Coutach Forest from Corconnes

A beautiful hike through the Coutach Forest, among lush vegetation and mossy rocks that create an atmosphere of coolness and mystery. After a short detour to the chapel overlooking the rocky chaos, you then reach the ridge where you can enjoy the views stretching as far as the eye can see, before beginning the descent to the old Corconnes path.
See the practical information for a medium-difficulty alternative route.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.05 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 213 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 209 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 351 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 142 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking spaces are available around the town hall

(S/E) Departure from the town hall. Opposite the town hall, go up the small street to the right of the town hall (Chemin Neuf), heading north. At the fork, go straight ahead, leaving the street to La Chapelle on your left (see alternative in Practical Information). Continue straight ahead after the section of the path that is rough and stony.

After fording the stream, continue straight ahead up the hill. Crossing the Pont du Hasard bridge can be difficult despite the metal steps. At the end of this tricky section, there are a few more steps and fixed handholds to help you, and other places where you may need to use your hands. Follow the yellow markings.

(1) At the crossroads, turn left, following the yellow markings. There are still many rocks and a section where you will need to use your hands, so take care if you have fragile ankles or knees. You will reach a flatter path.

(2) A large cairn on the right indicates the path through the forest to the ridge, and on the left, the path to the pretty chapel, which is the destination of this hike.

(3) Arrival at the chapel, a beautiful spot to admire the landscape and the rocky chaos you have just crossed, where you can picnic sitting on the steps of the courtyard, sheltered from the wind. Take the small path that goes around the chapel, then return to the intersection with the cairn by retracing your steps.

(2) Continue straight ahead, following the yellow markings through the forest and towards the ridge. At the crossroads, turn left.

(4) At Col des Trois Chênes, turn left onto the wide downhill track.

(5) In the big bend, after the cistern, leave the wide track, which continues towards Claret, and take the one on the left that passes behind the metal barrier.

(6) At the bottom, at the DFCI fire station, leave the track and take the small path on the left, the old path from Claret to Corconnes, passing behind the wooden barriers.

(7) At the small cairn, continue on the path on the right. A little further on, the path follows a stream bed for a while, which is usually dry but very stony, so be careful not to slip in wet weather and watch your ankles. Then continue straight ahead on the path, which becomes easier to walk on.

(8) Back on the tarmac, turn left towards the village of Corconnes, keep left at the fork in the road, take the first street on the left (Rue du Presbytère), turn onto the second street on the left (Rue Haute), then take the first street on the right. Ignore a street on the left, then another on the right, and turn left at the next intersection. Turn right (Rue Verte), then left (Chemin Neuf), which, after a right turn, leads to the town hall (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 142 m - Town hall
  2. 1 : km 0.86 - alt. 243 m - Trail intersection
  3. 2 : km 0.98 - alt. 265 m - Large tumulus - Round trip
  4. 3 : km 1.52 - alt. 276 m - Chapel
  5. 4 : km 3.58 - alt. 351 m - Col des Trois Chênes
  6. 5 : km 4.48 - alt. 259 m - Cistern, intersection of paths
  7. 6 : km 4.92 - alt. 219 m - DFCI sign - Intersection of tracks
  8. 7 : km 5.31 - alt. 206 m - Intersection of paths
  9. 8 : km 6.44 - alt. 144 m - Path/road intersection
  10. S/E : km 7.05 - alt. 142 m - Town hall

Practical information

Good footwear is essential. The ridge trail is exposed to the sun, so remember to take water, a hat, etc.

Several options are available.
This hike is rated as difficult because it includes a section where you have to scramble, plus a short section where you need to be agile, despite the small metal steps in places. Avoid in wet weather.

A moderately difficult alternative that avoids the tricky sections of Pont du Hasard: climb directly to the chapel via the route to the left of the town hall, which is signposted and easy to follow. The path is quite stony and rather hot in summer, but apart from that, there are no difficulties. In (2), it is possible to make a round trip to see the Pont du Hasard site.

In the nearby area

Visit the chapel site and, on the way back, the charming village of Corconnes: at (8), adapt the route to suit your preferences for visiting the village.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 16 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
User 10600492

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Superb hike. For me, it was my first difficult hike and my first hike with walking poles: a revelation! The section with steps and rope isn't too difficult. The views are magnificent, and the return trip is peaceful. A hike I would happily do again.

