Baisse des Collettes from Col de Vé Gautier (Estéron Valley)

Having climbed to Mont Brune (1518 m) a few years ago, we now wanted to explore the trail to Baisse des Collettes.

We are above the Esteron River Valley, in the commune of Pierrefeu.

We parked near Col de Vé Gautier by the D27 road between Toudon and Ascros. Already at 1099 m according to the map, we started to ascend from signpost #98 towards Baisse de Mont Brune. We followed a dirt track, then a trail making shortcuts in the woods. Higher up, at a sharp bend, we forked left (northwest) along a path to signpost #95. We were on the southern flank of Mont Brune, with stunning views to the south and west.

Mont Lion seen from Col de Vé Geutier

Soon after #98

Forest stretch to Baisse du Mont Brune

Ascros seen from trail

At #95, we forked to the east, and after a while merged with the dirt track again. We used it for the last stretch to Baisse de Mont Brune (1404 m according to own data).

We now followed a path east, descending in the woods. We soon had super views of the snow-capped Mercantur mountain chain in the north and northeast. We were lucky to have such a clear spring day. The path continued along the northern side of the ridge, and we hiked under Roche Blanche (1299 m; map info). After several short ascents and descents, we reached Baisse des Collettes (1269 m), the mountain pass which was our turning point today.

Southern flank of Mont Brune

Cheiron Massif seen from trail

Baisse du Mont Brune

Approaching Baisse des Collettes

Near Baisse des Collettes

Villars-sur-Var

Baisse des Collettes

We only met two other hikers on this trail in spite of the beautiful day. On the way back, from Baisse de Mont Brune we followed the dirt track all the way back to our starting point by the D27 road.

Climb: 540 m

Duration: 4 h

Distance: 10,3 km

Map: 3642 ET Vallée de l’Estéron