Between oak groves and cool water in Mialet

we had the same experience last Sunday when Patou suddenly appeared behind us and rushed towards our dog. His owner picked him up and asked Patou to return to the flock. That's what you should do, especially if you have walking sticks, which you should hold close to your body so as not to frighten the dog. Advice from a shepherd during a previous hike. we were a group of 11 hikers and it put us off a bit.

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Date of your route : Mar 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Hello everyone,

It was a rather mixed experience for us, even though we had some bad luck.
The initial route itself is quite nice, with a slightly sporty feel and some lovely views along the way.

However, two major issues spoiled our outing somewhat.

Firstly, the information needs to be updated, as the last part of the hike, after the Pont des Maquisards, is still closed due to the fragility of the cliff.
This is a shame, because walking along the cliffside would have been pleasant, but also and above all because the temporary detour suggested by the FFR runs alongside the departmental road for a long time, which isn't very pleasant.

Next, although it has nothing to do with the route or the hike itself, we felt it was important to share THE big mishap we experienced, to warn others and prevent it from happening to them: about halfway along the route, you pass through hamlets, scattered houses and some pastures. We came across a flock of sheep and were attacked by the sheepdog guarding them.
What I found very disturbing was that the shepherd was also present and did not even bother to react when he saw us struggling to control our dog (who, I should point out, was on a leash), our five-and-a-half-year-old son, and, above all, his large Patou, who was becoming increasingly threatening. it was more frightening than harmful, as we are lucky to have a dog that is not aggressive in the slightest and followed us calmly without overreacting to the threat, but we were stunned to see the shepherd making angry gestures at us from a distance, as if we were in the wrong for being there.
So be careful, you might come across people like this on this hike, and it's not the most pleasant experience.

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Date of your route : Mar 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

a very beautiful hike, but a little technical. Be careful in Mialet at the Pont des Maquisards bridge, as the path is closed due to the fragility of the cliff. We returned to the village and found a detour set up by the FFR (French Hiking Federation) at the no entry sign on the right, which rejoins the Gardon

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Date of your route : Oct 31, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A gradual climb that isn't too difficult, with lovely views. Bring walking sticks for the descent down the rocky slope, which can be tricky... The return trip along the path beside the Gardon river is very pleasant.
The sun brought out the autumn colours beautifully... Definitely worth doing again.

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Date of your route : Nov 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

lack of signage in Mialet for reaching the Pont des Maquisards. We ended up on the short circuit on the other side of the river.

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Date of your route : Nov 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I did this hike today in lovely autumn sunshine, and it took just under 4 hours including breaks.
The directions are reliable and the app's GPS works without any problems. The initial climb is safe and does not require a huge effort (everyone can find their own pace). That said, the descent from point 6 is quite rocky and requires suitable footwear to avoid slipping (especially if it has rained, as was the case for me). However, there are no particular difficulties or hazards to note.
The route is very varied, with woodland, views of the Cévennes hills and a walk along the Garonne.
A very pleasant hike!

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Date of your route : Oct 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Not very busy, but hike completed in October
Very pleasant

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Date of your route : Aug 25, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike on the way up, but the descent is difficult on the scree slope. The lower section along the Gardon river is certainly more enjoyable in spring or autumn, with little or no water during this hot period. Thank you for this route!

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Date of your route : Jun 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The description of the starting point wasn't very clear!
Some parts were also unclear, but we finally found our way and the hike was very pleasant.
Two locals generously offered to help us.
The climb is fairly gentle, the mountain scenery is pleasant, and the descent over the pebbles is quite steep.
The second part is flatter, with opportunities to cool off and swim in the Gardon river.
We have absolutely no regrets about choosing this walk on this beautiful day in June!

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Date of your route : Apr 25, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike taken when many flowers are in bloom and the temperature is pleasant, around 20°C.
Very pleasant except for one section
Very stony.
It is best to avoid this hike when it
it has rained, as some parts can be
Slippery.

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Date of your route : Nov 20, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful walk around Mialet in autumn colours. Starting in the woods and ending along the Gardon river. Very beautiful landscapes. A fairly easy hike.

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Date of your route : Feb 03, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The climb wasn't too difficult, a bit long but steady.
The descent is rated between 6 and 7, probably sponsored by a knee replacement manufacturer... but we were warned by previous comments, and in the end it proved doable, as long as you keep your eyes on your feet and don't look up to see the scenery.
That said, it's a beautiful walk with varied landscapes.
The most disappointing thing was the lack of water due to the winter drought, just a tiny trickle in the Gardon river and nothing in the waterfalls. But the author of the hike isn't responsible for the drought. To be repeated in spring?
A few details: - at the start, take the Chemin de la Baumelle from the car park and head towards the donkey farm.
- to find point 2, go past the hamlet for 50 m until you see a signpost marked "La Baumelle"

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Date of your route : May 23, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very poor description right from the start
Poor signage
Bad directions
We should have done 10 km more, making it 22 km, when we set off for 12 km with a 10-year-old child
Fortunately, we met some people who took us back to our starting point. Thank you again to them
Otherwise, beautiful scenery and good swimming on the way back...

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Date of your route : May 04, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

At No. 5, we went as far as Puech, but had to turn back. This was omitted from the instructions.
At No. 8, after the temple, on the way down, there is a staircase on the left that leads to the Camisards bridge and avoids walking on the road.
At No. 12, turn left onto Rue des Calades, which leads to the car park.

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Date of your route : Jan 20, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

to avoid the problems encountered at the start of the route in Luziers, where, in addition, the car park is very small, it is better to start the circuit from MAS SOUBEYRAN (first road on the right on leaving Luziers), a very pretty hamlet (with the option of visiting the Desert Museum for those who are not familiar with this historic site commemorating the Camisards), follow the signs for LA BAUMELLE on the right on leaving the hamlet, LA ROUVIERE to rejoin the original route after about 500 m by turning left at LA ROUVIERE. Make a short detour to see LES PUECHS, its terraced gardens (faîsses) and picnic tables.Then, about 1 km after the Camisards bridge, take the small road on the left towards LA BONTé, an old mill, cross the footbridge over the Gardon river and join the GR on the right, which runs along the left bank of the Gardon until Trabuc. Take the road for 100 m, staying on the GR, which will take you back to MAS SOUBEYRAN. This doesn't add much to the walk, just a short climb (+ 50 m), and allows you to see the place where thousands of Camisard descendants gather every first Sunday in September.

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