At the foot of an erosion-carved rock face, Séranon lies on a plain. You can choose from different ways to plan your trip: explore historical traces in Vieux Séranon and at the chapels, follow a marked circular trail, or try the various climbing options. You can tailor your stay to your interests, focusing on cultural history or mountain activities.
Mountain Scenery and Circular Trail
Bauroux reaches an elevation of 1,644 metres and offers panoramic views of the Préalpes d’Azur and the surrounding mountains. The Crêtes du Bauroux is a moderately difficult circular hike covering 11.9 kilometres. Allow around five hours and 581 metres of ascent—useful figures for planning your day.
The circular trail starts and ends at the car park by Séranon town hall and is marked with GR® and PR signs. Check the current conditions and trail markers before setting out. The Alpes-Maritimes département maintains the route, including its signposting and markers, but maintenance arrangements may change.
Vieux Séranon and Its History
Vieux Séranon was an earlier village on the mountainside. Today, only ruins remain; the Église Saint-Michel is the last clearly visible landmark. The former site was already known as Séranon Vieux before 1297. The castle and village were later moved to a rocky summit.
A church dedicated to Saint Michael was built at the old site and has been mentioned since the 13th century. The ruins of the Église Saint-Michel that remain above Vieux Séranon today date from the early 14th century. The Bastide du Broundet also connects Séranon with the history of the Route Napoléon: Emperor Napoleon I rested there for a few hours on the night of March 2–3, 1815.
Chapels and Visiting Information
The Chapelle Sainte-Brigitte dates from the 16th century and is built in the Provençal Romanesque style. It stands on a hill and offers panoramic views across the valley. Its interior can also be visited; confirm access locally before you arrive.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Gratemoine has been documented since 1060 and belonged to the Abbey of Lérins. Its architecture features Romanesque elements. Visits are free year-round from Monday to Friday; access is by request through the town hall. Confirm visiting arrangements with the mairie before you arrive.
Climbing and Other Activities
The Sentier du Vertige in Séranon includes a Via Ferrata, a Via Cordata and an interpretation trail. These are three distinct features of the site, each with a different focus. Which ones suit your plans depends on whether you are more interested in climbing activities or an interpretation trail.
Séranon also has at least 150 climbing routes across seven sectors: Le Potager, Chapeau Haut, Chapeau Bas, La Taillante, Le Mur du Pin, Les Grandes Voies and La Terrasse. The number of routes and the list of sectors may change; check the latest information if you are basing your climbing plans on it.
The Route Napoléon and Annual Festivals
Séranon lies on the Route Napoléon, which follows the route taken by Emperor Napoleon in March 1815. This is distinct from the “Route Napoléon à cheval”: a marked and prepared 360-kilometre riding trail from Grasse through Séranon to Vizille. Conditions and services along this route may vary.
The festivals also provide a seasonal guide for planning a visit: the Fête Saint-Louis in La Doire takes place on the last weekend of August and includes numerous events. The Fête Notre-Dame in Séranon falls on the first weekend of September. Check the current municipal calendar if you would like to plan your trip around these dates.
Discover more destinations: Le Rouret, Beuil, Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, Tourette-Sur-Loup, Vence, Drap, La Roquette-Sur-Siagne, Tourrette-Levens
For the main travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.
