Les Croix par la tour

A lovely loop offering beautiful views of the western part of the Provence Highlands. The trail runs mainly along ridges and is relatively shaded.The church in Melve, the tower with its sighting tube, and a Geopark information panel add a cultural dimension to the hike.


From Melve (839 m), take the uphill street that runs behind the church and alongside the cemetery. After the last house, the paved road turns into a dirt track as it follows a ridge. Leave the track to the left just past a water intake to follow a trail. Once on the plateau, follow the southern edge to the left, toward the Tower and its sighting tube.
Continue north across the pastures to reach a ridge. A dizzying section through the marl requires some caution. The rest of the route follows the southern slope of the mountain, crossing three marl sections that can be tricky.
On the ridge, take the trail to the left up to the summit.
At the place called Les Croix (1,412 m), continue along the trail to the west. It follows the ridge all the way.
Below Tête de Boursier (1,235 m), a short round trip (10 min) offers a beautiful view. Alternatively, take the descending trail, starting through an oak grove, then through steep pastures. A slightly steeper section through marl, followed by more shaded areas, will lead to the paved road (D 104).
At Chemin de la Plane (855 m), follow the paved road toward Melve.
At the hamlet of Le Serre, take the trail (a sunken path at the start) that climbs to the left. After a short walk, you’ll reach the Plateau de la Tour de Melve, leading to Point 2. Take the same path back down in the opposite direction.