Ascent of Coudon (83)

A nice climb to the top of Coudon (altitude 702 m) near Toulon.

Technical sheet

n°4098583

A Solliès-Ville walk posted on 22/06/13 by visorando. Last update : 26/09/16

Activity: Walking
Distance: 7.27 km
Calculated time: 3h 00
Difficulty: Moderate
Return to departure point: Yes
Vertical gain: + 335 m
Vertical drop: - 335 m
Highest point: 650 m
Lowest point: 351 m

District: Solliès-Ville (83210)
Start/End: N 43.173426° / E 6.003225°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3346OT, 3446OT
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Description

To access the starting point: Toulon, A57, exit 6 ‘La Farlède’, continue on to Sollies-Ville, continue to go on the road to Selves. After 3 km, turn right onto a narrow road (sign states "forbidden to all vehicles", but if the barrier is not lowered it is fine to use, the Coudon massive freely accessible). If you have to park at the barrier, add 2 km to the hike.
Continue to a small chapel and a water tank. Here you will find the car park: Lat E: 43.17358 and Long. N: 6.00330. Note that the path begins to fade before reaching the car park.

(S/E) From the start point, between the car park and the chapel, follow the GR51 route to the summit (the Coudon path, with markings in White and Red).

At a fork (1) follow the GR to the left. Further on, one crosses a ledge known as the "Petit Coudon" (2). The climb continues up to the viewpoint (3).

From there, the trail takes us back on our steps a little and leads to the road (D446) (4). Head right on this road for 2.3 km.

(5) Leave the GR51 and turn right: the path is flat at the beginning and passes between two small peaks. This path leads us to an intersection of paths with a post which shows 4 coloured markings (6). Turn left and downwards (a 180° turn), then 200 m further on, turn right continuing downwards.

The trail descends steadily and opens onto the GR51 (1). Take this left to return to your vehicles.

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 351 m - Start located between the car park and the chapel
1 : km 0.41 - alt. 372 m - Fork at hill 367
2 : km 1.13 - alt. 456 m - Petit Coudon
3 : km 1.98 - alt. 616 m - Orientation table
4 : km 2.1 - alt. 650 m - Take the road on the right for 2.3 km
5 : km 4.59 - alt. 488 m - Path starts on the right
6 : km 5.42 - alt. 495 m - Post-tag
S/E : km 7.27 - alt. 351 m

Useful Information

Admire the magnificent view as you climb stretching south to the sea with Porquerolles Island, and then when heading down the road at a hairpin bend, the extraordinary panorama of the most beautiful harbour in the world, that of Toulon of course !
Warning!, near the summit you will be hiking through military land... but this should not be a problem. Access to Fort Lieutenant Girardon is, of course, strictly prohibited!
The climb is tough ... and there is no water! During the day, a hat is indispensable. In the evening at the top it's not hot: bring a jumper and/or a wind-breaker.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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During the walk or to do/see around

To visit: Toulon, of course ... Hyères and the Golden Isles (Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Levant).
Small additional detail: starting from Toulon there is a direct route by car to La Valette and the D446... to, for example, meet up with hikers.

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