A lovely walk without any specific difficulties, with views over the vegetation of the Gardiole massif, Mont Saint-Clair and the lakes. Due to the large number of DFCI trails and paths, you can adjust this hike as you wish.
Technical sheet
n°4098868
A Gigean walk
posted on 28/03/16 by MPrice. Last update : 08/04/24
(S/E) After visiting the abbey and having enjoyed the views out over the lakes, follow the DFCI trail which starts on the left, sloping gently before slowly climbing upwards.
(1) At the fork, follow the path on the right and stay on it until you reach a pass (cistern).
(2) Take the path on the left and follow it up to the next crossroads, ignoring the other paths.
(3) Turn right and continue on the DFCI, ignoring the other paths which branch off here and there, up to the next pass.
(4) At the cistern, don't continue on the DFCI, but instead branch off immediately to the right onto a sloping path, which isn't very visible from the main path. Take the opportunity to have a look at the cave, to the right of the tank (20m of narrow galleries).
Go downhill until you reach a dry stream, then climb back up on the steep path opposite. Continue onwards, ignoring the different paths branching off on the left, until you re-join the path you started on, after the first pass. Head to the left and re-join the pass and the cistern.
(2) Continue on the path opposite which you took on the outward leg. Ignore the path on the right, 100m after the pass, and continue on until you see a second path branching off on the left. Turn left, passing in front of one of the dry stone huts which you find in this area (5) and return to the Abbey car park (S/E).
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 153 m
1 : km 0.79 - alt. 199 m - Fork, continue to the right.
2 : km 1.39 - alt. 220 m - Crossroads, cistern, continue to the left.
3 : km 2.13 - alt. 218 m - Crossroads, follow the DFCI to the right.
4 : km 4.44 - alt. 143 m - Pass, cistern, take barely visible path on right.
5 : km 6.99 - alt. 158 m - Dry stone hut.
S/E : km 7.1 - alt. 154 m
Useful Information
Not many shady places on this walk - avoid in hot weather.
(2) If you'd prefer to leave the DFCI track for a bit, you can cut some sections out by taking the path on the right 100m after the pass. Go past point (1) again and return to the departure point.
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.
