Mont Macaron, Contes
A beautiful ridge walk passing old ruins
The airy ridge of Mont Macaron (806m) tapers towards the south and opens up the bare countryside that reflects the heavy price the area paid due to the fire that destroyed much of the scrub in 1986.
Perched 750m high up on a strategic hill lie the ruins of Chateauneuf. Abandoned in the 18th century the ruins have been maintained by the local community to ensure their survival throughout the years.
What to bring
IGN map 3742OT is recommended for this walk
Directions
Parking at the Col de Chateauneuf follow the road south for 100m before taking the trail turning off left. This trail leads you to the ruins of Chateauneuf. After visiting the ruins head back along the trail to the Chapelle St-Joseph, signposted from the junction. From here, cross the road and take the Mont Macaron ridge trail leading south easterly. From the summit you are rewarded with magnificent views of the Paillon Valley. Follow the trail to the south peak where you can see the coast on a clear day.
The trail then leads downhill to a junction. Take a right and head back north, this trail flows up and down the mountain leading back to the Chapelle St-Joseph. Once back at the Chapelle take the same route back to the start.
