Monks' Trail

Description

A family hike to meet the historical and religious heritage of Serres, passing between chapels and Hebrew tomb. "A beautiful hike that allows you to discover the heritage and the old town of Serres before escaping on the heights and walk in a wilder atmosphere on the crests. Some beautiful points of view largely reward the effort of climbing in the undergrowth. On the way, several religious heritage elements invite you to pause and contemplation and make this loop a complete tour! “Vincent Aubert, technician of nature sports to the Pnr Baronnies of Provence. From the fountain, in front of the Tourist Office, turn right on the lane (Saint-Claude) to join the highs of Serres by following the Guérite path Go up the hairpin path that joins the upper part of the city and follow the road "Chemin du château". 1 - Go right on Chemin de la Chapelle (explanatory panel). Pass at the foot of the Molend tower (14th century) and bypass the small cemetery of the chapel Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours. Continue on the trail passing in front of Jewish tomb (14th s), and which rises then in laces under the pines. 2 - Bend the sharp Rock (842 m) to continue on the ridge of Fontarache. After some steep climbs in the rocks, you get to the Saumane pass (1031 m). 3 - At the directional post at the pass, turn left and go down towards Serres. Follow the same route as the GR by a path that crosses several times the forest track. Pass in front of the Saumane chapel. 4 - Continue the track. The track turns into a tarred road to join Serres. 5 - Enter the village of Serres and arrive near the college, turn left to pass on the esplanade Sainte Catherine (along the school). Find the Tourist Office by continuing through the alleys and vaulted passages (soustets).

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Before you go

• Be careful, the path follows steep rocky passages between point 2 and point 3.

Getting there

Start: Office de Tourisme, Serres, Serres (05).

Sources

• Track: Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Chemins des Parcs), Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (www.cheminsdesparcs.fr/trek/56542-SERRES---Sentier-des-moines). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 393 m, Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur