Circular route around Montardit

From Sainte-Croix-Volvestre, head towards Saint-Girons via the D627 (Route de Sainte-Croix), reach Montardit and turn left up the D515 (Route du Village). Park at the top of the village in the well-equipped car park below the cemetery. The yellow signposting could do with a bit of improvement. The route starts at the foot of the church.

(S/E) From the car park, head towards the church, take Rue de l’Église on the left and walk through the village. Admire the village exit gate, go through it and continue left along Chemin Montardit Village; ignore Chemin des Rouquettes on the left and you’ll reach a wayside cross.

(1) Take the road on the right, then turn right at the next junction.

(2) Leave the road, turn left onto a clearly marked track and you’ll reach Chemin de la Bouynelle.

(3) Head down the road to the right, cross the hamlet and head due west to join the D515. Follow it to the left, cross the bridge over the Volp and join the D627.

(4) Cross it carefully, continue straight ahead onto Route du Prat, then carry on straight along the track leading up into the forest. Follow this track due west, then north-west, until you reach a crossroads of paths, the highest point of the walk.

(5) Take the path on the right and arrive at Baudet, a former golf course.

(6) Turn right onto Route du Prat and head towards the hamlet.

(7) Pass between the houses on the left, following the signposts carefully, and head down a well-marked path heading east. You’ll reach a dead end; turn right here and follow the path to the D627, at the hamlet of La Grande Molle, in the lower part of the village.

(8) Turn left and walk for about ten metres, then cross the Route de Sainte-Croix with care.

(9) Head downhill to the right between the houses, pass under the terrace of the last one, then take the footbridge over the Volp. The route is very well signposted, although it is rather unexpected. Follow the path back up. At the entrance to Montardit, turn left towards the car park below the cemetery (S/E).

Take a short detour to visit the Notre-Dame de la Goutte Chapel, built from 1968 onwards by Father Jean-Marie Piquemal.