From Foissac to Vernet-le-Bas

A very scenic route that follows an old path once used by locals to link Foissac to Vernet-le-Bas. This walk alternates between sections through woodland and open areas offering lovely views of the valley.
A route with a bit of an elevation gain but not very difficult on foot. It can also be done by mountain bike.

Details

2696144
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.67 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 564 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 564 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,175 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 597 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Easy parking in the village hall square.

(S/E) Head west, away from the church, and ignore a small lane on the right. At the crossroads (with a cross), turn right onto Route de Balaguier. At the next crossroads (with a cross), turn right again and carry on straight ahead.

(1) At the crossroads, take the road on the left that leads downhill.

(2) After a sharp right-hand bend, leave the road and turn left onto a narrow path that continues to descend through the woodland. At a junction (marker 274), go straight on and continue down the shaded path. Ignore a turn-off on the left and you’ll come to a crossroads.

(3) Then turn sharply right. After about 250m, you’ll come out onto another road. Take the hairpin bend to the right on the road. Then take the path below on the left. Cross a river, head back up and reach a small road 100m further on. Follow this road to the right and, at the next junction, follow the road to the left for about a hundred metres.

(4) Take the path that climbs to the right just past the houses and re-enter the woodland. Head uphill not far from a stream along a path that is not fully shown on the IGN map.

(5) Turn right and cross the stream. Ignore a path branching off to the left and continue uphill, following a few bends. You’ll come out onto a track suitable for vehicles; follow it to the left.

(6) At the next junction, turn right and continue uphill. This will take you back to the crossroads you passed on the way out.

(1) Turn left onto the road leading to the village. Pass by the little chapel of La Capelette. Ignore a road on the right and, at the junction immediately after, turn left. At the next junction (cross), turn right. Go straight on and pass the post office. At the T-junction, turn right and you’ll come to the village hall (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,142 ft - Car park at the Foissac village hall
  2. 1 : mi 0.65 - alt. 1,119 ft - Crossroads at the end of the circular loop
  3. 2 : mi 1.06 - alt. 1,030 ft - Forest path on the left
  4. 3 : mi 1.98 - alt. 748 ft - Crossroads
  5. 4 : mi 2.43 - alt. 620 ft - Le Moulin Haut
  6. 5 : mi 3.06 - alt. 725 ft - Junction
  7. 6 : mi 3.53 - alt. 892 ft - Junction
  8. S/E : mi 4.67 - alt. 1,138 ft - Car park at the Foissac village hall

Reviews and comments

3.7 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
3 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.7 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
Viviane campomar
Viviane campomar

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We got lost several times; the route isn’t very well signposted. For example, it would be helpful to specify the direction to a particular hamlet, and whether or not to follow the yellow markings. At the start, for instance, you need to follow the yellow markings, not the road leading downhill, but at Vernet-le-bas, you have to follow the Yellow Cross to find the path!
An interesting walk, but it’s easy to get lost.

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yanisylan
yanisylan

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant walk, but the signposting is sparse or even non-existent – a shame.

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jomad
jomad

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 23, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The route map is accurate, but the description omits some turnings. The view was unobstructed and, from the heights, we could see the volcanoes, the pretty hamlet of Vernet and the stream we were following.

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yanisylan
yanisylan

Hike not yet completed.

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beauvillage
beauvillage

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely, enjoyable walk, done in the opposite direction. You’ll need to follow the yellow markings and have the GPS track on your phone, as there are times when you’re not quite sure if you’re on the right path. The village of Vernet-le-Bas is very pretty, as is the view down the valley. This walk can be extended with another route that’s also very interesting for its views.

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maisonletoutou
maisonletoutou
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 17, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, but at exit number 2, the path was difficult to navigate. This section is definitely not suitable for mountain biking.

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