Gourdouse circular loop

From the lodge of Mas de la Barque, take a trip to the hamlet of Gourdouse.

Details

14816821
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.37 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 258 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 260 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,428 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,246 m

Description of the walk

Park in the large car park at Mas de la Barque.

(S/E) Opposite the car park, take the wide forest track that also supports theGR®72marked in red and white, walk alongside the Equestrian Centre and immediately afterwards, you will reach a Y-junction.

(1) Continue left on the track to the Roche Fendue crossroads.

(2) Leave theGR® here and take the yellow-marked path downhill to the right. At the edge of the woods, you will reach a crossroads.

(3) Turn right and continue downhill to join theGR®68.

(4) Take it to the right, continuing downhill. Reach and cross the Gourdouse stream via two footbridges. You will then find yourself on a wider track.

(5) Turn left onto it to reach the hamlet of Gourdouse.

(6) Return to the previous crossroads via the same route.

(5) Keep to the track opposite and begin an easy climb to reach the Ruisseau de Bayard.

(7) Ford the stream, continue to the right through the beech forest, walk along the Rocher de Bayard before reaching several crossroads with signposts.

(8) Take the discovery trail, which leads to the junction of the forest track and theGR®72. Turn right to reach the Mas de la Barque car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,424 m - Mas de la Barque car park
  2. 1 : km 0.4 - alt. 1,412 m - Carrefour equestrian centre
  3. 2 : km 1.06 - alt. 1,380 m - Roche Fendue
  4. 3 : km 3.14 - alt. 1,416 m - Crossroads of trails
  5. 4 : km 4.1 - alt. 1,349 m - GR68 crossroads. Close to the - Homol (ruisseau) - Affluent de la Cèze
  6. 5 : km 6.32 - alt. 1,266 m - Footbridges
  7. 6 : km 6.84 - alt. 1,246 m - Gourdouse
  8. 7 : km 8.84 - alt. 1,296 m - Bayard stream
  9. 8 : km 10.1 - alt. 1,405 m - Discovery Trail
  10. S/E : km 11.37 - alt. 1,425 m - Mas de la Barque car park

Notes

(7) The footbridge mentioned on the IGN map has disappeared, and only a few well-placed stones allow you to cross the stream.

Worth a visit

(S/E) Mas de la Barque is a remarkable site for discovering the beauty of this corner of Lozère, located near the villages of Génolhac in Gard and Villefort in Lozère.
A visit to the superb village of La Garde Guerin, located about 20 km from Mas de la Barque via Villefort, is a must.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
francois stéphane
francois stéphane

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

beautiful hike, but we're still looking for the undergrowth described lol. Not to be done in summer, but beautiful moments overlooking the view of Lozère. The road to Mas de la Barque requires a 4x4 or a high car, otherwise you risk tiring your vehicle more than your knees!

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ethee
ethee

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A VERY ENJOYABLE parish-specific to Brittany hike with magnificent views and no particular difficulties

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User 26303432

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

One of the most beautiful hikes we've ever done!
Very varied landscapes as you go along...
Don't hesitate to give it a go!

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CCh08410.
CCh08410.

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We did this route but in the opposite direction, and we don't regret it. A very beautiful circular route, with forests, rivers, hamlets, views, animals... I recommend this route in this splendid area of Lozère.

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Élisabeth M.30
Élisabeth M.30
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike that I recommend to everyone. No particular difficulty. The view of the Cévennes is splendid!
Passages near herds (and cute little calves), shaded routes at times, amid broom and granite boulders at others.

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albaconseil
albaconseil

Having done this route on 27/07/2023, please note that point 4 of the description states "take the GR 68 on the right, continuing downhill". However, although it is indeed on the right, the GR 68 climbs for a good part of the way (15 minutes) before descending.

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Marc LB
Marc LB

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 26, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful views await you.
For the descent, warm your knees.
I recommend visiting in May or June to see the broom in bloom.

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