Around the Combe du Loup, starting from Luzinay

Start from the car park near the Sévenne (45.581009 4.9455008). This car park is not shaded. Please note: access is restricted to light vehicles with a limited height.

(S/E) Leave the car park heading south, cross the small bridge over the Sévenne and continue along the small road to the top of the hill. Cross a road and arrive at a junction.

(1) Continue straight ahead on Route de Mons, initially following the Béal de Mons, and carry on until you reach the junction with Route de La Feyta: there is a bus shelter and signposts.

(2) Pass the water tower with the relay antennas. Cross the road and head left for about 20 m. Turn right onto another road and after about 100 m, turn right to take the path leading down past the farm. You’ll be looking down on the Combe du Loup to your right. The grassy path on the final part of the descent is steep and can be quite slippery in wet weather.

(3) Turn right onto the Chemin des Sables (it certainly lives up to its name!) and head back up towards the Route de la Combe du Loup.

(4) Turn left. The path on the right leads to the old quarry and is a dead end. Walk uphill through the woodland, then across the meadows to the tarmac road of the Combe du Loup.

(5) Follow this road straight ahead to the junction with the Route de Mons.

(6) Turn left onto this road for 50 m before turning right onto Route de La Grange Neuve. Ignore the access to the telephone relay station (dead-end path). Continue, leaving the path leading to the Bacholles farm on your right (information sign for the farm). Return to the junction from the outward journey.

(1) Turn left and, following the route in reverse to the outward journey, return to the car park (S/E).

Water points, refreshments and public toilets are available in Luzinay and Serpaize.

The route uses minor country roads. Please observe the traffic regulations, even if there is little traffic.

The Combe du Loup on the right between points (4) and (5) was designated a Sensitive Natural Area due to its rich fauna, flora and geology. Butterflies, plants, birds (notably European bee-eaters on the sandy slopes of the old quarry). Even though it is no longer classified as such, it remains fragile: please respect it. The path does not pass directly through the valley. You may venture there, provided you respect private property and the natural environment.

Depending on the season, you can buy fresh organic vegetables at the Mons farm. The Bacholles farm offers a wide range of goat’s and cow’s cheeses as well as other products in its small shop. The goat farm is also open to visitors. In both cases, please check opening hours and days.