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Access: When you arrive in Saint-Denis, in the centre of the village, take the D8 north. Just outside the village, you will find the D308 on your left. The Lac de Saint-Denis is also signposted. Drive up to the dam. Cross it and park your cars in the shade at the other end.
(S/E) From the dam road, turn left and drive a few metres, then turn right onto a wide road heading north-west. Be careful not to take the road on the left heading south, as this will take you back to the village.
(1) At the first crossroads, turn right. This road is less travelled than the others and is sometimes a little grassy. However, this does not hinder progress. Continue through the oak and chestnut trees and, after a sharp left turn, you will come to a larger road, which you should take to the right. This road is lined with a high fence protecting a livestock farm, but we have never been able to identify the animals. This section is no longer sheltered by trees, which were cut down to make way for the fence.
(2) You will arrive at a larger road and immediately see a wooden barrier on your right that prevents unauthorised vehicles from driving along the canal. This canal in the Montagne Noire is used to supply water to the Canal du Midi. Follow it for almost 3 km through a forest of beech trees that are impressive in size.
(3) You will arrive at the Prise d'Alzeau. This is where the stream captures some of the water from the Alzeau to flow down to the Seuil de Naurouze and feed the canal. A small path descends to the river on the right, which you will take. But first, we recommend taking a short detour to the river, where you will find an information board. Return to the small path that descends and follow the Alzeau for about 3 km. The path varies, but if you keep the river on your left, you cannot get lost. Continuing along this path, you will come to a bridge on your left.
(4) If the weather is very hot and sunny, you can cross the bridge and walk down the eastern bank of the lake, which is more shaded, but you will have to cross the dam to get back to your cars. On this route, we preferred to continue along the path without taking the bridge and walk down the western bank of the lake. You will then return to the car park (S/E).
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