Route du Pont de l’Estaing

Head for the Pont de l’Estaing, which crosses the Gazeille downstream from Monastier-sur-Gazeille, on the road to Issarlès and Saint-Martin de Fugères. A large lay-by provides parking just south of the bridge.

(S/E) From the bridge, take the path branching off to the right at the foot of the Route de Présailles, in front of a large building with two garage doors. Walk alongside this building to cross the Merdanson stream via a small bridge. The path climbs steadily above the stream, passing through woods and meadows. After a while, you can see, on the other side of the valley, the stone structures that were intended to accommodate the Transcévenol railway line at the start of the last century. Above you, to the right, rises the Grand Suc de Breysse.

(1) At the junction with another path coming from the right, the path widens into a track suitable for vehicles and then joins a tarmac road leading down from the Breysse woods. Enter Présailles. Continue straight on, not without first admiring the pretty Romanesque church and its stepped bell tower as you pass.
(2) At the junction with the D38, head slightly to the left, towards the Cher and Charbadeuil. Follow the road through these two hamlets.

(3) In Charbadeuil, turn right then immediately left, following the yellow signposts (do not follow ‘Barthe Redonde’ and leave the^GR®® route). Continue along the path, which descends gently opposite the wind turbines at Freycenet-la-Tour, until you reach a tarmac road; follow this straight on until you reach a junction.

(4) Ignore the road leading down to the right and continue left towards Granegoules; pass through the hamlet via a series of hairpin bends before reaching the Fraysse. Keep left on the road through the hamlet, then head towards Avouac.

(5) In Avouac, turn right as you pass over the tunnel, then immediately left. The road becomes a track again as you leave the hamlet. Ignore a track on the right and carry on straight ahead. Follow this track, which winds down quite steeply. You will soon catch sight of the Pont de l’Estaing, the starting point (S/E), at the foot of the track, which has become a road again at Chantegrail.

Make sure you wear suitable footwear for the initial climb, as there are plenty of stones and gullies. In autumn and spring, the path also acts as a torrent...
No other particular difficulties.

Le Présaillou bar and restaurant in the centre of Présailles (booking recommended: 06 19 86 72 34).
All shops in Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, 2 km away.
Excellent goat’s cheeses in Largentière (in the commune of Freycenet-la-Cuche) at Christelle Gagne’s (follow the signposts).
Lake Issarlès, 30 km away.