TRAIL AREA MONTAGNES DU CAROUX - ROUTE 4 - THE BALCONIES OF CAROUX

1

Start from the Mons-la-Trivalle tourist office: take the street that runs along the left side of the café. Turn right onto rue de la Justice then continue straight on the route des Gorges d’Héric for 600 m.

2

Intersection: at the cross, turn left and continue to climb the route des Gorges d’Héric for 700 m to reach the Passerelle des Soupirs.

3

Passerelle des Soupirs: beginning of the Gorges d’Héric, a classified natural site, made up of natural pools and waterfalls. Cross the footbridge and take the Sentier des Gardes to the left. Climb following the GRP markings (yellow/red) and PR yellow to reach the Saint-Martin junction (climb of 2.7 km and 480 m+).

4

Saint Martin junction: turn right, descend towards Saint-Martin-de-l’Arçon, along the paved path, among the old chestnut terraces (follow PR yellow markings).

5

Saint-Martin-de-l’Arçon: a village with typical architecture, with its stone houses and slate roofs amidst paved streets. Cross the first hamlet Le Mas le plus Haut to reach Saint-Martin-de-l’Arçon. At the main street, turn right onto route de Saint-Martin then go down the alley to the left. The path opens onto a paved road. Turn right to reach La Coste (PR yellow markings).

6

La Coste: go straight on rue du Roc de l’Homme and cross the village. At the end of the street, turn right onto rue de la Calade and go through an archway. Go down to the left and cross the ford. Continue along the path lined with walls, up to the Gorges d’Héric. Once at the Passerelle des Soupirs, return by the outward path to the starting point.