Circular walk around the abandoned hamlet of Les Paillers

To reach the starting point from Mende, head towards the Gorges du Tarn and Sainte-Énimie: take the N88 to Balsièges, then take the N106 before crossing the bridge on the right (D986); signs for Sainte-Énimie are clearly marked.
Drive up to the fortified farm of Le Choizal and turn right onto the D31 towards Chanac.
It is easy to leave your car at the starting point, which is on the right-hand side of the road just past a copse, about 1.5 km from the junction.

(S/E) Follow the track that leads across the Causse to reach the hamlet of Les Paillers.
Walk through the hamlet and you’ll soon come to a crossroads with a water tank (see § During the walk).

(1) Turn left onto the path, walk almost in a straight line and skirt a woodland before rejoining the D31 road.

(2) Turn left onto it and, a few hundred metres further on, you’ll reach the car park where you started (S/E).

Depending on your mobile network provider, the area has 3G/4G coverage.
However, if you stray a little from the route, it is advisable to download the map.

The suggested route takes you through the hamlet, where you’ll find examples of the typical architecture of the Causse.
You’ll easily spot the communal oven there.
And you’ll be able to imagine the life led by the inhabitants of this hamlet at the start of the 20th century:
- with no means of transport,
- with no other source of water apart from rainwater collected in cisterns – some of which can still be seen, built against the houses,
- living mainly off what they could grow in the surrounding fields,
- of course, with no electricity or internet, and making regular trips to the markets in Mende, which took about four hours’ walk.

With Visorando active, you might fancy extending your walk. You’ll see other trails, most of which take you back to the D31, a few hundred metres from your starting point.