Whether you prefer to explore the Provençal countryside on foot, by bike or by horseback, there are trails suitable for everyone in Provence Verte – ‘Green Provence’. With its hillsides, winding roads and secret paths, our region is a veritable playground for those in search of nature’s escape.
Walks Departing from Cotignac
Cotignac is the ideal starting point for a hike, whether at the base of the cliff, or amidst the vineyards, or in the heart of pine forests and olive groves. The routes are well-marked and suitable for all levels. Each trail is designed to access the inaccessible, from tracks through the steep Bessillon forest, to paths along the riverbanks, to small footbridges across streams. Get out there and crisscross Provence Verte whatever the weather, and whatever the season! We have selected three very accessible walks:
● In the footsteps of the Holy Family
A circuit that takes you to the holy sites of Cotignac: Saint-Martin chapel, Saint-Joseph monastery with its miraculous water source, and the Notre-Dame-de-Grâces sanctuary with its panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
Distance : 10km
Elevation : +369m -271m
Duration : 3 hours 15 minutes
Starting Point : Parking lot at the entrance of Cotignac
The Petit Poucet Walk
A pleasant walk along the water (waterfall, stream, canal) which takes you to the Saint-Martin chapel and the Sara cabin, with a view of the lower Verdon canyon, the Canjuers plateau and Mont Lachens.
Distance : 8,5km
Elevation : +260m
Duration : 2:hours 30 minutes
Trail Markings : Yellow
Starting Point : Place Joseph Sigaud
Through the Bessillon Forest
A hike through the Bessillon forest which offers a view of the tuff cliff and its troglodyte dwellings, the Saint-Martin district (source, chapel, washhouse), the Notre-Dame-de-Grâces sanctuary and a panoramic view towards on Mont Bessillon.
Distance : 8 km
Elevation : +188m
Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes
Trail Markings : Red
Starting Point : D13 parking in front of the tourism office
For more hikes, visit the tourist office website. For example, you can join the GR9 at Nans-les-Pins in the heart of the Sainte-Baume Regional Natural Park.
Mountain bike or electric bike ride
Along rivers, on country roads, near small villages or even in the mountains, bicycle touring seduces travelers in search of an active vacation, while enjoying the superb panoramas that the Green Provence region has to offer. Discover this beautiful region in total autonomy while giving your body the benefits of this sport practice. For effortless rides in “slow travel” mode, there is nothing like an electric bike to enjoy the kilometers of bike paths and the mosaics of landscapes. A few minutes away by car, Coti’s Bike offers electric bike rentals starting at 20€. To rent muscle bikes or electric bikes, go to Natur’Evasion in Saint-Antonin-du-Var. We recommend their nature tours provided on GPS file.
Horseback riding in Green Provence
Horseback riding is an environmentally friendly practice that combines pleasure and escape. It is popular with all generations and offers an unparalleled breath of fresh air. Horseback riding allows you to approach nature as closely as possible and to blend in serenely. The paths and tracks offer the opportunity for endless walks, from the simple stroll accessible to all to the longer and more sportive ride. 15 minutes from Cotignac, Les Écuries du Mas di Gau welcome you every day in their 25 hectares domain. You will enjoy different rides according to your level, in small groups of 2 to 6 people.
Prepare your hiking shoes or your mount, the Green Provence can be discovered on foot, on horseback or by bike. Book your night at the hotel La Falaise to discover one of the most beautiful regions of France.
