Mont Lachens (1715m) | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism

Mont Lachens

Reaching an altitude of 1715 metres, in the south of France, Mont Lachens is the highest point of the Var department. From the summit, you can see an extraordinary landscape. Your view extends as far as the Sainte-Baume massif to the west, and the Mercantour massif to the east. To the south? The mountains and hills give way to the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Mont Lanchens is also a great playground for walkers and nature lovers, who come to explore it alone, with friends, as a couple or with the family.

A paradise for hiking

On Mount Lachens, the forest alternates with areas of grassland and steppe with sparse vegetation.

The ubac, or northern slope, is dominated by a thick forest. Numerous trails wind under the trees, leading up to the summit. Secret paths slip between the trunks, inviting you to discover the jealously guarded treasures of a preserved nature. You can also reach the summit by taking the Lachens forest road, which leaves from the Col de Clavel on the D21 departmental road.

The adret, or southern slope, offers a different face. The trees are rarer here, and the large areas of short vegetation dominate a landscape that is both austere and grandiose.

An viewpoint indicator has been set up on the secondary summit of Mont Lachens. The access via La Bastide hiking trail requires a medium level. With a distance of almost 14km, and a medium duration of 6 hours, this activity will definitely seduce hiking enthusiasts.

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Une publication partagée par Adriane (@adriane_clrc)

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Une publication partagée par Paysdefayence (@paysdefayence)

A playground of nature and emotion

The trails and tracks invite you to get on your mountain bike. Do you like the exhilarating feeling of speed as you descend steep mountain trails? Do you prefer the pleasure of effort and like to challenge the steepest climbs? Mont Lachens offers you many routes, for cycling enthusiasts of all levels. Do you have a competitive streak? A 100 km race, the “Lachens Mer”, links the “roof of the Var” to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, on the Issambres beach in Roquebrune sur Argens.

Nature, at Mont Lachens, is also combined with the blue of the sky. You can join the birds of prey which evolve far above your heads, and discover new sensations, with a first flight in paragliding or hang-gliding. The take-off site is located at the summit, for an unforgettable escapade with the birds.

Around the Mont Lachens

These lands between Provence and the mountains, once isolated and wild, were studded with castles. Their remains still bear witness to this troubled period. You can discover, in particular, the ruins of the Sainte-Magdeleine castle and the Esclapon Roman camp during your hikes.

Not far away, L’Audibergue ski resort welcomes ski lovers in winter. In summer, many leisure activities are available: Mountain biking, mountain boarding, caving, adventure park, motorbike trials…

You can also take a section of the Route Napoléon nearby. Thus, you can follow the steps of the emperor Bonaparte, who left to reconquer France after his exile on the island of Elba.

To the south of Mont Lachens, the Pays de Fayence is an unmissable tourist destination in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: unspoilt landscapes, perched villages with picturesque houses and winding roads make up a postcard setting.