Colle du Maçon

There are no marked hiking itineraries up to Colle du Maçon (1417 m) from Col du Clapier (1257m), but several clearly visible paths nevertheless crisscross the long Maçon ridge.

We used Caussols as our starting point as the GR4 long-distance trail runs through the village. We had last year hiked along it to Col du Clapier on the way to Haut Montet. Several shortcuts and loops have been described by others, but inhabitants on the vast Caussols Plateau do not appreciate hikers passing through their private properties. Earlier, the GR4 used a more direct route to the south.

Design signpost

Leaving Caussols

Colle du Maçon northern flank

GR4 to Col du Clapier

Wild orchids

We headed south along GR4 passing signposts #30, 31, and 32. The first part was almost flat, and followed country roads in places. We had the mountain relief in front of us. The GR4 eventually turned to southeast, and we climbed to Col du Clapier. The GR4 continued south to Grasse. We forked right (no markings), and ascended along the eastern flank of Colle du Maçon. Several parallel trails were visible. It was a long treeless mountain ridge with great views everywhere even on a partly cloudy day.

The highest point was clearly visible, and while heading there we passed some old ruins and what looked like pastoral areas.

Near Col du Clapier

Colle du Maçon eastern flank

Caussols Plateau

Plateau de la Malle

Colle du Maçon summit

The summit was marked with three cairns, the westernmost with a wooden cross. With met several groups of hikers and trail runners on the ridge. Locals seem to know this area well. We picnicked on the summit in spite of the chilly wind, admiring the coastline some 20 km to the south, before returning back to Caussols using the same itinerary.

Climb: 400 m

Distance: 12 km

Duration: 3h 40

Map: «Haut Siagne» 3543 ET