Rocher de Roquebrune: the three crosses

We had another fantastic walk this morning. Rocher de Roquebrune is a reddish brown-coloured rocky mass that seems to emerge vertically from the scrubby vegetation. It’s a jagged 373 metre high ridge and, from the bottom, I wondered how on earth we were going to get to the top because I couldn’t see a path up it.

We parked up early and set off while it was still cool, knowing we had a very steep climb over a short distance. The path began through huge cacti and low bushes, before passing into trees. The shade was welcome, but the rough, rocky terrain underfoot wasn’t 😆

Despite it still being relatively cool, I was sweating buckets, and feeling as though I was doing a lot of box step ups in a CrossFit class! I ended up knotting a hanky around my forehead to stop the sweat stinging my eyes! Very fetching 🤣

We’d read that the hike was difficult; however, the website hadn’t said there were chains, cables and stemples because the mountainside was so steep! Neither of us are climbers used to exposure, which we find rather scary, but thanks to the protection provided, and because the rock was quite grippy, we did well. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge 😃

With our heads down, dealing with whatever was in front of us, we were surprised to be making our way through the gap in the ridge so soon, coming round the back of the rocky pinacle, and almost at the top. The three crosses came into view and then, suddenly, we were on the peak with the first cross!

We then traversed to the next two crosses. The panoramic views were exceptional in every direction, and the three crosses were works of art. Apparently there have always been crosses on the summit but the ones that are there now were made in the 1990s. The sculptor, Bernar Venet, who made them was inspired by three famous paintings of the crucifixion.

We spent a bit of time enjoying the views, having a snack and searching for a geocache, before heading back down on a different route from the one we’d come up on.

Once we retraced our steps from the summit to the gap in the rocks there were no more chains or stemples, but the terrain was still very rough and tiring. It was also starting to get hot. I was glad when we were back at Bertie for an ice cream 😊

We then drove to Port Grimaud where we’re staying for a few nights. Check in at the campsite was a shambles, involving a 45 minute queue, but we’re now on a lovely, shady and relatively cheap pitch.

We’ve had bike ride to town to update our SIM card… also a shambles when it took us half an hour to find the Free Mobile shop, thanks to a dodgy postcode! Then we had a wander round Port Grimaud, a pretty coastal port, nicknamed ‘The Little Venice of Provence’ because of the waterfront houses with boats parked outside.

We’re now very tired but content and are ready for a brew in bed, while making plans for the next few days.