Balcon de Sémeno

The hike starts in Camurac. Cross the village to reach the cemetery on the right-hand side. Park in front of the cemetery. The route is marked with yellow PR® signs and a few green "Balcon de Séméno" directional signs dotted along the trail.

(S/E) At the start, take the track that runs alongside the cemetery on the left andfollow it uphill to a junction.

(1) Take the path on the right, marked by a sign. Follow the partially wooded path to a second intersection.

(2) Turn right at the signpost onto a track that descends towards Camurac and arrive at a fork.

(3) Leave the track that descends towards the village and take the track on the left. Continue on this track until you reach a fork near the D613 paved road.

(4) Take the path on the left, then cross the D613 road with caution and follow this road until you reach a path on the right before the Col des Sept Frères, indicated by a signpost.

(5) Take the path on the right, then turn onto the track on the right until you reach a fork.

(6) Take the track on the right, which descends to a shed.

(7) Leave the track and take a path directly to the right. You will soon see Lac de Camurac, which you should follow along its right bank. Continue straight down after the lake, reach the back of a housing estate and turn left. You will reach the departmental road 1020.

(8) Cross with caution and pass in front of a small building, follow the tennis court on your right, then a small football pitch. At the end of this pitch, a small tunnel under the D613 leads to the village of Camurac. Take the steps down to the tunnel and you will reach a playground.

(9) Turn right. Cross the village via the main street, keeping to the left, then continue straight ahead until you reach the cemetery car park (S/E).

This medium-altitude hike is not difficult and is ideal for a family outing. Benches have been installed between the points (1) and (2). The Lac de Camurac has a picnic area.

The only water points are in Camurac, particularly in the square where there is a drinking fountain. However, during periods of drought, the fountain may not be working.

The signposting and maintenance of this loop are provided by the Caminaïres de Comus, an association affiliated with the FFRandonnée.

Throughout the hike, you can admire views of the village of Montaillou and the ruins of the medieval castle overlooking it, one of the last strongholds of Catharism. The Jean Duvernoy historical centre in Montaillou is dedicated to Catharism. It houses documents and objects found during excavations, as well as a model reconstructing the village and castle as they were at that time.

From Camurac, you can reach the Col du Teil and the Camurac ski resort either via the D1020 road or via a path through the forest (see IGN map). In addition to the spectacular view of the Pyrenees, with a little luck and patience, you may be able to spot marmots during the summer.