Circular route above Lake Salagou

Park at the Vailhés car park at the end of the D148E5 departmental road car park on the shores of Lake Salagou.

(S/E) Set off due north along the road, with your back to Lac du Salagou. You will soon reach a crossroads.

(1) Cross the road and follow a track to the left. Walk alongside several lakes, then, just before the D148, you’ll reach a junction where several tracks meet.

(2) Take the path on the right, cross the D148 with care, continue on and cross another road. You’ll reach the hamlet of Rabejac.

(3) Turn left and walk alongside the sports grounds. Cross the stream, follow the path uphill and join a wider track.

(4) Continue left along the track and then head up to the ridge. At a crossroads, take the track which alternates between descents and ascents. You’ll reach the hamlet of Les Hemies. In the hamlet, turn right, pass under a porch and then turn left. Walk past an old wash house. Carry on and cross the D148 road with care, then take the path leading uphill. Take the track on the right to reach the Chapelle Saint-Agricol.

(5) Continue uphill along this track. Pass a radio relay station and head downhill to rejoin a road, then turn right onto it.

(6) Turn left to begin a winding climb. You’ll reach the Cayroux plateau after three tight bends.

(7) Return to the previous junction via the same route.

(6) Turn left to reach the village of Le Puech

(8) Turn left at the bottom of the descent, then take the path on the left which climbs back up to the Cayroux plateau. At the top, you’ll come to a menhir.

(9) Turn left and cross the plateau, then pass through two enclosures to reach a drystone shelter.

(10) Continue on and descend via a fairly steep path with steps, then join the D148E3 departmental road. Enjoy a lovely view of Lake Salagou here.

(11) Turn right onto the mountain bike track, head downhill and round several bends. Carry on until you reach the junction with the D148. Cross it, taking great care to watch out for traffic, and you’ll then reach the crossroads in the village of Celles.

(12) Turn right onto the path, which runs roughly parallel to the road and the Ronel stream, to reach the village of Celles on the shores of Lake Salagou.

(13) Follow the same route back to the previous junction.

(12) Turn right and head for the junction near the D148, which you passed on the way out.

(2) Turn right and follow the route back in the opposite direction to return to the Vailhés car park (S/E).

Please note: this walk should only be undertaken in dry weather, as the ground is slippery on the descent between (10) and (11). You should also avoid doing this walk after heavy rain, as streams may be swollen and make fording difficult.