The Old Tanus Route

de fr

This easy midday walk is best undertaken in hot or very hot weather. Indeed, it takes place entirely in the woodland and along the Viaur, and almost entirely on signposted paths. However, it is not a circular route; nevertheless, the view over the Viaur is very pleasant and, above all, it is very comfortable there, sheltered from the heat. This path is little used. It is situated on the Chemin des Planques.

Details

n°3324894
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.38 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 486 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 512 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,188 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 961 ft
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Photos

The little bridge
View of the Viaur
Heading back up towards the Tanus Bridge
Viaur Viaduct

Description of the walk

In Tanus, follow the signs for the Viaur Viaduct. Head towards Laval; do not turn right at the sign for the hiking trails. Before Laval, at a bend, you will find the start of the route on your right, marked by a sign indicating the Chemin des Planques. You can leave your car opposite without causing any obstruction, but there isn’t much space; otherwise, find a space as you head towards Laval, the nearby hamlet.

(S/E) At the ‘Route du Vieux Tanus’ sign, take this path which descends towards the Viaur. It is a very good, shaded path.

(1) Once you reach the Viaur, you’ll find a fork on your left which is the way back. A sign points you towards the Viaur Viaduct, 400 m away. So carry on in that direction, due east, and follow the yellow markers. Pass under the Viaur Viaduct and continue in the same direction. The markers are few and far between but are still there. This is an old path, wilder and less well-travelled. You will soon cross two small streams; take great care not to slip. Continue along the Viaur.

(2) After the 319 mark, the path turns right then left to exit the woods. At the junction, take the path on the left. You’ll pass a small ruined house on your left. Stop just above the bridge spanning the Viaur – there are no safety barriers, so please be careful. The first part of your walk is now complete. The hamlet of Labastide is not far away.

(3) Turn back to return to a junction on the way out.

(1) Then carry on straight ahead towards Vieux Tanus. Head towards Laval and walk through a fairly open stretch, half fields, half woodland, until you reach the next junction.

(4) You’ll find two signposts. One points to Laval and the other to the Sentier de Las Planques. Carry on straight ahead along the Sentier de Las Planques. Take care, as this path initially runs alongside private property and, whilst not difficult, is quite narrow. It passes in front of the small jetty at the upper mill and leads to the Tanus bridge, where the second part of the walk practically ends.

(5) Turn back to return to the previous junction.

(4) Turn right towards Laval. After about 80 m, take the grassy path on your left, which leads to the starting point after about 200 m (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,188 ft - Signs indicating the ‘Circuit du Vieux Tanus’ and ‘Senti’ routes
  2. 1 : mi 0.39 - alt. 981 ft - Crossroads at the end of the circular loop - Viaur (rivière)
  3. 2 : mi 1.32 - alt. 984 ft - Junction
  4. 3 : mi 1.58 - alt. 981 ft - The little bridge over the Viaur
  5. 4 : mi 3.2 - alt. 1,093 ft - Laval junction
  6. 5 : mi 3.7 - alt. 1,004 ft - Tanus Bridge
  7. S/E : mi 4.38 - alt. 1,184 ft - Signs indicating the ‘Circuit du Vieux Tanus’ and ‘Senti’ routes

Notes

Worth a visit

The walk along the Viaur and the views are very pleasant.
Partial view of the Viaur Viaduct (the path runs underneath it).

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 26968274

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Great for hot days! Nice walk.

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LosCortes81
LosCortes81
• Edited:

The start of the walk is very well signposted, as is the route.
However, it seems that a landowner has fenced off their field, so we had to turn back a little earlier than planned.
The path is indeed very shaded; in autumn, you can gather chestnuts, and there is a picnic area by the railway bridge.

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surpilix
surpilix

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely half-day walk; the section leading to the viaduct is entirely shaded, apart from the last few metres towards the ruins and the bridge; you can even dip your feet in the water!! The other section, leading to the motorway viaduct, is partly shaded with a few short climbs; overall, it’s a very pleasant walk and offers a bit of a cool respite from this heatwave....

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maryvan12
maryvan12

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 27, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

There is indeed a small parking area just before the hamlet of Laval, on the left-hand side of the road, but the walk starts in the hamlet itself, which you’ll need to walk through; ask the locals for directions to the signposts.
After that, it’s pure joy :-)

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