Hiking Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur

The summit of the Alpes-Maritimes is Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, perched at 1450 metres high! The circuit we propose here starts with tourist information and first evolves in the centre of the village. We invite you to step away slightly, to take advantage of the flowering meadows, the forests of larch and spruce, or even the gentle atmosphere of the alpine.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 1,7 km.

Duration: 1 h.

Difficulty: .

He often chose the Provençal peasant world as his setting, and today it is we, the walkers, who take him as a pretext to discover Manosque and its surroundings. Jean Giono (1895-1970), a native of Manosque, has fascinated more than one reader in this charming Provencal town, and Jean-Louis Carribou is one of them. For several years now, this literary guide has been taking you, book in hand, in the footsteps and words of the writer. The hike takes on a suddenly poetic dimension: the words sublimate the landscape, unless it is the other way around...

The Tourisme tourist office offers an original game to discover the city as a family. You will find the streets of Carpentras in the search for answers to the quiz, riddles and guessing puzzles. A total of 4 games are proposed: Who searches find, Quiz The flavours of Comtat, In the footsteps of illustrious characters and finally the Fountains game. Very simple, you can plan to do several more. The answers are also to be withdrawn at the office, once the course is completed.

Tariff: free.

Duration: 1 a. m. to 2 p. m.

Difficulty: .

The rounded silhouette of Mont Ventoux rises above Provence as to protect it. Its summit is the meeting point of the athletes who take advantage of its slopes in winter and summer. Once snow has fallen, the mountain turns into a ski resort, with several kilometres of signposted slopes for alpine skiing and Nordic skiing. A 8 kilometre snowshoe route also allows to discover Mont Ventoux in two hours. Almost reaching the summit, this circuit offers beautiful landscapes around the mount.

Tariff: free.

Duration: 2 h.

Difficulty: .

A symbol of Provence, lavender is the "blue gold" of the Luberon. To pay tribute, the commune of Sault has set up a five-kilometre discovery trail (possible on 8 and 12 km) at the edge of the village, showing every stage in the distillation of lavender from the moment it is planted. The loop is freely accessible, but the fields are only in bloom during the summer, so it would be a shame not to see their brilliant colors, and even more, to breathe in their intoxicating fragrance. What's more, the one-and-a-half-hour walk is very easy.

Rome to the east, Spain to the west, the Alps of Haute-Provence have been seeing pilgrims for centuries on the way to Santiago de Compostela. From Peipin to Aubignosc, from Peyruis to Ganagobie, the various sections of this mythical journey offer beautiful possibilities for walking through the departmental heritage. We offer you a selection of circuits from 1,5 to 9 kilometres, accessible to all for a family outing!

Cairo-La-Motte-du-Cairo: 4 km

Châteaufort-Saint-Geniez: 7 km

Peipin-Aubignosc: 1,5 km

Aubignosc-Châteauneuf-Val-Saint-Donat: 7,5 km

Peyruis-Ganagobie: 4 km

Ganagobie-Lur: 9 km

L'Echappée Bleue Evénementiel is an events agency based in La Valette-du-Var. The agency offers tailor-made solutions adapted to your needs. Whether it's for a wedding, an anniversary, a corporate party or any other event, the L'Echappée Bleue Evénementiel team will be there to support and advise you.

A beautiful hike, of easy level, combining forest loop and ridges with distant views. Beyond the nature and discovery of the mountain of Mélan, one of the highlights of the walk will be the visit of Saint Vincent Cave, former hiding during Resistance (predicting a front lamp for the cave visit).

Home and registration: Visit the Palais des Congrès de Digne between 5 am and 8 PM.

Distance: 9 km. Difference 500 m. Duration: 5 h.

Departure: Meet Sunday 1 st October at the Palais des Congrès at 8 pm. Departure from the hike at 8 am.

During the weekend "Hiking of the 3 valleys" organised by the Tourism Office of Digne-les-bains on the weekend of September 30 th and October 1 ^st 2017, the Lame Blade is a very nice walk which allows to discover the strange geology of the Géoparc de Haute-Provence and the small village of Tanaron where there is an astronomical observation site. Magnificent views along the course.

