Loop above Douch, Roc Noir, Col du Tirondel and Col de l'Airole

Park in the hikers' car park located before the hamlet of Douch.

Parking on the small square near the communal oven and in the narrow streets is strictly reserved for permanent residents.

(S/E) Leave the village of Douch, heading towards the Col de l'Airole, following the yellow markings. Walk either along the field or along the path, which may be waterlogged depending on the time of year. After 10 minutes and a 300-metre climb, you will arrive at a large clearing. You are now at the Col de l'Airole.

(1) Turn right towards Col du Salis, taking the Chemin du Vialais. You will soon reach a fork

(2) (see short alternative in Practical Information). Continue straight ahead (yellow markings) and enjoy superb views over the Gorges d'Héric and Roc Caroux. Descend a small rocky path through the ferns. You will reach a large flat area at the foot of Roc Noir (on your left), next to the watchtowers used to hunt wood pigeons in autumn when they fly up the air corridor above Héric.

(3) Turn right at 120° to take the wide grassy path that climbs slightly, despite the cross markings. You are in the middle of the moorland, breathing in the scent of heather, ferns and broom. Join the GRP® (yellow/red markings) coming from the Serre d'Arrêt.

(4) Turn right to climb the path towards Col du Tirondel, which you will reach quickly.

(5) At the signposts, head towards Douch on your left. Begin the descent between pretty stone walls, a sort of "hedge of honour" ending with a large tree (a walnut tree). On your left are the remains of a "jasse", an old sheepfold that overlooked the village. As you descend, which is tricky in places (take care), the view opens up onto the hamlet that you will soon reach (S/E).

(2) Here, you can turn right to go directly to point 4 and the Col du Tirondel, via a wide grassy track (end of the Serre d'Arrêt) which climbs to an altitude of over 1,000 metres and offers beautiful views.

Reminder: please comply with the regulations and park your vehicles only in the car park at the entrance to the hamlet. Parking on the small square near the bread oven and in the narrow streets is strictly reserved for permanent residents.

Water point in the hamlet of Douch, on the village square.

Circuit in full sun => be prepared before setting off.

Network accessible throughout the circuit, at high altitude.

Hamlet of Douch

Caroux plateau

Sainte Marie de Douch Church

Héric and Colombières gorges