From Mas-Saint-Chély to Les Vignes, above the Gorges du Tarn

Starting from the hotel in Mas-Saint-Chély (southern exit of the village).

Red and yellow markings

(S) From the hotel, walk a few metres south, then turn right onto a path heading west. This path runs alongside a woodland and then descends steeply through a cleared area.

(1) Cross the D986 and, via a small road opposite, reach Anilhac.

(2) Continue west-south-west and take a path between low stone walls. The path descends gently before joining a wider track leading to Montignac.

(3) Walk through the village (with its beautiful old houses) and continue in the same direction along a small road. You’ll reach a junction with a main road (D43).

(4) Carry on straight ahead (west) along a road, which you’ll soon leave to take a track on the right. At a crossroads (marked by a ‘tooled’ cross), turn left and head for Rouveret.

(5) Turn right at a right angle in the village and climb up a hill. The path then bends to the left and the gradient levels out. Following a pleasant route along the ‘ridge’ (with the first views of the Gorges du Tarn), you’ll reach the Col de Rieisse.

(6) Take a path to the right of the road, heading west. The path descends through woodland and then across open ground to Rieisse. Turn left shortly after entering the village.

(7) Continue westwards along the small road.

No signposting

(8) Turn right onto the small road leading down to Roc des Hourtous. Viewpoint (entrance fee; bar, light refreshments) overlooking the Gorges du Tarn.

(9) Retrace your steps.

Red and yellow signposting

(8) Turn sharply right. Walk through a more or less wooded area, join another path coming in from the left, and continue westwards. The path makes a wide circular loop to the right through the forest to go round a hill not named on the IGN map (an area known as ‘les Divises’). On leaving the forest, the slope becomes steeper.

(10) Turn right and pass by some ruined buildings. You’ll walk through a more or less wooded area once again, until you reach La Caxe (isolated houses).

Red and white markings

(11) Walk past the houses, heading west. Then begin the descent towards the Tarn valley. The slope is steep and the path winds down in numerous hairpin bends. At the top of the descent, you pass close to overhanging boulders, and the lower you go, the denser the woodland becomes. You’ll join the path that runs alongside the Tarn valley, coming from the right (north).

(12) Turn left and continue south-south-west. As you emerge from the woods, you’ll reach a small road leading to the Chapel of Saint-Préjet.

(13) Continue along the small road and head for the bridge over the Tarn. Cross this bridge to reach Les Vignes, on the opposite bank, the end of the stage (E).

Rieisse – Farmhouse sheep’s cheese.
Les Vignes – Hôtel-restaurant du Gévaudan: 04 66 48 81 55.

(7) Off the main route – On the right (signposted), a path leads to the Roc du Serre, which offers a view of the Gorges du Tarn. Allow a good half an hour for the round trip.

Hike undertaken by the author on 3 August 2013.

Beautiful old houses in Montignac (3).

‘Decorated’ crosses (see photo) between the D43 (4) and Rouveret (5).

Stunning views over the Gorges du Tarn:
- As you approach the Col de Rieisse (6).
- At the Roc de Serre (not part of the hike) (7).
- At the Roc de Hourtoux (entry fee applies, not part of the hike) (8).

Saint-Préjet Chapel (13).