Home and registration: Palais des Congrès de Digne between 5 am and 8 pm on Saturday 30 September.

Departure and distance

Visit the Palais des Congrès on Saturday October 1 st at pm, departure at 9 pm. 10 km in 5 h, difference 500 m.

Discover the walk around the village (1 hour) which leads to the ruins of the Saint-Antonin chapel (15th century). Another path starts from the Col de Castillon where the ruins of two old villages are located and leads to Sainte-Agnès by the forest track (2h one way); a walk without major difficulty on this old mule track. A short path (10 minutes) starts under the Caramel viaduct and leads to a climbing site. You can also explore the forest of Ubac Foran (1h) where at the top, an orientation table offers a breathtaking panoramic view.

The Bouches-du-Rhône department is a good place to practice hiking. The diversity of the landscapes means that all levels benefit, in an often preserved and wild nature. The French Hiking Federation 13 summarizes all the necessary services around hiking. Practical information and advice according to your level, temporary trail closures or restrictions. Finally, it is the organization to contact if you notice a problem with the marking or a possible change of itinerary. More than useful then!

Marseille is the European Sports Capital 2017 and on this occasion some 26 associations affiliated with the hiking federation offer free walks from March 1 to April 2018, and are open to all. They will take place throughout the department of Bouches du Rhône and will be facilitated by professional volunteer guides. More than 80 hikes will be in the programme, but also 3 Nordic steps and a walk on the GR® 42 to discover the Camargue.

Tariff: free.

Distance: variable according to hiking.

Departure: variable according to hiking.

Guillestre-based travel agency Destinations Queyras offers a variety of hiking and snowshoeing holidays in the region. Destinations include Mercantour, Vallée des Merveilles en étoile, Balcons du Queyras, Calanques de Marseille and Côte Bleue, Tour du Queyras, Tour des Ecrins, and guided hikes around Lac de Serre-Ponçon.

Overlooking the village of Les Mées in a spectacular way, the Penitents are a natural and geological curiosity that one comes to admire from afar. These rounded and elongated rocks of imposing size were formed by the erosion of a natural material called pudding. A well-marked path will allow you to go for a walk, sometimes steep, to discover this massif which has witnessed the formation of the Alps. The fauna and flora are very rich. Wonderment guaranteed.

The Haute Ubaye offers particularly favourable sites to satisfy experienced climbers as well as hikers or anglers. Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, well situated, is a convenient starting point for these sports and nature activities. Hikers can take the GR56, which joins the GR5 in Fouillouse, another typical commune of Haute Ubaye. This site can also be reached by car, from the extraordinary Châtelet bridge, with its single arch between the sides of the mountain.

Fouillouse is a very popular starting point for mountaineers, as it serves the Maurin valley towards the sources of the Ubaye, the Brec de Chambeyron - 3,389 m -, the Pointe d'Aval - 3,320 m - or the tête de la Courbe - 3,088 m -, via the Col de Mirandol. From the Châtelet bridge, the climb continues to the hamlet of Maljasset (which can be reached by the GR6) and which marks, for all mountaineers, the starting point of many other mountain routes.

The simple hikers are also spoiled: many lakes (lake of Marinet), beautiful points of view, all the wild magic of Ubaye are here sumptuously offered.

Many establishments are present in the area to advise you if the need arises. Bivouac lovers will not be left out either, because in Ubaye, it is possible to pitch your tent wherever you want (for the night), as long as you respect this beautiful natural heritage.

Over 35 kilometres of marked trails across the island allow you to discover the many rare and wild species that are protected here. There is a great need for hiking, but the must of the must is the submarine circuit. Follow the guide… By an extraordinary path from the port and giving breathtaking sea views, you will arrive, after thirty minutes walking, on a sandy beach where nothing comes to disturb the beauty of the landscape, even a boat moored because the mooring is forbidden. A guided underwater tour will be offered. Provide only masks, palmes and snorkeling. And here, dear readers, it's ecstasy, the wonder of the eyes. You will discover the splendour and richness of the seabed. Fish and plant species are protected, not fishing. There are also three regional natural parks in the region.

