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Park at the southern end of Cordes-sur-Ciel, on Rue de l’Acampadou, as close as possible to its junction with Rue du Bouisset.
There are plenty of parking spaces along Rue de l’Acampadou.
This route follows a section of the “Sentier du Patrimoine” and another section of the “Sentier Bleu”.
The entire route is signposted in yellow, except for the section in the centre of the bastide.
(S/E) Head down Rue du Bouisset towards Aurifat. At the end of the street, at the hairpin bend to the left, look for the “Sentier du Patrimoine” sign, marked in yellow.
Take the hairpin bend to the left, follow Route de Saint-Jean and, further on, ignore Route La Loubaresse. You’ll come to a crossroad and the start of the Sentier Bleu, opposite.
(1) Wind your way along the path lined with plum and elder trees. Walk at a leisurely pace until you reach a track branching off to the right.
Take this path to visit the Saint-Jean Chapel.
(2) Retrace your steps and, at the previous junction, turn right. Pass a wash house and its well.
In front of the private entrance to Saint-Jean, veer to the left and continue along the Sentier Bleu, following the yellow markings.
The path winds gently uphill until you reach a T-junction. Signposts for the “Sentier du Patrimoine” and the “Sentier du Causse” face you.
(3) Turn left onto this wide track. Ignore the turn-off for Les Sarmazes and head generally north. You’ll come out onto a road.
(4) Take this road up to Cordes. At the junction with Rue de la Grésigne (D600), turn left and walk past the bookshop, stationery shop and tobacconist. In the small square, head left, veering towards Rue de l’Horloge.
(5) Make your way up Rue de l’Horloge. Its cobblestones guide the walker’s steps right up to the Porte de l’Horloge. The Grand-Rue de la Barbacane then takes over, leading you to the Porte du Vainqueur, with the Tour de la Barbacane on your right.
Pass through the Porte de Rous to enter the Grand Rue Raymond VII.
Opposite the Museum of Sugar and Chocolate Arts, climb the few steps on the right for a view of the valley and the Jardin des Paradis. With your back to the landscape and facing the square, head right towards some narrower steps leading to Place Saint-Michel.
(6) With your back to the entrance to the Church of Saint-Michel in Cordes, head back towards the Grand Rue Raymond VII. Note the imposing Gothic façade of the Maison du Grand Veneur, listed as a historic monument since 1923. Turn right and walk past the Escuelle des Chevaliers inn. Pass under the Porte des Ormeaux.
Immediately, turn left into Rue Chaude – there is a ‘no entry’ sign.
You’ll reach Rue des Remparts. First turn right then left and follow the steps leading to Rue de l’Acampadou.
Note, as you pass, a grassy area with a picnic table to the right of the steps.
At the road, turn right to return to the starting point (S/E).
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