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Plateau de Cavillore from Gourdon (English) - Hiking Route - France

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Plateau de Cavillore from Gourdon (English)

Hiking Route · France
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Paul Michell 
  • Small road from Gourdon, with Pastel in full bloom
    / Small road from Gourdon, with Pastel in full bloom
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / we followed GR51 at this sign
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / Cavillore plateau wild hyacinth
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / wild flowers on Cavillore plateau
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / View over wooded part of Cavillore plateau
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / Cavillore plateau shrub in full bloom
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / Wild orchids on the Plateau de Castillon
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / Plateau de Cavillore
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / At sign we turned right along GR51
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / GR51 to left, grassy track to right
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / Plateau de Cavillore
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / Gorges de Loup
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / Gorges de Loup
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
  • / Gourdon
    Photo: Paul Michell, Community
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A steady climb from the Village of Gourdon to this plateau, with stunning views to the coast, over the plateau to surrounding mountains, and over the Gorges de Loup. Some great flora & fauna. Interesting geology as well.
moderate
Distance 10.4 km
3:34 h
419 m
420 m
1,097 m
735 m
Early  May 2022 and we decided to follow this route from Gourdon to the Cavillore plateau. We followed a route posted on Outdooractive. The climb from Gourdon is steady and once you reach the plateau the views and countryside are wonderful. There are several well marked and signed paths. This route once it left the GR51 was at first well trodden and easy to follow; however once we reached the Cross at the edge of the plateau, overlooking the Gorges de Loup the trail petered out. The terrrain is mainly raw limestone rock, which does not show the trail. There are some cairns but these are irregular and hard to see against the bedrock. The ground underfoot is uneven; additionally the trail is very close to the cliff edge for some distance and not for those of nervous disposition. It is rewarding though - the views over the Gorge are stunning.

Author’s recommendation

Having done this walk, I would probably go as far as the cross on the edge of the Gorge de Loup, taking great care enjoy the view & then retrace my steps to follow the signed path from post 11 'Circuit de Cavillore' around the Plateau.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
1,097 m
Lowest point
735 m

Safety information

Much of the ground is very stony with loose stones and gravel, or uneven.

The section that is along the edge of the Gorges de Loup is raw limestone, heavily eroded and uneven.

Additionally this section is adjacent to the Gorge and presents a vertical drop of several hundred metres just a couple of metres away from the trail; great care is needed.

Tips and hints

There are toilets and a couple of restaurant / bars adjacent to the car park. However by the time we returned to the car park the bars / restaurants were closed as were any in Gourdon itself (about 19.00 hours).

In view of the nature of the geology, underfoot ground and danger (cliffs) by the Gorge de Loup I suggest not suitable for children.

Start

Car park below Gourdon (741 m)
Coordinates:
DD
43.721140, 6.977562
DMS
43°43'16.1"N 6°58'39.2"E
UTM
32T 337093 4842888
w3w 
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Destination

Circular / there & back

Turn-by-turn directions

Effectively the route follows the GR51 from Gourdon (red / white waymarks) until you reach a fork , the GR51 going left & a grassy track to the right, which you follow. 

I would strongly advise downloading GPX and loading on your device, if you wish to follow ths route.

Note


all notes on protected areas

Getting there

We arrived by car

Parking

We started from the lower car park at Gourdon. There were no fees at time of writing.

Coordinates

DD
43.721140, 6.977562
DMS
43°43'16.1"N 6°58'39.2"E
UTM
32T 337093 4842888
w3w 
///refund.counterpart.sarongs
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendations for this region:

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Equipment

Proper walking / hiking footwear is essential.

GPS device.

Camera, binoculars; food & drinks.

Suitable clothing for changeable mountain conditions - this route goes over 1000 metres - 3300 feet.

The Most Beautiful hikes in France
Person Standing on Green Grass Covered Hill
France › Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur › Alpes-Maritimes › Gourdon

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Difficulty
moderate
Distance
10.4 km
Duration
3:34 h
Ascent
419 m
Descent
420 m
Highest point
1,097 m
Lowest point
735 m
Out and back Circular route Scenic Geological highlights Botanical highlights Flora and fauna Healthy climate

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Routes France Plateau de Cavillore from Gourdon (English)