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The small village of Coustouge does not offer many parking options. The best solution is at Place du Rond, with its pretty stone houses.
(S/E) Take Rue de l'Ormeau on the right, then Rue de la Fontaine to the Roubine stream. Cross the stream via the small concrete footbridge, then follow the narrow path slightly to the right which leads to a wider path. When you reach the D323, turn right and head uphill towards Fontjoncouse.
(1) After the bridge, turn left onto a dirt track and continue for about 100 metres. After the bend, leave the track marked with yellow and green signs and take the path on the right that climbs uphill. Pass on the left side of a sheep pen and a kennel where numerous dogs are sure to make their presence known. Don't worry, it's securely fenced. Be careful at the start of the climb as the path is narrow and has been eroded by rainwater runoff. It then widens, giving way to a much more passable path. Pass the ruins of the Pradels sheepfold on your right.
(2) At the crossroads, turn right. After the bend, the vegetation becomes sparser and on a clear day you can see the Pyrenees. On the plateau, cross a pine forest with a few fir trees here and there. Continue to the next intersection.
(3) Leave the yellow trail on the right and turn left. Pass the remains of an old hut and begin the first descent, staying on the left-hand path. Halfway down the slope, among the pine trees, there is a magnificent view of the valley.
(4) At the lowest point, take the path that climbs to the right. Cross the Bosc stream and begin the second climb along the Mourel du Buis. On the second plateau, numerous traces of wild boar and dogs attest to the presence of game and a well-established hunting tradition in the region.
(5) At the fork, continue straight ahead towards the promontory built by hunters. At the next intersection, turn right and arrive at the ruins of Poursan. The heath has reclaimed this former sheepfold.
(6) Leave the yellow and green trail and turn left. Begin the long descent that leads to the D323 and Coustouge.
(7) At the fork, continue left along the Combe Farignère
(8) Take the path on the right. Be careful not to fall as the slope is steep with many round stones. Arrive at the D323.
(9) Follow it to the left for about 200 metres, then continue left onto Route de Fontjoncouse and arrive straight at the starting point (S/E).
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