Day 2: Shapes and colors on the Azure Alps meadow side

Annot presents spectacular sandstone formations. The cliffs that watch over the village of Annot can reach 250 m thick and hundreds of boulders, as if stranded, dot the slope.

By taking the sandstone path, dive into the heart of a mysterious universe populated by rocks with enigmatic shapes, labyrinths, secret passages and giant sculptures.

You will discover in particular the face of the Guardian: how did he find himself immobilized on the cliff which dominates the valley and for what reason does he watch over the village? Mystery ... Find your child's soul and give free rein to your imagination, then perhaps you will hear the soul of the traitor from the legend of the king's chamber who wanders in these places.

Blocks, sports routes or adventure grounds, the Annot sandstones offer a vast playground and a wide choice of practices.

Grès d'Annot hike Blue Trail
Level: Easy
Duration: 2h30
Type: Round trip
Length: 4,4 km
Elevation gain: 290 m
Departure / Arrival: Annot station
Vigilance: Provide suitable shoes, sufficient water, sunscreen and a cap.

More informations:
http://www.annot-tourisme.com/les_sentiers_interactifs.html

Climbing option
http://www.annot-tourisme.com/escalade–presta–bureau-des-guides-de-canyon.html

Learn more

Annot sandstone balls
At the start of the trail and in the king's garden, we see the indentations that the spherical shapes of the strange sandstone rocks have left.

The same composition as the layer of sandstone that contains them, the balls are nevertheless harder and better resist erosion. This difference in strength could occur when transforming waterlogged sand into rock.

In various regions of France and the world, and with very varied ages, groups of sandstone rocks present such balls, perfectly spherical or sometimes flattened, and of various sizes. Note that some local residents have used them in the construction of buildings in the village!