Very beautiful loop for the infinitely curious: geology, Land Art, historical remains, extraordinary and emblematic landscapes of the UNESCO Geopark of Haute-Provence. This adventure invites both inner and outer exploration. With all there is to see and learn, the game is all about calming your overactive mind and observing it from a “mindful” distance!
A very old Dignoise beach…
Lentor, Expiration, Respiration: “L.E.R” (be careful, nothing to do with the Regional Express Line ;-)… This is the leitmotif for walking consciously !
In a good mood, we set off in single file behind Pascal, our guide, as excited as the nature that surrounds us at the start of spring. The birds chatter, the leaves bud, the flowers bloom, everyone rejoices in the warmth of the sun... but be careful, don't forget the LER!
Shortly after, we come out of the forest. Beneath our feet, no longer earth, but limestone several million years old. Do you believe that a beach existed here, in the middle of the mountains? Beneath our feet lies the impressive spectacle of thousands of fossilized shells, encrusted in the rock!
Shell carpet
Shortly after, we come out of the forest. Beneath our feet, no longer earth, but limestone several million years old. Do you believe that a beach existed here, in the middle of the mountains? Beneath our feet lies the impressive spectacle of thousands of fossilized shells, encrusted in the rock!
Picnic at the top of the unusual chapel
Yessss, after the effort, the comfort! At the top, the pretty little Saint-Jean-du-Désert chapel welcomes us for a well-deserved rest in its green nook. It feels good to put down the backpack and take off your hiking shoes! The yellow dome of the Orthodox chapel stands out brilliantly against the blue sky. The view is breathtaking. We can clearly see the edge of the Lame de Facibelle, another geological curiosity on the way, the ocher slopes near Tanaron, the Bès river winding through the valley and the surrounding mountains still covered in snow on this beautiful spring day.
With such a view, it is a feast for the eyes when, as a gift of nature, we witness the exceptional spectacle of an eagle soaring in the sky, then suddenly diving at full speed to catch its prey!
I had already done this hike several times independently, but it's really not the same with Pascal... He knows everything about what's around you. Then, he teaches you the techniques of Afghan walking, which invites you to be fully aware of yourself and nature. It's nice !
Descent through the Sacred Wood
Sated and rested, we enter the Sacred Wood. Silence… reminds the artist Herman de Vries through one of his well-camouflaged works. The wind whispering through the tall majestic pines makes us listen. In the distance, the river joins the conversation. In the heart of the forest, a “sanctuary” is hidden, protected by golden spikes.
Finally, our guide Pascal invites those who wish to run back down, each at their own speed, as opposed to the climb. The excitement rises, the landscape and the trees pass by, out of breath like children, we are already down.
This magical day ends with a crossing of the Barles clues to reach the car. We talk about the unforgettable moments we experienced together and warmly thank our guide for sharing this.
Walking and meditation
Other philosophical paths
If walking is an excellent way to practice meditation, here we offer you some inspiration: Alexandra David was a great walker. With the collection of works of art in the mountains, she would undoubtedly have taken pleasure in contemplating our landscapes from a new angle.
Themes
