Combe Longue, Bannelle and Le Mazel

A pleasant hike offering the chance to discover, first and foremost, a typical landscape of lush vegetation (particularly holm oaks) interspersed with limestone formations.
Also particularly interesting is the crossing of a sharp limestone pavement at the summit of Bannelle. This is a limestone plateau that has been eroded over time, forming joints that give it a ruin-like appearance.

Details

n°12241210

Creation:
27 Jul 2021

Last update:
03 Nov 2022

Last review:
16 Sep 2024

Activity: Walking
Distance: 4.17 mi
Average duration: 2h 45
Difficulty: Difficult
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 971 ft
Descent: - 997 ft
Highest point: 1,621 ft
Lowest point: 794 ft

Country: France
Areas: Cévennes, Massif central
City: Banne (07460)
Start/End: N 44.366801° / E 4.155005°
IGN map(s): Ref. 2839OT
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Description of the walk

Head to the village of Banne, between Les Vans and Les Avelas, via the D901 then the D309. Park in the car park below the school on the D251, between the Place de l’Auberge and the Place de l’Église.

(S/E) Return to the road and head down to the left to reach the Place de l’Auberge. Turn left onto the D251 towards the bridge, cross it and continue for about 350 m until you reach a path on the left. Take this path. At the^first fork in the road, follow the path to the left and do the same at the next fork in the road to reach another track.

(1) Turn left. The markings are supposed to be white circles, but they may be difficult to see.

(2) At another fork, leave the white-marked path on your left and take the red-marked path on your right. Continue until you reach a path that climbs to the left.

(3) Take this path, making sure to keep to the left at a Fork in the road.

(4) A few metres after a bend to the right, take the path leading to a beautiful dolmen: there are two cairns on either side at the start of the path. Retrace your steps to rejoin the main path. Shortly afterwards, you’ll come to another path; take this one to the right to reach a three-way junction.

(5) Take the right-hand branch and continue straight on, ignoring a first semblance of a path branching off to the left and another to the right. You will gradually reach a scree slope.

(6) Descend this and continue along the path which leads to the foot of some rocks. Climb these rocks, taking care to follow the Blue Circle markings which lead to the summit of Bannelle.

(7) Descend from the summit by following the red markings across the entire sharp limestone pavement.

(5) Continue straight ahead. You will then reach a small clearing bordered by the path you took on the way up, which you now follow to the right.

On reaching the hamlet of Mazel, the path joins a road where it meets the^GR®44. Turn left for about ten metres, then follow the^GR®down to the village of Banne. The path continues along a tarmac road which joins the road taken on the way out (D251). Turn right to return to the car park at the start (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 906 ft - School car park
1 : mi 0.96 - alt. 1,010 ft - Junction
2 : mi 1.15 - alt. 1,148 ft - Junction
3 : mi 1.34 - alt. 1,158 ft - Path on the left
4 : mi 1.64 - alt. 1,319 ft - Return to the dolmen
5 : mi 1.93 - alt. 1,444 ft - Three-Way Junction
6 : mi 2.12 - alt. 1,483 ft - Scree slope
7 : mi 2.3 - alt. 1,604 ft - Bannelle
S/E : mi 4.17 - alt. 906 ft - School car park

Notes

Please note that the climb to the summit of Bannelle is technical and may prove difficult for hikers unaccustomed to steep terrain.
Similarly, crossing the sharp limestone pavement may pose problems for those prone to vertigo due to the numerous deep and closely spaced fissures.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5

Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5

Ease of following the route
5 / 5

Route interest
4.7 / 5

Anthony Tulip

16 Sep 2024 at 12:19 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This “hike” is an adventure from start to finish. The red “difficult” rating is no exaggeration. The trek is a challenge in terms of accessibility, sense of direction, fear of heights and agility. As mentioned, it’s an adventure, and if you’re fit and well-equipped, it’s great fun.

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Mairie Banne

25 Nov 2023 at 11:33 3600

Please note that this walk passes through private property without the owners’ consent; you proceed at your own risk, particularly on slippery and dangerous sections.

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papico

15 Sep 2022 at 13:59 7200 • Edited: 15 Sep 2022 at 16:40 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 15, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

One of the most varied and beautiful walks in the area.
Highly distinctive, alternating between wild, playful and bucolic, it presents no real difficulty provided you are careful and a confident walker. No tarmac, just forest paths, a lovely dolmen and, finally, the pleasure of beautiful views...
This walk is not suitable for children, elderly people or those who are afraid of steep sections.
A big thank you to the author for introducing us to this circular route.

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jacques.talbot

07 Nov 2021 at 16:25 3600

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 07, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for this walk. In our opinion, the most interesting part is the somewhat tricky climb up and down the Bonnelle sharp limestone pavement, which offers some lovely views (5 to 7). The ascent from 1 to 4 through the holm oaks on the north-facing slope, with no visibility, is rather unappealing in early November, despite the blue sky. Furthermore, without a GPS tracking device, you’re almost certain to get lost in the maze of paths. The descent from Le Mazel to Banne is pleasant. So, at this time of year, you might consider taking the return route for the ascent.

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