In the garrigue around Rochefort-du-Gard

Discovering Rochefort-du-Gard and its religious heritage, then diving into the green oak trees, which make up a large part of the surrounding vegetation, for some solitude.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 16.96 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 223 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 215 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 232 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 75 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Depart from the car park at the Town Hall situated on Avenue de Signargues (D976) or the next car park 150 m higher up on the left.

"Yellow Waymarker"
(S/E) With your back to the car park, join Avenue de Signargues, cross over it and take the old Chemin de Notre-Dame almost directly opposite. Follow this route, ignoring all the other roads to either side, until you reach a T-junction at a stop sign.

(1) Turn left and follow along Avenue du Sanctuaire which climbs to the left. About 100 m higher up, ignore Chemin de Croix on the right - access to it is closed by a gate - and instead stay on the tarmac. A little after, make a right turn and continue up to the next bend marked by a path marker cross.
Head to the right onto the road and, 50 m further on, locate steps going up to the right. Climb the three flights of steps until you reach the courtyard of Notre-Dame de Grâce.

(2) Turn around and go back down two flights of steps and turn left onto the path heading in the direction of the wayside cross. Go along the wall until you reach a wayside cross located on the left at the top of a wide step. Progress a few steps further to reach the last path marker cross. Turn left onto the path which, after a few steps, goes around the sanctuary.
Ignore the small path on the left and continue on this path which goes up to the cliffs (be careful as there are no protective barriers). Follow the path which tilts to the right and start the descent over the rocks; some of the sections on the rocks can be tricky. The path bends to the left and then meets a path at the foot of the cliffs.

(3) Take the path to the left and link up with a path that goes down into the undergrowth. A little after, at the fork, turn right onto the path which climbs gently. At the next fork, turn right onto a path, which is quite stony, to pretty much reach the plateau.
Ignore the path on the right (not shown on the map) and continue along the same path. A bit further on, ignore the path on the left and stay to the right on the path which quickly meets a crossroads - recognisable by its slabs of stone.

(4) Turn left onto the wide path and enjoy the views of Rochefort-du-Gard on the left. Ignore all the paths and trails heading off on either side, some are more visible than others, and stay on the main path. After two wide bends, the path arrives at a large crossroads (sign for renewable energy trail on the left).

(5) Turn right, locate a path coming from the left and continue straight ahead to go alongside the forest of solar panels on the right up to a passageway under the motorway (cistern on the left).

(6) Go under the A9 and, just after the tunnel, ignore the paths on the left and right and keep going straight ahead. Keep on the main path, ignoring the other traces of paths, until you reach a big fork in the path.

(7) Take the path to the left which becomes wilder. You will reach a T-junction.

(8) Take the right, going more or less alongside the high voltage electricity wires, until you finally go underneath them and arrive at a barrier. Climb over it and continue on the path which goes alongside the D111 and then joins it.
Continue straight ahead on the road for about 200 m until you reach a wide square with a monument dedicated to the Resistance on the left.

(9) Go behind the monument and then turn left to find a path which heads off into the trees. Follow the path on the left at the fork and stay on the main path. Locate a path coming from the left and continue on it to the right. Don't worry about the other lateral paths which are poorly visible. You will arrive at a T-junction.

(10) Take the left for about 600 m until you reach the D111. Follow the path which goes alongside it to the right, ignore the tarmacked path which heads off to the right towards the motorway. Continue on the D111 and pass over the A9. Continue on to the next crossroads which marks the entrance to the photovoltaic solar power facility.

(11) Turn right onto the tarmacked road. Turn right at the first crossroads onto the DFCIY81 track. Stay on the main path, ignoring all the paths heading off on each side. Go past the Mas de Panissière (Provençal farmhouse) and continue on until you reach the Panissière crossroads.

"Red and White (GR®63) Waymarking + Yellow"
(12) Take the left in the direction of Mour de la Coudette. At a very large crossroads (the marker has deteriorated), turn left and continue on until you reach tarmac a bit further on at No 1116 and then the marker for Mour de Coudette.

