasonably fit and have good footwear.
Worth doing again and again in any season
Thank you

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User 24593413

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The circular route is very varied and shaded, with beautiful views.
The route isn't difficult, but there's quite a steep climb on the way up and on the way back. You need good shoes because the descent is over loose stones and it's slippery. I did it in my trainers and slipped twice. Don't make the same mistake! We're not very experienced walkers and it took us four hours to complete the route.

We came across other people, but that's understandable for August.

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clemderav
clemderav
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We are good walkers and completed the 11 km hike in 3.5 hours, including a few breaks. The trail is beautiful and the views of the lake and the Verdon are very varied. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a circular hike.

The signposting is unclear after point 9. After a yellow mark on a rock, we come to a junction. Take the path that goes up to the right. Some hikers got lost before us.

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Carines
Carines

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful route, easier to follow directly with the app.
As described. Beautiful views of Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorge. With vultures as an added bonus

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