Caussols to Calern Observatory and Notre Dame de Calern

Collet de Maçon, our planned goal today, was covered with snow and we decided instead to hike along the GR4 towards the Côte d’Azur Observatory situated on the vast Calern Plateau. The southern flank of Sommet de Calern offered a certain microclimate on the sunny winter day, just a few days after a heavy snowfall.

Caussols Church

GR4 to Calern

Caussols Plateau seen from Calern

Colle du Maçon

Limestone formations Calern

From the Caussols Mairie parking, we crossed the D12 road (signpost #30) and followed the GR4. There was still a few patches of snow on the trail. Higher up, we passed the now familiar limestone formations. We reached signpost #50 on the plateau, and left the GR4. There were several paths leading to the observatory. We hiked along a trail near the precipice. The views were spectacular as far as to Mont Mounier in the north.

Haut Montet viewed from Calern

Mont Mounier seen from Calern

Montagne de Thiey & Sommet de Calern

Cheiron Massif seen from Calern

Cave entrance Calern

Notre Dame de Calern chapel

After our picnic, we returned to signpost #50 and continued along the GR4 about 300 m until we saw an unmarked trail up to Notre dame de Calern, a small chapel built inside a cave. From the cave entrance, a 10 m long tunnel led to the chapel which was behind a closed gate. A beautiful shrine!

We descended to the main trail and headed back to our starting point.

Climb: 250 m

Distance: 7.2 km

Duration: 2h 30

Map: 3543 ET Haute Siagne