Panorama gorges du BlavetPanorama gorges du Blavet
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Gorges du Blavet

Gorges du Blavet

The Blavet, a small river that rises in the hills of the Var, has carved its way through impressive masses of red volcanic rock. The force of the water has shaped this unique and beautiful landscape. The Gorges du Blavet are now a paradise for hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.

An enchanting beauty

In the Gorges du Blavet, there is an air of elsewhere. Rich in iron, the cliffs and needles composed of volcanic porphyry oxidise and take on a beautiful golden red hue. The jagged edges rise into the sky, changing colour with the hours and the seasons. Slowly sculpted by water and wind, the rocks take on strange shapes. Numerous caves and grottoes, of all sizes and depths, have also been scattered by the elements. The Grotte de Muéron is one of the geological sights not to be missed.

The polychrome picture of the Gorges du Blavet makes you the gift of beautiful red, green and blue colours. The vegetation, between scrubland and groves, covers the valley floor and rushes up the slopes and clings to the cliffs. It comes in many shades of green, from the lightest to the darkest, from the palest to the most intense. Blue dominates everywhere else, above you and towards the horizon. The sun reigns supreme here, inviting itself almost daily in this unique work created over thousands of years by Mother Nature.

 

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Une publication partagée par Paysdefayence (@paysdefayence)

A hiker’s paradise

The Gorges du Blavet are criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails, which are a delight all year round for walking enthusiasts. There are many possibilities, from easy, short walks with low gradients to more physical and technical routes. For example, you can do a loop that takes you through the Bois de Malvoisin and the Gorges du Blavet in 18 kilometres. Some of the paths join the banks of the Blavet, for a refreshing break with your feet in the water.

Are you staying near Bagnols-en-Forêt or Roquebrune-sur-Argens for several days? You can explore the Maures massif, between Hyères and Fréjus, and the Estérel massif, between Fréjus and Cannes, on foot. The landscapes are sublime, and you can walk between nature and the sea, while discovering picturesque villages with Provencal charm. You can also follow part of the GR®51. Known as the “Balcony of the Mediterranean”, this long-distance footpath links La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhône) to Menton, on the Italian border (Alpes-Maritimes), in 440 kilometres.

In order to make the most of your hike, we invite you to take with you the appropriate equipment: walking shoes, sufficient water, a hat for the sun and a snack are all essential.

Climbing and outdoor activities

Hundreds of climbing routes have been equipped in the Gorges du Blavet, with various grades to delight the amateur or beginner, as well as the experienced climber. The rhyolite offers a particular grain and a very different configuration from the dominant limestone in the Var, and invites sportsmen to discover new sensations. You can download a guidebook of the climbing routes in the Gorges du Blavet on the vertical-evasion.fr website, or you can learn this sport by contacting a professional guide.

Cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts can also explore the many trails that wind through the Gorges du Blavet, winding their way through the valleys and over the ridges of the neighbouring hills. The Pays de Fayence Tourist Office proposes a beautiful 22 km loop, which is aimed at the more experienced sportsmen.

Practical information

The Gorges du Blavet are located between the communes of Roquebrune-sur-Argens and Bagnols-en-Forêt.

You can easily get there by car:

  • From the A8 motorway, take the Fréjus-Est exit (N°38)
  • Take the direction of Roquebrune-Sur-Argens, then La Bouverie and Bagnols-en-Forêt
  • After a hairpin bend, take the Bayonne track on the right (signposted)
  • Park at the Gorges du Blavet car park (bottom).

Access to the Gorges du Blavet may be forbidden if the weather conditions require it. In summer in particular, and all year round during periods of high temperatures or in the event of strong winds, we invite you to consult the interactive map published by the Préfecture du Var on https://www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/var/

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