Corniches of the Tarn and the Jonte

At Le Rozier, follow the narrow road winding uphill towards the hamlet of Capluc. Park in the designated area, which can accommodate three to four vehicles, just before the ‘No Entry’ sign (except for residents).

Signposting:^GR® white and red +^PR® yellow

(S/E) Continue along the wide concrete path which climbs steeply. When you reach the first buildings, carry on along a narrow path that passes through the ruins before reaching a junction. Ignore the path leading to the Rocher de Capluc straight ahead and take the hairpin bend to the right, continuing for a few metres.

^PR® Yellow signposting

(1) Turn left at a small signpost, following the sign for “Ermitage Saint-Pons”. Cross a small pass and descend into the Tarn valley to follow a balcony-like path winding through a magnificent pine forest. The route is initially flat but becomes more rugged as you cross short rocky sections before reaching the Grotte de Saint-Pons.

(2) The route passes through this impressive cave, then veers to the left, emerging at a short, tricky section. You’ll soon reach the ruins of the Ermitage Saint-Pons, of which little remains apart from the façade, adorned with two beautiful, very well-preserved semicircular arches. Continue along the path to the first junction, where a small wooden sign points left towards Plaisance.

(3) Turn right, ignoring this sign, and begin a fairly steep, winding ascent leading to a wide, stony cross-path.

Signposting:^GR®6(white and red) +^PR® (yellow)

(4) Turn left and climb steadily to the first junction, where there is a double sign written in French and English. This politely reminds walkers that they are entering private property and must stay on the marked paths.

^PR® yellow markings

(5) Turn left and continue along the hillside. On the left, several clearings and small viewing points offer views across to the other side of the valley, where you can see the troglodyte settlements of Églazines and Saint-Marcellin; these are quite difficult to spot as the colour of the stones blends into the natural backdrop of the rock faces. Please take care, however, as these areas are not secured. You will reach a crossroads with a double signpost.

(6) Turn right onto a wide path that winds lazily through the undergrowth before emerging at a grassy junction at the foot of a concrete electricity pylon.

No signposting

(7) Turn right and walk on almost level ground through very dense woodland. You’ll reach the Biendoux crossroads, which is barely marked on the ground.

(8) Carry on straight ahead and, much further on, reach a three-way junction, where you should turn right to join a wide track forming part of the^GR®6.

(9) Cut across it to take a path opposite that serves as a shortcut, and join the^GRP® Tour du Causse Méjean.

^GRP® yellow and red markings

Carry on straight ahead for about a hundred metres.

No markings

(10) Turn right, leaving the signposted route, and follow the lovely path carpeted with pine needles as it climbs gradually: note that the two junctions near the 863 mark no longer exist on the ground.

(11) Turn right again.

(12) Keep left at the three-way junction, take a left-hand bend and pass close to the impressive Rocher de Francbouteille. Further on, the dense undergrowth gives way to sparser vegetation, offering the first views of the Jonte Valley and its multitude of spectacular rocks. You’ll soon reach a fork marked by an old, moss-covered cairn.

(13) Turn left to follow a narrow path leading to the trickiest part of the walk: a stretch of about twenty metres where you’ll need to negotiate several very awkward descents, some of which are a good metre high and require you to use your hands. Take extra care if the rocks are wet. You will finally emerge onto the^GRP® Tour du Causse Méjean, known here as the Sentier Louis Armand: the IGN map is completely incorrect at this point.

^GRP® yellow and red markings +^PR® yellow

(14) Turn right. The Vase de Chine comes into view immediately. Continue along the ledge path, with the Vase de Sèvres in your sights; you can reach its base via a short detour to the left.

(15) After taking in the view of this very elegant stone colossus and the panorama of the Gorges de la Jonte, return to the signposted path and continue to the left. You’ll reach a three-way junction where you rejoin the^GR®6.

Signposting:^GR® white and red +^PR® yellow

(16) Keep left onto the Sentier Louis Armand. The stony path winds down through several hairpin bends, losing altitude as it passes at the foot of the rock faces, including the Révérend. Once back on level ground, head for Capluc.

(1) Follow the ascent route in the opposite direction to return to the car park (S/E).

The route requires you to pay attention to the following points:

• between (1) and (2): the path is well-marked but very narrow. Take particular care after rain as the small rocks on the ground and the sloping pine roots are very slippery, posing a real risk of falling.
• between (5) and (6): numerous unsecured viewpoints overlooking the Tarn valley. You must take great care not to lose your footing.
• Between (13) and (14): rugged terrain; a very narrow and tricky section as there are several steps down to negotiate. Walking sticks will be a hindrance here.
• Vase de Sèvres: a very beautiful spot but unsecured.

For these reasons, I do not recommend this walk with young children.

Good walking boots are recommended as there are many stony sections. Walking poles are of little use as the ledge paths are very narrow and do not provide any real footholds.

There is no water along the route. Make sure you bring enough with you.

Peyreleau

Meyrueis

Gorges du Tarn

Jonte Gorges