Les châtaigneraies des Maures – Circuit 18

Departure / Arrival: General de Gaulle car park, General de Gaulle avenue, La Londe-les-Maures
Towns crossed: La Londe-les-Maures, Pierrefeu-du-Var, Puget-Ville, Carnoules, Pignans, Gonfaron, Collobrières, Bormes-les-Mimosas
In La-Londe-Les-Maures: leave the General de Gaulle car park to the left to cross the town centre on the D88 (northbound).

Pass the hamlet of Les Jassons and continue on the D88 in the Pansard valley, between vineyards and oak undergrowth (one of which is a thousand years old). A short climb will take you to the Col de Gambet (192m) in the middle of the Pierrefeu forest. Go down in bends towards the D 14 and turn left towards Pierrefeu. Pass the Château Montaud then, on the right, take the Chemin de Maraval. A lovely view of the Massif des Maures accompanies you to the hamlet of La Tuilière. Pass near La Portanière (Moorish-style villa) and turn left onto the Chemin de Portanière (very peaceful atmosphere) until the junction to take the D13 on the right towards Pignans. Travel through the Réal Martin valley, pass the place called Les Vidaux before turning right onto the D78 and reach Pignans <28,5 km>. (XNUMXth century collegiate church, listed organ).

Before the SNCF bridge, turn right, cross the Notre-Dame des Anges housing estate on a small communal road and at the oratory, turn left to take the forest road. (be careful! This road may be closed due to major fire risks. Check with the prefecture. Above all, never cross the barrier.) Steep bends to climb lead you to Notre-Dame des Anges (779 m). On the way up, a pleasant oratory from 1846 with its Holy fountain will be welcome! Just a little more effort and you arrive at Notre Dame des Anges! <40,5 km> (Medieval chapel with cloister, many ex-votos, and orientation table, exceptional view of the Maures massif and the Alps. Toilets on site).

After this refreshing break, go down following the signs, left then right on the D 39 towards the Col des Fourches (535 m). While admiring the splendid view, join, by the D 14, Collobrières <55,5 km>. (Old village in the heart of the Maures, fountains, old bridge, candied chestnut factory, forestry crafts.)

Cross the village, cross the new bridge and take the D 14 on the left until the D 41 towards Col de Babaou/Bormes-les-Mimosas. At the first bends, there is a neo-Gothic chapel on the left. You will reach the Col de Babaou (414 m) <64,5 km>.

Take the pretty cornice road overlooking the Valcros valley, with a view of the Hyères-les-Palmiers islands and the peaks north of Toulon. Join the Col de Gratteloup (222 m) <73 km>. In a superb descent, cross the N 98 (be careful) and after the Caguo-Ven pass (220 m) arrive at Bormes les Mimosas <77 km>. (Ruins of the XNUMXth century castle with panorama, crafts)

Go down the medieval hilltop village towards Pin de Bormes. Take the D 559 on the left (be careful, this road is quite busy) towards Le Lavandou then immediately turn right towards Fort de Brégançon. At Pas de la Griotte (72 m), take the first road on the right (on the left, you can get closer to Fort de Brégançon, an old medieval fortress and presidential residence). Continue your route among the castles and vineyards until you arrive at La Londe Les Maures via the D 42B.

Remember that you are driving on roads bordered by private properties. Also, respecting marked paths, the highway code and crops (olive trees, chestnut trees, cork, etc.) is the best insurance for a pleasant walk.
Take your waste with you and help preserve our environment.
Remember to hydrate yourself, you can find water points in all the villages you pass through.

The day before your activity, remember to check the local weather forecast.

Users are liable if basic safety rules are not respected.

Necessary equipment:

Protective helmet, rain gear, GPS and/or IGN map, fluorescent vest (hunting season), repair equipment, water and provisions, first aid kit.