Gourdouse circular loop

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

Details

14816821
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.06 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 846 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 853 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,685 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,088 ft

Description of the walk

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

(S/E) Set off from the car park along the wide forest track, which also forms part of theGR®®72 trailmarked in red and white; walk past the equestrian centre and, immediately afterwards, you’ll reach a Y-junction.

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

(2) Leave theGR®® here and take the yellow-marked path down to the right. You’ll reach a crossroads of paths at the edge of the woodland.

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

(4) Turn right onto it, continuing downhill. Reach and cross the Ruisseau de Gourdouse via two footbridges. You will then come to a wider track.

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

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

(5) Keep the track straight ahead and begin a gentle climb to reach the Ruisseau de Bayard.

(7) Ford the stream, continue to the right through the beech forest, and walk alongside the Rocher de Bayard before reaching a series of crossroads with signposts.

(8) Then take the nature trail, which leads further on 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 : mi 0 - alt. 4,672 ft - Mas de la Barque car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.25 - alt. 4,633 ft - Crossroads at the equestrian centre
  3. 2 : mi 0.66 - alt. 4,528 ft - Split Rock
  4. 3 : mi 1.95 - alt. 4,646 ft - Crossroads of footpaths
  5. 4 : mi 2.55 - alt. 4,426 ft - GR68 junction. Near the - Homol (ruisseau) - Affluent de la Cèze
  6. 5 : mi 3.92 - alt. 4,154 ft - Footbridges
  7. 6 : mi 4.25 - alt. 4,088 ft - Gourdouse
  8. 7 : mi 5.49 - alt. 4,252 ft - Bayard Stream
  9. 8 : mi 6.28 - alt. 4,610 ft - Discovery Trail
  10. S/E : mi 7.06 - alt. 4,675 ft - Mas de la Barque car park

Notes

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

Worth a visit

(S/E) The Mas de la Barque is a remarkable spot from which to discover the beauty of this part of Lozère, situated near the villages of Génolhac in the Gard and Villefort in Lozère.
A visit to the superb village of La Garde Guerin, situated 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

4.7 / 5
Based on 9 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Emmanuel26
Emmanuel26

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 12, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with stunning views (though slightly marred that day by the smog caused by the heatwave). Much of the route is in the sun, which is something to bear in mind in summer. I highly recommend it.

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gbg
gbg
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely, short walk. The start along the forest track is a bit monotonous but it’s still an easy enough walk. Once you come out of the forest, it’s absolutely stunning all the way along.

The road is tarmac from Génholac onwards. For those using sat-nav, make sure to deselect the ‘track’ option… otherwise it’ll take you via the Col de Finiels or L’Hôpital from the Pont de Monvert. It’s a shorter route, but you’re better off with a high-clearance car and tyres with good grip as it’s on a track.

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françoisetchristine
françoisetchristine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Stunning panoramic views, and not too hot thanks to the altitude.
The only slight mistake: after point 4, you don’t go downhill – you climb for at least 500 metres. I was worried I’d gone the wrong way, but the GPS track confirmed I was on the right path.
Otherwise, the Mas de la Barque is a lovely little resort and, for your information, the road is tarmac…

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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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