Loop starting from Le Pin

In Saint-Chinian, take the RD20 towards Cessenon-sur-Orb, then Roquebrun and Vieussan. 2 km before Vieussan, take the D160 which leads to the hamlet of Le Pin. Drive through the hamlet and park in a small car park on the left at the exit (six to seven spaces available).

(S/E) From the small car park, go back along the main street and take the large staircase on the right. The narrow streets climb quite steeply between beautiful stone houses, whose architecture is quite remarkable with vaulted ceilings and pretty little gardens or terraces. Head north, pass between the water tower and the cemetery, then find a path that leads to a stony track.

(1) Cross the track and take the path that continues north. The track coming from the right marks the return point of the hike. The climb is a little steep but steady.

(2) At the intersection of paths marked by a cairn, make a round trip to see a half-natural, half-artificial cave that is well worth the detour.

(3) Return to the trail.

(2) Continue right until the next intersection

(4) Turn left towards Col du Roc Traucat and ignore the trail on the right.

(5) At the Col du Roc Trauct, take the trail on the left, pass by a stone building and continue downhill towards the village of Vieussan, which is located in a large bend in the Orb River. This section offers beautiful views of the hamlet where you started, the Orb Valley and the plain stretching to the sea.

(6) Take the path heading north-east, overlooking the D14 and the Orb. As you pass, note the ice well on the right-hand side of the path. Its rounded shape and dry stone construction suggest that this was its intended purpose. The path continues along the hillside and reaches the Ruisseau du Pontil.

(7) Follow the stream, sometimes in the bed, sometimes on the banks, looking for the path that alternates between the right and left banks to reach the start of a path marked by a cairn on the left.

(8) Follow this path, which climbs steeply for 110 metres through the undergrowth.

(9) Leave the main path, which is well marked, and turn right onto a new path, which is not very visible at first but becomes more and more visible as you progress. The area is quite cool thanks to the lush vegetation. The path leads to a stony track.

(10) Continue along the track on the right. Pass through the hamlet of Estaussan, which is crossed by a tarmac road that you should follow for about 150 m.

(11) Take the track lined with chestnut trees that climbs to the right and cross another stony track.

(12) Turn right and follow the track for about 300 m until you reach a large grassy area, where you will find a grassy track on the left.

(13) Follow this flat track heading south, then south-east.

(14) At the next junction, turn right downhill, then immediately right again. The path leads to a field, which you cross along the left-hand side to find the rest of the path. A few bends further on, you will reach a new gravel track.

(15) Turn right and continue down this track until you reach the intersection you passed at the start of the route.

(1) Then take the path on the left which will take you back to the hamlet of Le Pin. Visit the hamlet and descend to the main road via different streets than those taken on the way up to admire the architecture and small gardens. When you reach the D160, turn left to return to the car park (S/E).

The climb up the Pontil stream is quite tricky in winter. The rock is very wet, making it difficult to get a grip. In dry weather, there are no problems.

The duration of the hike is underestimated by Visorando. This is the time it took us without counting stops, so allow an extra hour to eat and see the cave, which is well worth a visit.

In Roquebrun, visit the Mediterranean garden.