This 9.5 km long walk takes you on a journey between heaven and earth. The route is lined with structures representing the planets of the solar system, in a 1:1,000,000 scale reconstruction. The first part leads to Jupiter, then to Senator Lake. It is a family portion: count 1h30 round trip. The itinerary continues on the theme of the stars to reach the Sainte-Marie shelter (3h AR). The most courageous will go up to Neptune, the highest point of the route (5h AR). The Discovery and Nine variants (2h AR) allow to vary the pleasures.

Evana Provence is a hiking agency based in Eguilles. Founded in 2000, it organizes full-day and half-day outings in the region's most beautiful massifs, including the Calanques, Sainte-Victoire and the Luberon. But beyond hiking, Evana stands out for its passionate guides who share their rich knowledge of local fauna, flora, cultural heritage and traditions. Since 2018, Lionel Marchese, a seasoned guide, has strengthened the team to also offer services in English, Italian and German. This agency is your ally in discovering the treasures of Provence.

The Mareschale, an approved Youth & Education Association, was created in 1974. Its activity tends to promote socio-cultural, educational and artistic activities, and its objective of being a meeting place between the inhabitants and associations of the Aix-Encagnane district. This House of Quartier, historical heritage of the xviiith Century, consists of a main bastide, its dependencies, a public park, a podium and a kindergarten. It has many cultural, artistic and well-being activities: weekly workshops as one-time workshops, internships, meetings, meetings,… for all generations: children, teenagers, adults and seniors. It is welcomed by many other associations. Located 5 minutes from the bus station and 10 minutes from the city center, Buses for access are 2, 5, 9, 19, 20.

So welcome to our offices, where Chantal and her team, all graduates, welcome you! A friendly introduction to unforgettable moments in both summer and winter, with respect for the environment. You'll enjoy innovative, high-quality services, guided by the passion and good humor of your guides. Ubaye and Mercantour, local produce and extraordinary characters await you. An address you won't soon forget!

This hike, classified as difficult, revolves around the remains of a Saracen Tower that can't be ignored. It has stood atop its rocky peak since the ^12th century, when it sent signals to other towers and castles in the Comtat region. All that remains today is its base. In these fantastic Dentelles with their many paths, follow the signs carefully and pack a picnic, as it will take you 4.5 hours to cover the 12 km. It climbs up through the wooded massif, but patience will be rewarded when you reach the Rocher du Midi, where the orientation table puts names to a 360° landscape.

It's an easy hike (4.9 km, which can be done in 2H15) that takes you through the vineyards of this world-renowned, hand-harvested muscat grape. Who hasn't tasted Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, a sweet wine whose origins date back to the Middle Ages? To climb from the village to the Courens plateau, from where you'll have a view of the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Comtat plain, you'll pass the Notre-Dame d'Aubune chapel. Don't be afraid of the Rocher du Diable (Devil's Rock), which seems to want to crush it, because it's said that the Vierge's cattail holds it back! On the northern slopes of the plateau, the Ambrosi caves, former millstone quarries, bear witness to our presence here since prehistoric times.

After passing the chapel of Saint-Hilaire, you'll discover the Castellas or château de Durban, in ruins and the only vestige of the village of the same name and, above all, the namesake of the renowned producer of this delicious Muscat.

Don't miss these strange stone mushrooms that have emerged from the earth only a few kilometres from Fourcalquier! Several routes are possible to reach this unusual site from the tourist office and by climbing the path that passes by the chapel of Saint Marc. The shortest is entirely marked out in yellow. Another one combines yellow, white and red and then yellow again. Important information for people with reduced mobility: you can also get there by following the D12, known as the route de Fontienne.

The geology of Les Mourres is spectacular, with the presence of numerous limestone rocks with original shapes that stand out in the traditional surrounding landscape of the Pays de Forcalquier. It is the progressive erosion of the marl originally enveloping them that has revealed them. But the interest of the place is also due to the presence of a particular fauna and flora that have adapted to the harshness of this natural semi-desert environment. This is how you can observe, among others, the presence of the Villars broom heath, the ocellated lizard, the Lusitania marbled bird or the eared traquet...

