Coulomp Waterfall

Leave the D2202 (formerly the N202) at Enriez and take the D660. Pass through Castellet-lès-Sausses and continue along the narrow road, which ends as a track at the Col du Fa. The signpost is situated below, facing Argenton. There is ample parking, including shaded spaces near the shepherd’s hut.

Please take care to follow the route description from the Aurent Museum. If in doubt, do not take the circular loop. Turn left, heading due south, to reach the footbridge directly, then follow the route description for the return journey.

(S/E) Follow the path uphill for 1.4 km, heading due north, until you reach the “Chemin d’Aurent” signpost.

(1) Continue along the path which descends to the suspension bridge crossing the Ruisseau de Grave Plane.

(2) Cross the bridge and follow the path uphill to the hamlet of Aurent, which is only inhabited in summer; signs point towards the museum. You can visit it on request; it houses objects, photographs and tools from days gone by, collected by the residents of Aurent up until 1936.

(3) At the last house, take the path heading north-west to reach the left bank of the Coulomp and arrive at a fork in the path.

(4) Follow the cairns, keeping the Coulomp on your left, until you reach the path that turns 90° to the right and climbs steeply; a rope marks the bend.

(5) Do not take this path, but continue straight on along the river to the first ford.
Please note: do not proceed with the rest of the walk until you have read the route description.

(6) Wear waterproof footwear as, over a distance of about 1 km, you will need to cross the river seven times and wade through water that is knee-deep or deeper in places, depending on the flow. The stones may be slippery, so take great care to avoid falls. Follow the river upstream to a Fork in the road. The waterfall can be seen high up on the right.

(7) From here on, you will no longer be walking in the water, so dry shoes will be more useful, especially as the slope becomes steep. Follow the path between the two streams up to the promontory, where there is a breathtaking view of the 70-metre-high Coulomp Waterfall.

(8) Continue climbing to reach the Source du Coulomp, France’s^{second-largest} resurgence. The water, at 8°C, flows through the Grotte du Chamois from the Lignin plateau.

(9) The return journey follows the cavers’ path, initially uphill with a few exposed sections; handrails, the safety of which can no longer be guaranteed, are still in place, followed by a steep descent to the junction from the outward journey.

(5) Turn left and follow the outbound path in the opposite direction as far as the first fork.

(4) Turn right towards the footbridge, where you can stop for a snack in the shade.

(10) Cross the bridge and head up the right bank, with some slightly exposed sections at the start, until you reach Le Villard.

(11) At the boundary marker, leave the path and head uphill towards the glass-fronted building housing the archaeological remains of the Argenton Mausoleum. Free entry.

(12) Head south-west along the level path to reach Argenton. Refreshments and farm-fresh cheese on sale.

(13) Continue south and descend through the chestnut grove to Le Tardoun.

(14) Cross the bridge and head back up the opposite side through the beech forest to the Col du Fam (S/E).

You can top up your water supplies at the fountains in Aurent and at the Source du Coulomp.
Bring a pair of shoes suitable for walking in water.
Sturdy footwear and walking poles are recommended.
Free mountain hut in Aurent.
Refreshment stand in Argenton.

Information boards on the Chemin d’Aurent and on the wall of the refuge.
The hamlet and museum at Aurent.
Coulomp Waterfall and Spring.
Argenton mausoleum.