Loop hike: From Molard (729 m) to Rocher du Turc (885 m) via the col de la Mairie

Access

For lovers of picturesque landscapes and lush trails, the loop hike from Molard (729 m) to Rocher du Turc (885 m) starts with very easy access. From Sisteron, simply head towards the col de la Mairie, where parking is available for your vehicle. Once the engine is off, prepare for an adventure that promises to be both relaxing and exciting!

Difficulty Details

For those who dread the idea of facing a route worthy of an Indiana Jones in the mountains, rest assured! The path from Molard to Rocher du Turc is classified as an easy difficulty route. Don’t worry, even your Aunt Germaine could manage it with her cane. With an elevation gain of only 552 m, the ascent is gradual, making it a perfect choice for beginners or those who want to get back in shape without too much suffering.

Essential Information

Here are some key pieces of information to know before you embark on this beautiful hike:

• Distance: Approximately 12 km loop, a little warm-up won’t hurt!
• Duration: Expect between 4 to 5 hours depending on your pace. Take time to admire the scenery, a selfie at the summit is worth a few extra minutes!
• Signage: Follow the red and white markers, it’s impossible to get lost (well, almost)!
• Ideal Season: Spring and autumn offer vibrant colors, but summer shouldn’t be overlooked to enjoy the sun.

Itinerary

Your adventure begins at Molard. Follow the wide path that climbs to the right towards the famous Orientation Table of Molard. Be careful, the panoramas over the heights of Sisteron are like living paintings, so don’t hesitate to take photo breaks.

Once you reach the top, the trail heads towards Rocher du Turc. The route alternates between airy ridges and lush oak forests. Listen to the birds singing while making your way through the vegetation; yes, even nature knows how to put on a show!

As you approach the Rocher, a small detour is required to enjoy the stunning view that stretches as far as the eye can see. Keep an eye on the interpretive signs; they are full of nuggets of information about the local fauna and flora.

Then, descend towards the col de la Mairie, repeating with every step that it wasn’t that hard after all. At the end of this loop, you can say that you’ve stepped into the wonderful world of hiking and maybe enjoy a nice coffee to celebrate this beautiful day outdoors!

Don’t wait any longer, put on your best boots, and set off to conquer the Molard and Rocher du Turc: an unmissable route for all nature lovers!