Chapelle Sainte-Anne and the Baou de Quatre Oures
Few visitors and even some locals have heard of the Baou de Quatre Oures — a dramatic limestone ridge that rises directly above the western suburbs of Toulon to 415 metres, offering views that rival Mont Faron without the cable car queue or the entrance fee. The ruined Chapelle Sainte-Anne at the top is the reward for a 90-minute climb.
The Hike
The most direct trail begins at the end of Chemin de la Galinette in the La Valette-du-Var commune and climbs steadily through garrigue — wild rosemary, cistus and thyme — before the path steepens over white limestone slabs that require hands on the final approach.
The ridge is narrow and the exposure on both sides is real, which is part of the appeal: you feel genuinely on top of something, with the Var plain spreading north and the Rade de Toulon glittering south.
The Chapel
The 12th-century Chapelle Sainte-Anne is roofless now, its stone walls bleached by centuries of Provençal sun, but a small votive niche still holds candles left by locals who make the pilgrimage on the saint's feast day in late July.
Sit on the chapel's remaining wall at sunset and you will watch the light turn the limestone cliffs orange-pink while the harbour below fills with the silhouettes of navy vessels heading out to sea — it is one of those views that stays with you.
Getting There and Safety
The trailhead is accessible by car from La Valette-du-Var (15 minutes east of Toulon centre); there is a small lay-by for parking at the start of Chemin de la Galinette.
Wear proper shoes — trail runners at minimum, hiking boots preferred. The upper section is slippery when wet and the trail is unmarked in places; download the GPX track from Wikiloc before you go and carry water.
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