Solidified lava flow of Mercœur and foot of Puy de la Vache

The starting point is at the Beaune le Chaud car park, just before the roundabout at the intersection of the D52 coming from Pardon and the D778 coming from Fontfreyde.

(S/E) Leaving the car park, head towards the village of Laschamps, then 100 m further on, after the school bus stop, turn left onto the road going uphill to the left of the fountain (Chemin des Puys). At the end of the tarmac section, take the left-hand path to a large crossroads.

(1) Ignore the path on the right, then the one on the left a few dozen metres further on, and continue straight on towards Puy de la Vache.

(2) Look for the return path on the left and continue straight ahead on the path, which becomes dirt and begins to climb. Walk about 100 metres to reach a path on the left, at the beginning of which is station 5 of the fitness trail. Turn left to follow it. The first 100 metres are very steep. Be sure to pass stations 7 and 8, ignoring the paths that branch off to the left 10 metres before each of these two stations. After station 9, the trail ends at a path.

(3) Take the path on the left to reach the RD5 road that leads to Puy de la Vache. Do not cross this road, but walk carefully along its right-hand side on the wide grassy verge. After about 150 metres, follow a path that branches off to the right and runs parallel to the road, quickly separated from it by trees and running alongside the fence that prevents access to a protected area. Walk for about 250 metres.

(4) Turn onto the path that branches off to the right and follow it for about 400 metres.

(5) Turn left onto a path that descends with a few steps marked by wooden logs to reach the foot of Puy de la Vache. Please note that the path you leave by turning left will take you to the top of Puy de la Vache: alternative route). At the foot of Puy de la Vache, you can stop to observe the volcanic bombs and the surrounding landscape. To continue the route, at the point where the small path leading to the foot of the puy opens onto this area, take the first path immediately on the right which leads back to the RD5. Cross it carefully, head towards the back of the car park and continue for about 100 metres.

(6) Take the first path on the left: yellow sign for Fonfreyde. Walk for about 500 metres and continue to the right at the end of this path: blue PR® sign high up on the tree opposite the path before turning right. Descend into the Creux du Pialoux and continue along this path, which becomes a track and then a flat forest road after an uphill climb. Continue straight ahead on this forest road which crosses the solidified lava flow of Mercœur, ignoring the adjacent paths. The forest road is flat, winds slightly, then turns more sharply to the right and begins to descend.

(7) At this point, leave it and take the grassy path straight ahead. Follow this path, which quickly becomes a trail, and join a tarmac road at Fontfreyde. Watch out for roots and a few stones protruding from the path on the descent.

(8) Follow the tarmac road to the left, and after about 50 metres, take the path on the left which leads to a wide dirt track. Continue straight ahead on this track and pass the farm on your left.

(9) When the track turns left, leave it and take the path through the undergrowth that goes straight ahead. The hazelnut trees lining this path form a magnificent canopy that protects it from the sun's rays. Note that before reaching the RD5 (about 500 m), on the right-hand side of the path, there is currently a beautiful natural art exhibition that is worth a look.

(10) Cross the road , taking all the usual precautions, and take the path on the other side. Continue straight ahead until you reach a three-way junction.

(11) Continue on the left and rejoin the path you took at the start at the next three-way junction.

(2) Turn right and follow the path in the opposite direction to return to the car park (S/E).

Wear proper footwear with good hiking boots. Walking sticks are recommended, as well as a hat for the sun and rain gear. Bring plenty of water (there are no water sources along the way) and some easily digestible snacks.

(5) At the foot of Puy de la Vache, you can see volcanic bombs in an old pozzolan quarry and linger to observe the foot of this ancient volcano.

On the right between (9) and (10) is a beautiful exhibition of natural art representing various elements of everyday life made solely from materials found in nature (branches, stones, etc.), without nails or other artificial elements. You can admire the ingenuity of the artists in works representing: a children's roundabout, a cradle, mobiles, a bicycle, a roller coaster track, a fireplace, a bridge, animals and many other things, with around thirty works in total. The exhibition in the heart of nature evolves regularly and is enriched over time with new works. A must-see.