Prades-sur-Vernazobre loop via the Col du Lac

Leaving Prades-sur-Vernazobre towards Berlou on the D117, you can park on the right of the D117 above (parking is also available on the left).

(S/E) Go back a few dozen metres along the road, cross it and take a wide stony track above the road, which quickly turns north-west. Continue until you reach a fork in the road.

(1) Turn left. Keep left at the next three-way junction and continue to the next fork.

(2) Keep left again, pass the Col du Lac and join the junction with the track leading to the old sheepfold at Montahuc.

(3) Continue on the right to descend towards the village of Berlou. You will come to a 90° left turn.

(4) Leave Berlou on your left and, in the bend, turn right onto a path that winds its way between vineyards and eventually leads to a track.

(5) Turn right and follow this track, which winds through several bends. About 300 m after a final hairpin bend to the right, a path branches off to the right.

(6) Take this path to reach the D177.

(7) Turn left along the road for about 100 metres, cross with caution, then follow a vineyard path on the right that leads to the picnic area and the orientation table.

(8) Continue in the same direction until you reach a star-shaped crossroads.

(9) Take the track diagonally to the left, heading north-east, and continue to the Col de la Maurerie (cistern).

(10) Turn right and follow the winding track towards La Maurerie. The path becomes a road that joins the D177E3B. Continue left until the next crossroads.

(11) Keep right to head towards the hamlet. Drive through it and continue straight ahead on the path between the vineyards. You will come to a fork.

(12) Turn left, go around the Pech de Saint-Pons and continue straight ahead until you reach the Grangette crossroads, with the cemetery in view.

(13) Turn right onto the path that goes around a small hill on the left and leads back to the car park (S/E).

Avoid in high temperatures.

There are no markings, so follow the GPS track, which follows well-marked paths throughout.

You will pass through woods of maritime pines and arbutus trees. In the distance, you will see Mont Saint-Clair de Sète.