Country:
District:
Thoronet Abbey car park.
(S/E) Head towards the back of the car park after the kiosk and cross the wooden bridge over the Bouillidoux stream. Cross the picnic area, then turn left and climb the steps to the side of the road.
(1) Immediately take the track on the right until you reach the fork.
(2) Follow the left-hand track called La Barboussière, climbing alongside the fence of a quarry until you reach a dirt esplanade.
(3) Take the wide track on the right (possible activities related to the quarry). Ignore the tracks on the right or left, but note the red earth laden with bauxite in some places. Its extraction was an important mining activity in the region. Join the D79.
(4) Cross it carefully and take the track that climbs up opposite. When you reach the cistern, continue on the right and pass by a ruined building. You will come to a fork.
(5) Turn left and follow the main track, ignoring the paths on either side. You will come to a multiple crossroads.
(6) Make a quick left/right turn to take a small track going straight up into the forest, indicated by the sign "Retour Village" (Return to Village). Continue straight ahead with a clear view of the lake from the heights . Turn right with the main path and arrive at a crossroads at a cistern on the right-hand side.
(7) Take the small path on the right, following the sign for "Circular Tour Pierrefeu": views of the vineyard. Return to the previous fork.
(6) Turn left to take the reverse route of the outward journey to the D79.
There is a possible alternative/extension towards the lake (see Practical Information).
(4) Turn left onto the lake and walk carefully along its edge for about 300 metres.
(8) After a slight left turn, take a path on the right lined with rosemary.
(9) At the fountain (non-potable water), descend to the left along a very stony path to arrive above the Thoronet Abbey car park.
(10) Use the stone steps on the right to descend to the car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Easy 
