Gros Bessillon, Mountain summit in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Gros Bessillon is a summit in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur that rises to 407 meters and features a limestone ridge formation. The ridge extends about 5 kilometers at its base and shapes the landscape of the Var department.
The place emerged from a spring discovered in 1660 by a shepherd, which led to the founding of Saint Joseph Monastery. The monastery grew into an important pilgrimage destination in the region.
The summit holds a fire watchtower and a memorial dedicated to resistance fighters who died in the region during the Second World War. The site connects practical safety functions with remembrance of local history.
The hiking trail from Cotignac is about 12.7 kilometers long with an elevation gain of around 530 meters, taking approximately four hours. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear and water, as sections of the path are quite steep.
The ridge offers technical climbing sections and demanding passages that require strong navigation and scrambling skills. These challenges make the ascent particularly engaging for experienced hikers.
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