Didactic panels will help you on the spot to describe your own observations in more detail. An important piece of advice however: this natural area is fragile. It is important to preserve it by not straying from the marked paths and not climbing on the rocks. Also remember to keep dogs on a leash

This hike is a great success every year in July and August. The night ascent of Mont Ventoux is done with a guide and in groups of no more than 25 people. You can be sure of a magical experience. You'll climb 24 km over 1,400 m of ascent through forests and rocky desert, with the ultimate reward being the sunrise over the Alps. Beware, the climb requires courage and stamina. Dates and bookings will be available from June at the Bédoin tourist information office, which is also selling a topo-guide of 14 walks for all levels.

At the beginning of the Royal Tower of Toulon, the Coast Trail runs along the sea over ten kilometres. Very easy, this trip lets you escape a moment from the hustle and bustle of the city to keep noise from waves crashing on the rocks. The first step is the Mitre beach and its sculpted rock, where you can swim or simply enjoy the view of the harbour. The path then moves towards the port Saint-Louis that you can surpass to reach the beaches of Mourillon. Here you will have the choice between half-turn or continue the walk up to the Margaux Cove, but it will take two extra hours to return.

Tariff: free.

Duration: 2 h.

Difficulty: .

Discover Cucuron's viticulture over the centuries on this walking trail. This two-loop walk (3.5 km and 4 km) takes just over 2 hours on either side of Cucuron (leaflet available from the tourist office). The route is marked with stencils in the shape of stylized grape clusters.

Discover the Mercantour with Ânes de Blore, a light and ingenious initiative! Choose from a range of options to suit all ages, such as a discovery walk for a family loop, or a two- to seven-day trek with the donkeys towards Italy. What's more, a donkey farmer offers educational activities to raise awareness of the mountain environment and the presence of donkeys.

Cédric Demangeon will introduce you to Provence through the slopes of the Ventoux, the steep paths of the Dentelles de Montmirail and the garrigue of the Monts de Vaucluse. The themes are alluring: nature and terroir, climbing the Géant by headlamp in the dark, to enjoy the sunrise at the summit. There's also the sunset over the hills, from which you return in the half-light when the scents of thyme and lavender are more prevalent. For the more sporty, there's trail running and even à la carte preparation for more challenging hikes. And for the pros, there's first-aid training. Cédric knows everything there is to know about this special natural environment. He knows all about the fauna, flora and rural heritage you'll come across on your way. What's more, as a trained fireman, your safety is guaranteed.

It's a beautiful hike through vineyards and olive groves, steeped in history thanks to the 3 medieval chapels you'll come across along the way. Along the way, you'll come across an exceptional collection of Merovingian sarcophagi in what is now the Mazan cemetery. These sarcophagi are among the most important remains of the Comtat Venaissin. The Pareloup chapel was built in the heart of the cemetery to protect the living and the dead from the wolves, which were numerous in the region at the time. It houses a plaster statue of Notre-Dame de Pareloup, subduing a wolf at her feet. You'll also come across the Notre-Dame la Brune chapel, built in 1730 on a Gallo-Roman crossroads, where popular belief locates the exhumation of sarcophagi lining the cemetery. A Black Madonna, preserved by ruins, was discovered here. Finally, the trail skirts the ruined chapel of Saint Alban. This 9.7-kilometer hike, with views of the Ventoux, takes an average of 3 hours.

The hike from Cabrières d'Aigues to Mourre Nègre is a rather sporty excursion that takes you through a magnificent forest of Aleppo pines to the summit of Mourre Nègre. From the parking lot at Cabrières d'Aigues town hall, you'll follow a 16 km-long marked trail via the Chemin des Méritants, the Couleton and the Basse de Cabrières, before climbing the highest peak in the Luberon. In practical terms, this is a loop, which means you return to the starting point. Allow around 7 hours to complete this hike, taking into account breaks and individual pace. The reward at the top is well worth all the effort, as the breathtaking panoramic view over the southern Luberon, with its green hills, peaceful valleys and perched villages, is simply breathtaking!

