In Gardiole, starting from Saint-Félix de Monceau Abbey

Park in the car park at Saint-Félix de Monceau Abbey.

(S/E) Head towards the Abbaye Saint-Félix de Monceau signpost and the hiking sign, then follow the path marked in yellow.

(1) At the bend to the left of the path, take a lovely path leading straight up (Yellow Cross). Further on, at a fork in the path, turn right, then keep right at the next fork. First turn left and you’ll come to a path at the L’Oulette signpost. Follow the path to the right and you’ll reach a crossroads by a cistern and the Peyre Tindant signpost.

(2) Head off to the right for a round trip to the summit of Roc d'Anduze. After about 300 m and before reaching a marker, take a path climbing to the right to reach the summit.

(3) Retrace your steps back to the Peyre Tindant signpost.

(2) Follow the path on the right. Further on, you can follow a track running parallel to this path on its left, before joining it.

(4) At the four-way junction and the Puits de pétrole marker, continue straight on. Further on, ignore a path on the left just before reaching the Piste avion marker.

(5) Continue along the path on the right. Stay on this path, which runs along the ridge, ignoring the turn-offs to the left. Pass a ‘Heritage Landscape’ sign. Continue along the track. You will come to a large triangular junction.

(6) Take the track on the left. Further on, ignore a track on the left and then a path on the right. You’ll reach a large triangular junction with the ‘Pioch de Camille’ marker.

(7) Follow the path to the right towards Combe de l'Arbousier. You’ll reach the Col de l'Arbousier marker at a three-way junction.

(8) Follow the track on the left.

(9) At the Launac heath marker, continue straight on towards Les Jasses. Ignore the side paths and arrive at a crossroads at the Les Jasses marker.

(10) Follow the path to the right. At the following junctions, stay on the track, ignoring the other paths, and follow the yellow markings. At the hairpin bend to the right of the track, cut straight across via a concrete path marked in yellow. Join the track and follow it straight on. Pass the Farlet marker and continue straight on.

(11) At a lay-by, head left, following the yellow markings, and at the end take a path. Please note: make sure you follow the yellow markings on this lovely stretch through old plots surrounded by low walls. There are numerous paths leading off in all directions.

(12) Pass the Ruisseau de Barbière marker and begin the climb to a small hilltop. Descend and, at an unmarked fork in the path, ignore the path on the right. The markings reappear shortly afterwards. You’ll reach a track at the Peyre Plantade marker.

(13) Follow the track to the right, passing a ‘Paysage d’héritage’ sign. You will reach the junction of the circular route.

(1) Retrace your steps along the outward route and return to the car park.

(S/E) Follow the signposted route to visit the ruins of the old abbey, then return to your vehicle (S/E).

Moderate difficulty hike; standard hiking gear required.

Avoid in hot weather. Access to the Gardiole massif may be restricted in the event of a fire risk.

Photo gallery here

Discover more hikes in this area to follow, with a description or via the Visorando app here

Many DFCI tracks, but also two very pleasant footpaths. Extensive views over much of the route.

Typical heath flora: in April, thyme, rosemary, rockroses, asphodels, irises, wild tulips...

Visit the ruins ofSaint-Félix de Monceau Abbey.