The best walks and hikes around Saint-Jacques
4.0
(94)
625
hikers
15
hikes
Hiking around Saint-Jacques offers diverse landscapes, particularly in the Haute-Provence region of France, characterized by challenging routes and unique geological features. The terrain includes mountain passes, such as the Col du Défens at 1,230 meters, and valleys with varied elevations. Hikers can experience a blend of natural scenery and artistic installations, like the Sentinels of the Asse. The region provides accessible terrain for hiking, ranging from moderate paths to more demanding ascents.
Best hiking trails around Saint-Jacques
- The most popular…
Last updated: August 19, 2026
4.2
(5)
24
hikers
12.5km
04:28
720m
720m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(6)
16
hikers
13.2km
03:54
390m
390m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(2)
18
hikers
9.30km
03:11
500m
500m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(7)
18
hikers
20.2km
05:54
550m
550m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
8
hikers
11.6km
03:45
500m
500m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Col des Robines peaks at 988m and will allow you to climb to almost 1000m without making any effort because from Moriez you would have a slope of around 3km with a slope not exceeding 5% and on the Saint-André les Alpes side this will be shorter, around 1.5 km, but harder with an average of 6-7%. Be careful, however, of the often very heavy traffic on this pass because it is on the RN 202 which is HUGELY used almost all year round.
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In Senez, you will be impressed by the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption cathedral. Indeed the building is quite imposing for such a small village. The reason is that this village was a former bishopric. Its territory is surrounded by mountains that have many peaks. You will also find on the land belonging to the municipality the source of Font Géline, as well as the Clue de la Roche Percée. In the center of the village a charming fountain has drinking water.
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This small village is very rich in fossiliferous sites. It is an eponymous site. It gives its name to a very ancient period of life on earth. Indeed the Barrêmian is a period of the secondary era very rich in ammonites. The concentration is such that some fountains in the village, you will see, are made up of these fossils. The rich collection of paleontologists Marthe and Louis Maurel can be admired in the natural history museum located in the town hall of the village. For fans of more contemporary stories, know that Napoleon Bonaparte spent the night in the village on March 4, 1815.
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This small village is very rich in fossiliferous sites. It is an eponymous site. It gives its name to a very ancient period of life on earth. Indeed the Barrêmian is a period of the secondary era very rich in ammonites. The concentration is such that some fountains in the village, you will see, are made up of these fossils. The rich collection of paleontologists Marthe and Louis Maurel can be admired in the natural history museum located in the town hall of the village. For fans of more contemporary stories, know that Napoleon Bonaparte spent the night in the village on March 4, 1815.
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Small alpine pass on the N202 (Route Napoleon) between Barrême in the valley of the Asse and Saint-André-les-Alpes in the valley of the Verdon. There is also a small passport sign! More information: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Col_des_Robines and https://alpenrouten.de/Robines-Col-des_point927.html
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Small abandoned hamlet A fountain provides water supplies
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Superb descent without trap that allows you to reach Creisset at the footbridge on the asse Very fun path in the undergrowth with easy and quick hairpins
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hiking trails can I find around Saint-Jacques?
Hiking around Saint-Jacques, particularly in the Haute-Provence region of France, offers a diverse range of trails. You'll encounter mountain passes, varied valleys, and unique geological formations. The terrain includes both moderate paths and more challenging ascents, often featuring significant elevation changes.
Are there trails suitable for beginners or those looking for an easier hike?
Yes, while many routes in the Haute-Provence region feature moderate to difficult terrain, there is at least one easy trail available. For those seeking a gentler experience, the region offers accessible terrain, though specific easy routes might require careful selection. If you're looking for very easy, family-friendly options, the Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques in Canada is known for its well-marked paths and minimal elevation gain, suitable for beginners and families.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks to see while hiking?
The Saint-Jacques area in Haute-Provence is rich in unique geological features and landmarks. You can explore impressive mountain passes like Col du Défens (1,230 m), Col des Robines, and Corobin Pass. Additionally, the region is home to unique artistic installations such as the Sentinel of the Asse by Andy Goldsworthy, which blends contemporary art with the natural landscape.
How many hiking routes are available in the Saint-Jacques area?
There are over 10 hiking routes documented for the Saint-Jacques area, ranging in difficulty from easy to difficult. This network provides options for various ability levels, ensuring there's a trail for almost every hiker.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Saint-Jacques?
The routes in Saint-Jacques are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 80 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the blend of natural scenery with unique geological formations, and the opportunity to explore both moderate paths and more challenging ascents.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Saint-Jacques?
Yes, several circular routes are available. For instance, the Trou de Chalvet loop from Moriez is a popular moderate trail, and the Creisset hamlet loop from Passerelle de Creisset also offers a circular journey through the landscape.
Can I find challenging hikes in the Saint-Jacques region?
Absolutely. The Haute-Provence region around Saint-Jacques is known for its challenging routes, including trails with significant elevation gain. For example, the Gorges de Trévans loop from Saule-Mort is classified as a difficult hike, featuring over 1,000 meters of elevation change.
Are there any historical sites or abandoned villages to explore on the trails?
Yes, you can discover historical landscapes while hiking. The Le Poil Abandoned Village loop from Saule-Mort offers a journey through a historical setting, allowing you to experience the past amidst natural surroundings.
What is the typical duration for hikes in Saint-Jacques?
Hike durations vary depending on the route's length and difficulty. For example, moderate trails like the Gue de la Mette – Bridge loop from Senez typically take around 3 hours 54 minutes, while longer, more challenging routes can extend to over 9 hours.
Is there a specific trail that leads to a bathing spot?
Yes, for those interested in combining hiking with a refreshing dip, the Fantastic bathing spot in the stream – Gorges de Trévans loop from Saule-Mort is a difficult but rewarding trail that leads to a notable bathing spot.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter in the Saint-Jacques area?
While the specific wildlife depends on the exact location, the Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques in Canada is known for opportunities to spot deer, foxes, various bird species, and even map turtles in the bays. The diverse habitats in the French Haute-Provence region also support a variety of local flora and fauna, though specific sightings will vary.
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