Hiking - Le Bois Noir

A hike which is accessible for all with a small amount of climbing to explore a bocage landscape which combines agriculture with pastoralism and a delightful conifer forest, known as “Le Bois Noir” (“The Black Woods”).
Saint-Dalmas-Valdeblore, one of the four hamlets which make up the commune of Valdeblore, is built on the site of a former priory. The vestiges of this edifice remain: its gate tower with arrowslits in the walls and its crenelated sentry walk. Its 10th-century Romanesque church with its square clock tower contains some of the oldest wall-paintings in this area.

From the carpark (marker 78) opposite the church, go along “Rue de la Madone” then take the first street on the right which leads to a small square. Continue straight on along “Chemin du Portalet” heading down parallel to the ramparts and take the path on the left to reach the Ânes de Blore chalet.

Go past the latter and after the warehouse take the left path (large walnut tree) through a landscape which opens onto meadows and hedges. Shortly afterwards, enter the forest, whose cool atmosphere is delightful in summer. Softwood trees dominate (pines, spruces, larches) with a magnificent undergrowth made up of bushes. The slope steepens as you reach the Bois Noir path. Do not take the steep climb opposite and instead take the easier path on the right.

Continue along this path on the right until you reach Collet du Puei (marker 126), which is a pleasant place to picnic (tables). Return to the village of St-Dalmas-Valdeblore via the forest track you took on the outward journey. You can visit the picturesque village with medieval architecture should you wish.