View of Gorges du Loup
Already at the start of the tour you can see Gourdon looming on the cliff top on the horizon - ©cityxee.com
Anticipation builds with every step as Gourdon becomes more apparent.
Great views of the valley along the way
Small rest area with views after 1/3 of the ascent to Gourdon
After a four-kilometer hike, you reach "paradise": the magical Gourdon.
Chemin du Paradis – Highlights of the hike
This 4 km route to Gourdon offers an impressive climb of around 500 vertical meters and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll follow a historic stone path used by traders and pilgrims for centuries. The narrow path winds through Mediterranean vegetation with fragrant lavender, thyme and wild herbs while enjoying exceptional panoramic views of the Loup Valley.
A heavenly path up to Gourdon
The name of the path dates back to a time when Bar-sur-Loup did not have its own cemetery and the deceased had to be carried up this path to Gourdon for burial.
What makes the route special?
- Historical significance: The trail was once an important link between the lowlands and the mountains.
- Amazing views: On clear days you can see all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.
- Gourdon: The destination of the tour is one of France’s most beautiful villages, known for its medieval charm, craftsmanship and exceptional views.
Tips for the hike!
Download the free version of the AllTrails app and get live guidance along the way. With the app you can always see your exact position in the terrain and follow the right route. Once the app is installed on your phone, simply click on this link: Hiking Bar-sur-Loup – Gourdon
Tour start: Chemin du Paradis
The hike begins at the cemetery in Bar-sur-Loup (see map at the bottom of the page), where you follow Chemin de Bessurane until a chapel divides the road. Keep left at the chapel and the path starts immediately on your left. From here, simply follow the path towards Gourdon through olive groves and wooded areas. Along the way you’ll pass old stone walls and small bridges while gradually taking in more magnificent views of the valley. As you approach Gourdon, the landscape opens up and the views of the Loup Valley become spectacular.
- Length: 8 km (2 x 4 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time required: 2.5-3 hours
- Elevation: +/- 600 m
CityXee strongly recommends going back the same way instead of following the route shown on the map, which forms a round trip. This return route is very steep and not very interesting compared to the path heading towards Gourdon.
Practical tips
Bring good walking shoes as the path can be rocky and steep.
Start early in the day to avoid the midday heat, especially in summer.
Bring water and snacks, but reward yourself with lunch at one of Gourdon’s cozy cafés.
If you don’t want to walk back down, you can take a taxi back to Bar-sur-Loup.
- Parks along the road Av. Yorktown close to Cimetière de Bar-sur-Loup
3 nearby attractions
Grotte de la Baume Obscure – A fascinating stalactite cave just north of Gourdon.
Gorges du Loup / Saut du Loup – An impressive waterfall formation in the Loup Valley.
Confiserie Florian – A famous confectionery shop in Gorges du Loup where you can taste local delicacies.
Chemin du Paradis truly lives up to its name and is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers on the Côte d’Azur.
By Tommy Sverre – 2025
