The Grand Margès

Description

Climbing on the third summit of the Var, from the village of Aiguines, leads to contemplation. The summit allows you to embrace with one look all the diversity of the landscapes of the Verdon Regional Nature Park: the hills of the Haut Var, the Great Gorges, the Valensole plateau with its wheat and lavender fields, the mountains of the alpine foothills, Lake Sainte-Croix... The climb is difficult, but the satisfaction of getting to the top will make you forget quickly the tiredness. Opposite the town hall, turn right towards the Barda square. In front of the big fountain, turn right via the alley passing near the belfry. From there, reach the upper street, follow it to the left, following the red and white markings of the GR® 99. Once you have gone through the village, leave for a moment the marked and paved path and climb to the right towards the Saint-Pierre chapel and the orientation table. Then go behind the chapel and reach the GR, then the road to the Gorges. 1 - Cross the road, go along it for about 50m. Then go on the opposite side of the campsite's entrance and go up through the GR into the undergrowth. Continue straight in a mixed forest of scots pines and oaks. 2 - At the intersection leave the path to the left which goes down to the Vaumale circus. Walk through a sinkhole and then coming out of a second sinkhole, go up on the right towards the top of the Grand Margès. 3 - From the peak, turn around and go back down using the same route.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, 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.

Getting there

Start: Mairie, Aiguines, Aiguines (83).

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/33765-AIGUINES---Le-grand-Marges). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 808 m, Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur