Loop in Bouconne Forest via the leisure centre and Lac de la Bordette

Park in the forest area car park on Route de Lévignac (D24).

(S/E) Take a path heading north-west, starting the hike by following the "footing" route. You will arrive near a small road.

(1) Turn right twice, leave the small road and head north-east on a long straight line, cross a first crossroads to reach a second one some 600 m further on.

(2) Leave the return route on your left and continue straight ahead for about 500 metres in the same direction. At the crossroads, turn right and then, after about 100 metres, turn left to head north-east again until you reach a large track.

(3) Take it to the right for a few dozen metres, then turn completely left. Shortly afterwards, turn 90° to the right and head north-east again. Continue to the next crossroads.

(4) Turn 90° left, do the same at the next crossroads and walk south-west to the picnic area at a place called Bichou.

(5) Cross the car park and continue through the undergrowth, passing through the wooden gate. Cross the Ruisseau de la Croix stream, then turn left towards the north-west until you reach the Bouconne leisure area. This is a good opportunity to enjoy a picnic at one of the shaded wooden tables.

(6) With your back to the roundabout, continue along the Chemin du Ratelier. After about 20 metres, leave this path and take a grassy trail on the right, which quickly joins a wide path.

(7) Turn left heading south. Pass the playground and you will come to a crossroads at the leisure centre.

(8) Turn right and head towards the swimming pool, walk alongside it and you will reach another crossroads.

(9) Continue straight ahead and cross a small wooden bridge that marks the start of the botanical trail. Follow a wide curve to the right heading north. Stay on the PR® (Ecology Trail). Further on, it turns south through the Bois de Mondou and joins the Chemin du Ratelier near a car park.

(10) Cross over and enter the Montaigut sur Save communal forest. After a few hundred metres, you will come to the same crossroads you passed on the way out.

(2) Continue straight ahead into the Bouconne forest, on a straight path. Ignore any side paths, cross a wide forest lane and then, about 400 m further on, turn 90° to the right. Keep heading south-west until you reach Lac de la Bordette.

(11) Enjoy this water source, go around it on the left, cross the footbridge and return to the forest car park (S/E).

No difficulty, but bring good walking shoes and 1.5 litres of water per person.

Food and drink are available at the leisure centre.