Barre du Pidanoux

Description

This hike, easy and very pleasant, is ideal during spring and offers multiple viewpoints on the Castillon lake. This hike starts from the village of Saint-Julien-du-Verdon, located on the shores of the beautiful Castillon lake. The Barre de Pidanoux (small orogeny) overlooks the lake of 300m and offers exceptional views both to the North (Saint-André-les-Alpes) and to the South (Saint-Julien-du-Verdon). From the ridge, the view also covers the Basse d'Angles (mount) and the Pic de Chamatte recognizable by its unusual outline. From the village, reach the big curve of the Route de St André-les-Alpes at 500m, just before the Memorial of the Resistance. Exit the N202 and follow the small road on the right. Continue on 700m after the last house until a dirt road. Take the flat road for another 800m. 1- At the end of the road (turning area), take the small path on the right (some steep sections!). At the end of the rise, climb to the ridge of the Barre de Pidanoux. 2- Continue on the ridge trail for 1km. Pass the peak (1,237m) and continue for another 500m. Complete the path where the trail descends steeply. 3- Head back by the same route to the village.

Difficulty

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

Before you go

• Avoid high summer temperatures, leave early. We recommend: 2L of water per person, a hat and proper hiking shoes. Preferred seasons: spring, autumn (fall).

Getting there

Start: Depuis le centre du village, St-Julien-du-Verdon, Saint-Julien-du-Verdon (04).

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/57527-SAINT-JULIEN-DU-VERDON---La-Barre-du-Pidanoux). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 395 m, Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur