Mountain refuge Figuier

On the hillside of the Sainte-Victoire mountain, this coat can function as an intermediate reference when the day is long, the heat is tight or it is appropriate to divide the route before it reaches higher levels. At about 350 metres of altitude, in the surroundings of Puyloubier, it is linked to a highly recognizable land of limestone, stony trails and orientation marked by the long ridge of the saw. In this sector, more than a destination in itself, it acts as a support point to read the map well and fit the progression according to time, tiredness and conditions.

The approach moves in a half-mountain Mediterranean landscape, but with sufficient relief to demand attention. From here the transition between the low and high levels of Sainte-Victoire, with the Pic des Mouches as a dominant summit less than 3 kilometres in a straight line. There are also relatively close reliefs such as La Citadelle or Collet du Pouchon, useful to be placed on the corral. This closeness to several topographic references makes Figuier have an interest above all as a point of passage, a reorganisation of the day or an orderly withdrawal if it does not make up for going up.

In the area they connect trails such as the Sentier Imoucha, the Sentier des deux aiguilles or the passage of the Savonette, in addition to the axis of the Via Aurelia between Saint- Maximin and Aix. It is not appropriate to interpret this network as a simple ground: the density of roads forces to confirm deviations and not to be trusted if visibility worsen or is reached with fatigue. For those who travel the saw with a map, this shelter fits better as a navigation reference than as a closed and self-sufficient end.

Water logistics is one of the few favourable points that can be anticipated, as there is a very close source, about 140 meters, and another one at a short additional distance. However, in the Mediterranean mountain the real availability may vary, so it is still prudent to leave with sufficient reserve. In days of heat, wind or rapid changes of time on the crest, use Figuier early support often makes more sense than to hasten the day to the high levels of Pic des Mouches .