Jézeau Circular Route

Park in the small central square of the village of Jézeau, near the town hall.

(S/E) Head to the fountain where the first signpost is located. For the entire walk, simply follow these signs, the yellow markings and the yellow/orange arrows, with the exception of the alternative route and two points of interest. Continue along Rue de l’Église then turn left at the junction, staying on the same street.

(1) Start the alternative route by leaving the marked path and heading straight on, passing in front of the church and then skirting the cemetery. You’ll come to a narrower path for a few metres: after a right-hand bend, you’ll enjoy the view of the Aspin and Arbizon mountains on your left. Go through two gates that are very easy to open and close to cross an area where horses may be present. Follow the fairly natural path, take a sharp right-hand bend and go straight on to rejoin the PR® marked in yellow.

(2) Turn left onto it and follow the markings as you climb an almost straight, very well-signposted path along the Crête de la Joue. Follow the path as it takes a sharp right-hand bend and reaches a junction at the entrance to a small wooded area.

(3) Head left to cross it quickly, then continue straight on, passing a ruin on the left and following a slightly narrower path. You’ll reach a signpost just after passing another ruin.

(4) Take a somewhat overgrown path to the right and you’ll soon reach a dirt track at a hairpin bend. Turn left up the slope and head towards the junction with another, wider track.

(5) Head to the right and begin the descent whilst enjoying the superb view. You’ll reach a T-junction.

(6) Continue straight ahead. Take a few wide hairpin bends before reaching another junction.

(7) Take the track on the left to return to the village of Jézeau. You’ll come back onto the tarmac, then onto Rue de l’Église, which you simply follow to the left to return to the car park (S/E).

In hot weather, make sure you have plenty of water and standard sun protection.

Please note: whilst the views are magnificent, the route offers very little shade. Strongly not recommended in the heat of the day.

Crossing the horse paddock: if you come across the horses and are familiar with these animals, that’s great—they’re very laid-back. If you’re not familiar with them, don’t worry. Just approach them gradually, staying within their field of vision (so neither behind nor directly in front of them). You can hold out your hand so they can feel it, but above all, don’t put your hand on their head – this signals that you’re asking them to submit, and that’s not the idea. If they’re blocking the way, walk calmly past them; if necessary, gently nudge them with your body whilst continuing to walk, and they’ll make way for you.

Enjoy the view during the ascent and for much of the descent.