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El Pecos
El Pecos

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful walk, mostly shaded, especially on the climb. Crossing the bridge is easy for an average walker, as it is well equipped with metal steps and handrails. There is a beautiful view from the chapel. The return journey before Corconnes ends with an incredible path, testament to the work accomplished by our ancestors. Huge blocks were transported and positioned at great heights. It is a remarkable piece of work that is well worth appreciating.
Good footwear is essential for the entire route as the track is very stony. Avoid after rain.
Philippe

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patrice ozeel
patrice ozeel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very beautiful, original route; the difficult sections are very well laid out.
Lovely viewpoint near the chapel.

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User 5714902

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

a very beautiful hike, even if the second part is much less interesting (from point 4 onwards). Nevertheless, there are some pretty butterflies in the second part.
The hike did not seem particularly difficult for someone with good footwear and in good physical shape. I am 70 years old!

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golgothic30
golgothic30

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : No

The first part is really beautiful, although it could be complicated due to passages that are similar to climbing
The second part is less interesting and very rough, with lots of rocks

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tazpx
tazpx

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A pleasant outing, well marked, not that difficult... although a few sections do require a certain level of fitness.
Best done in dry weather (lots of stones and rocks)

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Diddan
Diddan

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Route followed by the GPX track from Visorando. The challenging walk begins with the passage over the Pont du Hasard bridge. Beautiful scenery around the chapel, followed by views of the ponds and the sea. Lovely passages through the Corconne forest.
A beautiful hike.

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bernard coulomb
bernard coulomb

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The hike begins in spectacular scenery with rare geology: we walk along the bottom of a canyon whose walls seem to have been built by ancient builders; you almost expect to see crossbows appear!
Especially as the bottom of the canyon ends with an ascent towards an impressive natural gateway: the arch that appears leaves us speechless.
Next, we come to a chapel built on the site of an ancient fortress overlooking the region, and finally a rocky chaos leads us into the forest.
Gnomes, ghouls and other fairies were no match for GPS
One of the most surprising walks in the region, without difficulty and in complete safety.

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athmos.oner
athmos.oner

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A circular loop with some stunning spots, such as the arch and the chapel. Both are sublime and incredible!
The rest is a bit dreary, but given what we saw before, we're satisfied.
This hike should only be done when the ground is dry, as there are rocks almost all along the way, making the route too dangerous if the ground is wet.

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monteilpat
monteilpat

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : No

The main attraction of this route is the chapel. However, you mustn't be afraid of stony paths. Good signposting and clear explanations in the guidebook.

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fcourtois
fcourtois

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Clarity of route map : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A pleasant walk in a beautiful area. The weather was lovely and very mild. The climb up to the chapel is fun... but be careful, as this section of the rocks has been damaged (rockfalls/erosion) in places and you really need to use your hands. With all the breaks, it took us a good two and a half hours, but obviously it takes less than two hours to complete this lovely circular. Note: We came across some hunters, but they had finished... phew!

Thanks to the creators of the circular.

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Bevelacqua
Bevelacqua

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 31, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

The first part of the route is magnificent, while the second part (point 4) is more mundane. The rating is a little harsh for experienced hikers; for regular walkers, I would say it is average, but for others, yes, it is difficult.
Avoid in wet weather, as stated!
Thank you for the guidebook...

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MarcelMdR
MarcelMdR

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A lovely, varied walk. We decided to go straight up to the chapel to enjoy the winter sunshine. A beautiful walk through the woods among the limestone rocks before reaching the more open ridges. A lovely descent to Claret and back to Corconnes.

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julio
julio

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Takes the "medium difficulty route". Interesting, the climb to the chapel is pleasant, the round trip to the bridge of chance is already technical but not at all aerial.
Overall, the upper part of the route, markers 1 to 4, is magnificent: beautiful views, a fun path between the rocks with a great atmosphere, lots to see.
Then, between markers 4 and 7, it's less interesting but you have to connect the dots, then after marker 7 it becomes beautiful again.

5 stars for me, over a fairly short distance you get to see lots of beautiful things, the description is excellent and the hike is well worth the trip!

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VONAU
VONAU

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Superb walk, especially at the beginning of the climb.
The climb is a bit tricky but well laid out.

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