A circular route through the heath starting from Castries

This one-hour walk takes you past the Castries Aqueduct, the vineyards and the olive groves.

Details

2678849
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.30 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 30 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 30 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 85 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 58 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Castries (34160)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.686452° / E 3.985179°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 2843OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

The start is in front of the Dojo Emile Mazaudier in Castries, at the car park located at the Domaine des Cigales, at the very end of Rue des Romarins, which is actually a dead end.

(S/E) Set off along the path that runs alongside the dojo on your left.
You’ll soon reach a track which you take to the right, leading to the Castries Aqueduct.
Just before a small sign warning of falling rocks, go under the aqueduct via a narrow path.

(1) You’ll soon reach a DFCI track. Head left until the next junction.

(2) Turn right. Then right again further on onto the Chemin de la Capelette.

(3) On the left: take the opportunity to visit La Capelette.
Follow the track to the Y-junction, where you take the right-hand branch which climbs slightly, then descends to a junction where you turn left onto the lovely path lined with tall plane trees.
At the end of the plane trees, continue along the main path on the right.
Turn right onto a path (yellow markings) that runs alongside a beautiful olive grove until you reach a fork.

(4) Continue to the right to the Fondespierre estate (tennis courts).
Continue along the path to a signpost where you should follow Clapiers (Blue Circles on the trees).
Follow the path which rejoins the aqueduct; walk alongside it on the right-hand side.

(5) Turn left towards the Domaine des Cigales and you will come out at the dojo (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 59 m - Car park, Rue des Romarins
  2. 1 : km 0.26 - alt. 64 m - Turn left under the aqueduct
  3. 2 : km 0.59 - alt. 62 m - Turn right
  4. 3 : km 1.08 - alt. 69 m - Capelette
  5. 4 : km 2.13 - alt. 68 m - Turn right
  6. 5 : km 4.09 - alt. 61 m - Turn left
  7. S/E : km 4.3 - alt. 62 m - Car park, Rue du Romarin

Notes

No water points along the route.

Alternative route (5): option to continue straight ahead along the reverse route of the outward journey to (1) and (S/E).

Worth a visit

(3) La Capelette on the left of the path, built during the 18th century by a couple who had taken refuge one stormy night in a drystone shelter (capitelle), and converted it into a small chapel to thank God for having protected their baby from the storm.

Dojo Emile Mazaudier. Martial arts school

Castries Tourist Information Office.

Reviews and comments

4.2 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
Audrey.bichwiller
Audrey.bichwiller

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A great hike to go on

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LFau
LFau

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 16, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

An easy family walk suitable for everyone, with pleasant surroundings throughout the route.
However, it’s a shame that the signposting isn’t precise enough.
You spend far too much time checking that you’re still heading in the right direction. It would have been more enjoyable to take in the scenery than to keep an eye on the GPS!

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dream34
dream34

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 15, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk in the height of summer, best taken in the late afternoon to avoid the heat. Make sure you follow the route description carefully, as there are several paths that regularly cross. Even better with the GPX track.
Enjoyable.

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virginie-g34
virginie-g34

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 12, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

On a sunny Sunday morning, this is the perfect time for a walk, as it’s neither too hot nor too cold. As the path is full of large stones, the heat reflects off them. So early in the morning in the height of summer is ideal. I recommend the 1½-hour walk, following the Blue Circles on the trees. Through the heath around the aqueduct!

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Bretonnoux
Bretonnoux

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 23, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Hello
We’re beginners, and the short course was just right for us. We’ll be back to try other sections and the slightly longer one at Castries.
Kind regards

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