Classified as "difficult", this hike takes 3.5 hours to complete, starting from the parking lot at the Groseau spring. Ten kilometers through valleys, combe Obscure and combe de Comentige, small passes, Austrian black pine forest and small meadows, sometimes going back in time. For example, with the imposing building you'll soon come across: a former plasterworks that operated from the ^18th century until the 1950s. On arrival, you'll pass the old Malaucène paper mill.

As far as religious history is concerned, there's the Piaud chapel, from which you'll return via the Way of the Cross, and on arrival you'll discover the Romanesque chapel of Notre-Dame du Groseau. At the spring of the same name, classified as a remarkable heritage site, you can refresh and rest, as pilgrims have done since ancient times.

Why this name for a pond that is no longer salty? It is because it was drained in the 19th century. But imagine that it was in the Middle Ages and that it was exploited. Today, it is mainly a reserve for birds. There are no less than 150 different species. It is a small walk to discover the biodiversity of the Vaucluse, particularly rich. The surroundings are therefore arranged so that visitors can enjoy the place while respecting the natural species that inhabit it. Visits are organized by the tourist office.

The long walks are marked out in red and yellow. Prefer the blue ones if you are with small children. You will always have a beautiful view of the vineyard dotted with forests. The tourist office of Beaumes-de-Venise will give you maps, advice and more information about these walks. But always remember to check the weather forecast, thunderstorms can be fast and very violent. Put on good walking shoes, the paths are stony, remember to bring water, in summer the temperatures rise quickly.

Take a walk, but not during hunting season! The Combe de Canaud was once occupied by troglodyte populations. A hiking and interpretation trail of the Combe (available from the Mairie and the Bédoin tourist office) has been created by schoolchildren. The trail is well laid out, with sketches of the local flora, sheepfolds, a cave and the old basin that used to capture the village's water. Walking shoes and water bottle recommended.

This route is entirely dedicated to bikes and walkers, and follows the old railroad line. It runs from station to station, from Sarrians to Jonquières. It's especially popular with families on Sundays. It's so easy and flat, you'll even come across rollerbladers. Yes, trains don't like hills! And it's a safe bet that many of the local children have taken off their training wheels to get out and ride their bikes like grown-ups!

For lovers of original hiking tours in the (large) south-eastern quarter of France, but also in the rest of France, Italy, Germany, Portugal and several other European countries: Chemins du Sud is the agency for you. Created more than twenty years ago by a former shepherd mountain leader, Nicolas Dessaux, it has been able from the outset to win the confidence of many hikers and also - and above all - to remain among the leading agencies based in the South of France.

From the village square, there are many looping footpaths. Some have a bit of a history. Such is the case of the chemin des Fileuses, named after the spinners from Cabrières d'Avignon who came to work at the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse wool mill. 5 km of sometimes narrow paths through garrigue and natural caves to the old quarries of Cabrières-d'Avignon. From the village square, cross the bridge towards Cavaillon, then take the Gordes tourist route to the youth hostel.

This 3 km walk takes you through a land dedicated to wine since the ^13th century. In the ^18th century, vines became the only crop grown in the village. The village is surrounded by the Côtes du Rhône Cru Rasteau , awarded in 2010. You'll pass through a small wood and carpets of flowers, walk on a mosaic of clays that are all signs of quality biodiversity. You'll recognize the king of grapes, Grenache. Signs and flyers guide you along the trail. Back in the village, don't miss a tasting of the famous Cru.

To the east of the village, the Périgrine andPetit Défend localities are classified as Sensitive Natural Areas . The loop of this ethnobotanical hike opens and closes at Vénasque. With children, we stay connected and the walk becomes a treasure hunt, from beacon to beacon, installed on stones. You'll learn all about the plants, trees and shrubs that surround you, and about the Périgrine farm you'll be walking alongside. It takes 3 hours 30 minutes to learn all about the wig tree, Aleppo pine, common juniper, Kermes oak... At the top, you'll fall in love with the breathtaking view, from the Ventoux to the Dentelles de Montmirail, with the village of Blauvac perched on the side of the Giant. Then a zigzagging path leads down to the bed of the Nesque, known as Fonds de Nesque. The Défend ravine impresses before the steep and rugged ascent to Vénasque.