In Auzet, trails lead from the village centre up to the meadows of the Col, while the waterfall and arboretum offer their own insights into geology and nature. Those choosing this destination can pick from short, beginner-friendly routes, other trails at Col du Fanget and historical discoveries in the village.
Hiking trails around Auzet
Several hiking and mountain biking routes are signposted in the Col du Fanget area. In winter, there are more than 30 kilometres of signposted snowshoe trails. The activities therefore vary by activity and season: alongside hiking and mountain biking routes, snowshoe tours are also part of the regional trail network.
The “Le Col” hike begins in the centre of Auzet at Place du Graveyron. From there, it leads to the hamlet of Les Auberts and continues through the forest to the meadows of the Col. Its route connects a start in the heart of the village with forest and more open areas.
Trail No. 5, “Crêtes de Fissac,” also starts at Col du Fanget. This short route is aimed at beginners and takes them past natural and cultural features; it also offers a chance to get acquainted with trail running. Trail No. 10, “Col de la Grangeasse,” follows a different route: from Col du Fanget, it leads to the Fissac woodland and, on a large loop, continues to Col de Grangeasse and along the Robine ridge. Thus, the same starting area offers a choice between a short beginner route and a route with a large loop.
Traditional summer cabins can also be discovered on the Tour des montagnes d'Auzet. Locally, they are called “campagnes” or “bastié.” Until the mid-20th century, families from Auzet spent the summer there. The cabins give the tour a historical connection to former ways of life in the mountains.
Waterfall, rock formations and tree species
At the edge of Auzet lies the Cascade du Saut de la Pie, a site in the Haute-Provence Geopark. It can be explored by car, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot. At the Cascade, a stratigraphic gap and an angular unconformity can be observed: Upper Triassic sandstones, around 235 million years old, lie directly on black Upper Carboniferous pelites, around 300 million years old. The entire Permian period, lasting 65 million years, is missing. This makes it possible to trace both a significant period in Earth's history and the different orientations of the rock layers.
The Arboretum du Cubertin is located at an altitude of 1,500 metres in an alpine grassland of the Massif des Monges, about five kilometres west of the village of Auzet. It offers a short walk through the higher-altitude areas of the commune. More than fifty tree species grow in the green, protected setting. Information panels about wildlife, a pond, nesting boxes and an observation hut complement the walk. So, alongside the geological insights at the waterfall, trees and wildlife are also a focus.
History and farming life
A commemorative plaque honouring the Righteous of Auzet was unveiled at Col du Fanget on 7 May 2005. Another historical episode is associated with Fanget in the commune of Auzet: the Allouch brothers were brought there in spring 1943 and remained until 1944. In the village, several old houses in traditional mountain architecture recall the former importance of livestock breeding and agriculture. Auzet's economy was based on sheep farming for a long time.
Ferme BĂ©ridon is an educational farm in Auzet. Visitors can explore a farm and its human, animal and natural surroundings, either on their own or in groups. A short path leads around the animal park. The visit therefore combines an insight into agricultural life with a walk around the farm.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Martin-les-Eaux, Mallefougasse-Augès, Lardiers, Gréoux-Les-Bains, Valbelle, Saumane, Villeneuve, Niozelles.
For the wider travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