(13) Leave the tarmac and turn left onto a path going into the green oak trees. Still keep to the main path, ignoring the other paths. You will reach some vineyards and then a tarmacked road. Turn right after 100 m and then head to the left onto a path which winds between the vegetation and houses.
Cross a road, (housing estate under construction in April 2016) and continue opposite. The path inclines to the left and re-joins the tarmac at No 235 of Chemin de la Source. Continue on this route until it reaches the D976.

(14) Cross the road carefully and turn left to go alongside it for a few metres up to the stop sign. Turn right onto Chemin de Vaujus, leaving behind, here too, all the other routes on either side. After more than one kilometre, join the Chemin de la Rouvière coming from the right and follow it to the left up to the sign which says "céder le passage" ("give way") on the D287. Turn left for about 30 m until you arrive at a large crossroads.

"Yellow Waymarker"
(15) Ignore the two paths on the right and one on the left and continue opposite on the Chemin de la Croix de Saze. Right at the end, turn right onto Calade de l'Abreuvoir and then left straight away onto the road going uphill. Cut across Rue des Rochers and continue on opposite on the narrow street which turns into another road leading to Castelas.

(16) Enjoy the view and the orientation table and then continue on the road which goes around the building (Montée de l'Ancienne Eglise - 'Rise of the Old Church'). Turn right onto Rue de la Campanille and then left to reach Place du Comte Raymond VI.
Take the right and join Rue du Grand Pont. Take several steps to the left towards the former Saint-Joseph chapel which has become the town hall.

(17) Turn right into Avenue Mistral and then turn right onto Avenue de Signargues to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 101 m - Town Hall car park
  2. 1 : km 0.91 - alt. 83 m - Avenue du Sanctuaire, turn left
  3. 2 : km 1.51 - alt. 131 m - Notre-Dame de Grâce
  4. 3 : km 1.86 - alt. 77 m - Left on the path
  5. 4 : km 2.54 - alt. 119 m - Crossing stone slabs
  6. 5 : km 4.54 - alt. 135 m - To the right, towards the photovoltaic panels
  7. 6 : km 4.88 - alt. 143 m - Passage under the A9
  8. 7 : km 5.57 - alt. 162 m - Big fork, turn left
  9. 8 : km 6.84 - alt. 210 m - T-junction, turn right
  10. 9 : km 8.27 - alt. 229 m - Monument to members of the Resistance
  11. 10 : km 9.74 - alt. 177 m - To the left
  12. 11 : km 11.12 - alt. 149 m - On the right, opposite the voltaic panels
  13. 12 : km 12.39 - alt. 147 m - Carrefour Panissière
  14. 13 : km 12.82 - alt. 152 m - Carrefour Mour de Coudette
  15. 14 : km 14.6 - alt. 153 m - Left on the D976
  16. 15 : km 15.99 - alt. 106 m - Opposite on the Chemin de la Croix de Saze
  17. 16 : km 16.45 - alt. 116 m - Le Castelas
  18. 17 : km 16.68 - alt. 105 m - Saint-Joseph Chapel (Town Hall)
  19. S/E : km 16.96 - alt. 101 m - Town Hall car park

Practical information

A good portion of the route is on tarmac and on forest paths with not many views. If you are allergic, this hike is not suitable for you.

Shorter variation (12 km):
Just before going under the motorway (6), take the path on the left which goes alongside it for 800 m and then reaches the entrance to the photovoltaic solar panel facility. Then take up the route as described above.

In the nearby area

The Notre-Dame de Grâce Sanctuary: It was built in the Carolingian era (by Charlemagne in 798) and transformed into a Benedictine monastery. It was a Marist convent in 1836 and from 1964 a charity home up until the revolution. In the 17th century, it underwent a renewal connected to the reform of the Catholic church, both in the realms of piety and in the buildings which were completely renovated and enlarged. It was a Marist convent in 1836 and a charity home from 1964.

Castelas: This was the first parish church dedicated to Saint-Bardulphe. It was part of the Old Village, and surrounded by ramparts.

Saint-Joseph Chapel (town hall): Built in 1729 with stones from the former château, it was consecrated on 2 October 1734. The interior has survived with its nave vault and narrow choir.

