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Belvédère du Fau

HardProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur · France

GPX
Distance
12.7 km (7.9 mi)
Elevation gain
701 m (2,300 ft)
Typical time
3 hr 42 min
Difficulty
Hard
Route type
Loop
Highest point
Not recorded

About Belvédère du Fau

Belvédère du Fau is a 12.7 km hiking route in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. It climbs roughly 701 m (2,300 ft) along the way. Most people take around 3 hr 42 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. This is a demanding day. The climbing is sustained and the descent is long enough to punish tired knees.

The route is built around its viewpoint, which does most of the work for a relatively small effort.

It is a 12.7 km loop, so you finish where you started and never repeat a section. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.

In short, Belvédère du Fau suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Hard12.7 km701 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.

Highlights

  • Panoramic viewpoint
  • Waymarked route
  • Circular route, no backtracking
  • Waymarked and signposted

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Yes, signed on the ground
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
51/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
37/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
47/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
37/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
20/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in France are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Trekking poles for the descent
  • Offline map and compass
  • Head torch and spare battery
  • Extra warm layer
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Belvédère du Fau

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Easy

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Elevation gain
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Elevation gain
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