Gorges du Caramy

Located near the village of Tourves, in the Var department, the Caramy Gorges stretch for about five kilometres, from Pont Romain to Saut du Cabri. They offer hiking and nature lovers a beautiful destination in the heart of the Sainte-Baume Massif. This natural site is particularly appreciated in summer, as it remains very cool. Many tourist activities can complete your day of discovery in this beautiful site of the south of France, right by the Côte d’Azur.

A paradise for hiking lovers

Little by little, the Caramy has dug its bed in the middle of a plateau of white rocks, cutting into the limestone and giving way to steep cliffs. Dense vegetation has developed, watered by the river, and numerous birds, mammals, fish and aquatic animals have taken possession of the area.

Hiking enthusiasts can follow the various paths that go along the course of the Caramy, or move away from the river to dominate the gorges. They can enjoy the coolness offered by the proximity of the water and the shade of the poplars, or the singular and serene beauty of these virginal landscapes. Walkers and experienced hikers alike can admire an exceptional biodiversity in the heart of a protected area, listed Natura 2000. Some paths lead to the top of the Candoux hill, where the Saint-Probace chapel and the remains of a Celto-Ligurian oppidum await you.

In order to prepare your hike as well as possible, we invite you to bring appropriate equipment: walking shoes, sufficient water, hat, sunglasses… You will thus be able to enjoy an incredible view and take your best photos in the best conditions.

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Tourves, between nature and heritage

The village of Tourves, located a few kilometres north of the Gorges du Caramy, offers many remarkable points, historical monuments and tourist activities.

The castle of Valbelle and its park can be visited freely. The remains of this astonishing 18th century palace bear witness to the Count of Valbelle’s quest for the ideal architecture. Its Greek-inspired colonnade, particularly well preserved, impresses by its elegance and monumental dimensions.

The Musée des Gueules Rouges bears witness to the mining past of Tourves. In the 19th and 20th centuries, a bauxite deposit was exploited here, from which the precious ore was extracted for the production of aluminium. A museographic tour recounts the daily life of the miners, the techniques used and the working and living conditions.

Discovering the Provence Verte

The Gorges du Caramy are located in the heart of the Provence Verte. This natural territory, watered in particular by the Argens, is home to small towns and picturesque villages in a postcard setting.

Numerous remarkable sites invite you to practice nature and outdoor activities: hiking in the Sainte-Baume, mountain biking in the hills between vineyards and pine forests, canoeing on the Argens, climbing in the Vallon Sourn, you are spoilt for choice!

A trip along the roads of green Provence invites you to make many stops. In Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, heritage lovers can visit the imposing Romanesque abbey, built in the Middle Ages to house the relics of Mary Magdalene. The town spreads out around this majestic building in an intertwining of narrow streets, which invite you to stroll around. To explore the medieval town of Brignoles, you must also start by losing yourself in the labyrinth of streets and squares.

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Practical information

You can easily reach the Gorges du Caramy by car:

Take the A8 motorway which links Aix-en-Provence to the Italian border
Take exit 34 (Barjols/Tourves/Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume)
Follow the direction of Brignoles (DN7)
Leave the DN7 and head towards the village of Tourves
Cross the village in the direction of the stadium
Take the Chemin du Moulin to the car park

Note: an experiment was carried out during the summer season 2021, with a compulsory parking at the level of the stadium, and the implementation of free shuttles to access the Gorges du Caramy. We invite you to contact the Tourist Office to find out if this arrangement is still in place.

The Gorges du Caramy may be closed to the public if weather conditions require it (drought, strong heat, violent winds). Before coming, we invite you to consult the page https://www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/var/.