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 17 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.6 / 5
Route interest
3.5 / 5
ThC
ThC

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 19, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Busy trail : No

The route is very clear and easy to follow. But the walk is really of very little interest, apart from Notre Dame de Grâce and the little tour of the village at the end. All you do is skirt the edge of the motorway and its noise pollution, and the high-voltage pylons, in addition to the photovoltaic park. A very disappointing route, unless you're staying in Rochefort and want to avoid taking the car. But there's so much better nearby.

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georgesmarcel
georgesmarcel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 01, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

I did this walk yesterday with my president and we found it very good.
will do it again with the group on 28 March 2022.
Thank you

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mcpc9082
mcpc9082

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : May 17, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

It's a lovely walk, but to get to the chapel, you can go via the Way of the Cross. There's a gate at the entrance, but you just have to push it open to get through, as it's not locked.

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Delhay
Delhay

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 02, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Frequented by many vttists

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emilie&jlo
emilie&jlo

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 01, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing

I do a lot of hiking in the Gard, and this route, which is a PR 42, is one of the best mapped and signposted.
I didn't need to follow the instructions, just the yellow tracks. They're very up to date and I didn't make any mistakes.
It's a great walk with a dog.
Out of the 17 km hike, I only enjoyed 6 km, the 1st in the direction of Notre Dame and the last 5 (even if it was on the road, in the end that's where it was interesting).
The 11 km weren't very pretty, we passed under the motorway twice, crossed and skirted a departmental road twice and skirted several electricity pylons.
I won't be doing it again.

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juberaud
juberaud

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 12, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

point 13 needs to be changed!
You can't go on the tarmac road to the right any more, you have to go straight on and follow the signs on the spot and not the explanations for this hike.

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Jclo30
Jclo30

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 24, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

Personally, I'd say it's of moderate interest, as I'm dividing the route into 2 parts:
- Great interest in the 1st part, which covers the route between the village centre and Notre Dame de Grace, which can be reached by completely following the Way of the Cross (the access gate is not locked), the stations of which are well worth discovering, and then the descent over the rocks to the foot of the cliff. Beautiful views over the plain from the esplanade.
- There is little interest in the 2nd part, which offers no scenery (heaths and plateaux...) other than long paths and a finale on long tarmac roads. The only noteworthy feature is the Resistance Monument.
This is a very easy route to follow, following the yellow signs from the forecourt of Notre Dame de Grace.

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hockyard
hockyard
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 08, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Not a very difficult walk through the forests and then the heath, with views to match. A long circuit, but be sure to bring water. The descent after the sanctuary is steep and rocky, so take care.
But at point 13 you can no longer go through the housing estate, which is closed. You have to continue on the tarmac path a little higher up (red and white markings) to find your way back.
There is too much tarmac on the path at the end, but otherwise it's fine.

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Harkonnen
Harkonnen

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 31, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

It's a fairly long walk, but there's plenty to see and no major difficulties. Things have changed at point (13): the housing estate has expanded and the signposted path no longer exists. Thanks to the app and the GPS track, we were able to get back to the route by winding our way through the villas under construction. Here are a few images of the walk (including aerial views of the impressive photovoltaic park):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDRZXDBN...

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randosaintchaptoise
randosaintchaptoise

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 15, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

The first two thirds of the route were very pleasant. The final section is very tarmac.

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Natachou30
Natachou30

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 20, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Nice hike, the descent from the sanctuary is a little steep, descend with caution, nice path

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GORDINI07
GORDINI07

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 20, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

Hello
We also went up the Way of the Cross.
The descent from the sanctuary should be made with caution, but there was no need to worry.
As our group was made up of elderly people, we "shortened" the walk by taking a path that ran alongside the A9 instead of under it.
PERFECT

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slinky
slinky ★

Thank you Hervé for your comment.

Have a nice day!

Laurent

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hervevisorando
hervevisorando

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 15, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A leisurely hike, a very accurate description.
Thanks again to Slinky

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baroudeuse73
baroudeuse73

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 04, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A walk, just the way I like it, in the heath, beautiful views, no difficulties apart from a passageway, but one that is well protected from the void.

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