Combe à la Serpent

Park in the Fontaine d’Ouche car park at the end of Rue de la Combe à la Serpent.

(S/E) Rather than heading for the main path at the far end of the car park on the right, turn left onto a path that begins with a few steps to the left of the covered courtyard. Follow the path all the way to the top.

(1) Once at the top of the climb, follow the main path leading off to your right. Pass a lovely rock face on your left and take the forest track, which you should follow until you reach a clearing.

(2) Leave the main path and turn onto the small path on the right, which begins to descend gently. You’ll be able to spot the white and red^GR® markers^. Follow this path as it winds its way down to the bottom.

Once at the bottom, turn right. Walk a few dozen metres to reach the familiar sandy path at the bottom of the valley.

(3) Cross it, then head just ten metres or so to your right to find yourself directly beneath the electricity pylon at the very top of the hill: this is the way up.

Set off along the narrow path that climbs, taking care of the rather dense undergrowth at the start. The climb, which is a bit of a challenge, then opens out. Once at the top, head slightly to the right to reach the second electricity pylon.

A few metres further on, turn right, then carry on more or less straight ahead. At the junction, veer left, continuing to follow the^GR® markings, then turn left again immediately afterwards; otherwise, you’ll end up back down on the main path (from where you can return directly to the car park on level ground).

Then take the descent on your right and continue to the lower path. Follow this for a few dozen metres to the left, then take the first uphill path on your right. At the junction, take the^second path on the right and then continue straight on until you reach the junction just before the bottom of a small valley.

(4) Take the small path leading downhill on your right. Follow it all the way down to where you’ll rejoin the main path. Follow this path to the left and return to the car park via the main entrance (S/E).