Val-de-Chalvagne walks

Discover a beautiful forest near Castellet Saint-Cassien. Following the ridges along unmarked paths offers a delightful way to explore this stunning Haut-Estéron National Forest.

Circular route from the village of Gars to Briançonnet. This hike takes you to the impressive Source de Gars, the birthplace of Célestin Freinet, pioneer of modern education. It is a varied route that passes through the village of Briançonnet and the ruins of its feudal castle, from where there is a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Both villages are well worth a visit for their rich heritage.

This round trip hike, starting from the charming village of Le Mas, takes you to the summit of L'Arpille. L'Arpille is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Alpes-Maritimes on the Mercantour.

A very pleasant hike criss-crossing the sunny and shady sides of this mountainous area, offering two contrasting types of vegetation and views of the Alps that will have you stopping regularly to take in the scenery.

Remains of medieval Saint-Auban, breathtaking views of the mountains and a sublime finale at the edge of the Clue de Saint-Auban. Please note that part of the route is by road.

A beautiful and original hike on a little-used route offering a lovely view of the Mercantour (some peaks can be seen from unusual angles) from the summit of Pibossan. Spring is the ideal time to walk this route, with the broom in bloom. The route follows what is probably an ancient Roman road (paved path) through the red earth rising from the Daluis Gorges.

A moderately strenuous but very pleasant walk. It is the largest recorded and listed natural waterfall in the Alpes-Maritimes, with its three successive drops. The waterfall is exceptional and, in terms of height, is matched only by its Icelandic twin sisters. The start and end of this route offer a chance to discover the beautiful architectural heritage of Aiglun. Thanks to its strategic location, the inn is a popular spot at the end of this round trip in the Estéron.

Located a stone’s throw from the village, on the edge of an impressive canyon, the troglodyte fortress known as the “Château d’Aiglun”, with its stone-masonry walls, nestled in its natural surroundings, bears witness to a mysterious past . This rural built heritage, a veritable bastion situated beneath the Giet cliff, is believed to be the largest of its kind in France, spanning nearly 80 metres. The construction of stone steps, the installation of metal steps, the safety works on the access routes, the installation of signage and attractive information points allow visitors to fully enjoy these magical, timeless places.

Exploring the Vallon and Montagne de Mairola shows that these vast spaces have been shaped by humans over the centuries: the south-facing cereal fields of Puget-Rostang, state forests reforested to combat erosion, the Dina plateau with its fields cleared of stones with patience, scattered farms now used only as shelters during the hunting season (Fournès, Villars, la Combe, Mairola)...

A very pleasant, easy family hike through pine forests and small meadows, ideal for a picnic in the mountains.

At an altitude of over 1,400 metres, this pleasant hike through the pine trees takes you on a journey of discovery through an enchanting environment. The Pic de Fourneuby overlooks the village of Le Mas and offers a 360° panorama of the foothills of the Alpes-Maritimes and neighbouring departments.

This circuit is ideal on sunny days and a surprising route thanks to the diversity and beauty of the valley, which is still wild. On the northern slope, you'll appreciate the quiet atmosphere of the pine forests and the oaks that dominate the verdant agricultural plain of Sallagriffon, with a panoramic view up to the foothills of the Mercantour mountain range. On the southern slope, you'll appreciate the magnificent mineral landscapes with tremendous views of deep clues carved out by the capricious course of the rivers.

An unusual hike. After climbing a mountain Roman road, the trail winds through areas dominated by reddish ochre colours. The combination of colours between nature and the sky sometimes leaves us speechless.

From Léouvé to the Dôme de Barrot, in the red rocks between Daluis and Cians.

This hike is accessible to all. The highlight is the magnificent site of Castellaras, the only difficulty being the climb, which is nevertheless reasonable. The hike starts from the picturesque health resort of Thorenc. The route also offers views of Lake Thorenc and the Château des Quatre Tours. The variety of landscapes and paths is another interesting aspect of this hike. What's more, there are no navigation difficulties.

A short and lovely walk with a magical view of the village, oak and chestnut trees amidst sandstone boulders. Much of the route is through the cool forest.

A very pretty, magical and interactive hike under oak trees, hundred-year-old chestnut trees and among huge sandstone boulders. Most of the walk is in the cool forest. The Grès d'Annot are world famous and are a listed and protected site.

A very special and unique forest area. Rock formations that defy the laws of balance, vertiginous cliffs and hundred-year-old chestnut trees. A hike that is a feast for the eyes.

The gradual climb to the summit of Cime de la Cacia offers views of the Barre des Molières, a natural rock face that is also used by rock climbers. The summit, which is reached after crossing a scree slope, offers beautiful 360° views. The return trail follows the only route that once connected France to the County of Savoy.

This hike on the edge of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence offers a varied route through forests, rocky outcrops and even a riverbed. It is not particularly difficult, although some descents can be a little steep. It also gives you the opportunity to visit the pretty Saint-Pierre Chapel, tucked away in the woods.

A beautiful climb to the Point Sublime viewpoint for a magnificent view of the Daluis Gorges and their red pelites.

Starting from the Pont de Berthéon, this circular hike in the Gorges de Daluis allows you to discover the superb and characteristic landscape of the Upper Var Valley. After a gentle climb through red pelite, you will reach a sublime spot offering a sensational view over the gorges. You will then climb back up the gorges to complete a loop via the Colla and Saussette plateaus, which offer some beautiful views of the mountains in this valley.

Cime du Cheiron via a trail that is little known to walkers. This trail has been cleared by our club and marked with cairns. Moderator's note description from 2013; the situation on the ground seems to have changed with regard to the cairns marking certain sections. See reviews. GPS or Visorando app useful.

Starting from the charming village of Valderoure, this route with its varied landscapes will take you through a pine forest to the hamlet of Les Beaux. After crossing the Lane and Artuby rivers, you will pass through the hamlet of Malamaire before returning to Valderoure, still in the forest.

The route is not particularly difficult and can easily be done on snowshoes if there is enough snow. The summit section of the route offers superb views of the Caille plain and all the surrounding peaks.

Another route providing access to the ruins of Castellaras and Lac de Thorenc follows part of the existing circuit on Visorando. It starts from the D5, at a place called La Pinée, and is just as interesting. I have classified this route as difficult due to its orientation and length. It is advisable to bring a suitable tool for this route.

A route at the bottom of the superb Daluis Gorges! A water hike to be undertaken only in good weather, ideal in summer during hot weather. A hike accessible to children who can swim. Closed shoes are essential. This hike crosses a protected natural site that is subject to regulations. See practical information.

Starting from the Gréolières-les-Neiges resort, this short circular hike will take you to the Cime du Cheiron, the highest point of the massif of the same name. You will then follow the ridge to Jérusalem for some magnificent views of the Mercantour and the plateaus further south, Saint-Barnabé, Calern and Caussols, before descending via the slopes. During this hike, you may encounter vultures, chamois and even marmots.

A challenging hike along the Cheiron ridge, passing by the summit of Cheiron (1,778 m), Jérusalem (1,768 m) and Croix de Verse (1,706 m). During the ascent, you will enjoy a 360° view, overlooking the villages of Gréolières, Cipières and Coursegoules to the south, and the village of Aiglun with its gorge, Mont Long to the north.

A short hike to enjoy between late April and mid-June to admire the peonies in bloom.Much of the route is through woodland, so it stays cool during hot weather.This mid-mountain walk is a great way to enjoy the area outside the ski season.

A magnificent hike passing Croix de Verse, Jérusalem and Cime du Cheiron in Gréolières les Neiges. Not particularly difficult, with a 360° view between the peaks of Mercantour, Vallée du Loup and the Mediterranean on a clear day. Depending on the season, paragliders take off from the route.

A beautiful snowshoe hike (or not in winter) with no difficulty and panoramic views of the Mercantour peaks and the French Riviera on a clear day. After a pleasant first section in the Cheiron forest, you cross a small valley before climbing up to Plan des Baumetes and reaching the Crête du Cheiron at Croix de Verse (1,706 m). 360° view of the sea at Argentera!

Superb hike along a long ridge with endless views across the entire department. The hike is quite long but can be extended for the more athletic by passing through Coursegoules or even Bézaudin. The luckiest hikers will catch a glimpse of Corsica in good weather. It is common to see chamois and marmots. The return via Vespluis and Les Miroirs (no difficulty) allows you to admire the entire ridge and the south-facing slope of this mountain in pastoral tranquillity.

A beautiful and enjoyable hike, without any particular difficulty, dotted with historical sites and varied landscapes: rocky, wooded, plains. You won't be bored for a minute and, as a highlight, there is a breathtaking 360° panorama from the highest point.

This short but challenging hike starts in Cipières, a village at the foot of the Calern plateau facing the Cheiron massif, and takes you to the banks of the Loup, a 49km coastal river (the second longest in the Alpes-Maritimes) through deciduous forests. Once you reach the banks of the Loup, you will walk along the buried Foulon aqueduct, which supplies water to Grasse and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, although the river is right by the path, it remains difficult to access.

Starting from Tourounet, this mostly shaded route will take you to the Saint-Barnabé plateau, then to the outskirts of the village of Coursegoules, before descending via an ancient Roman road lined with pine and oak trees back to Tourounet.

Circular walk starting from the new car park in Saint-Pons (commune of Gréolières) towards Coursegoules, passing under the Cheiron. A very varied route passing by the 6th-century Saint-Michel Chapel. Return via the Chemin de l'Autreville and the Vespluis and Taillet valleys, with a small ford that is easy to cross. Ideal for a full day out with a nice stop in Coursegoules: restaurant or picnic, bakery and water point.