The Razigade Ridge starting from Castanet-le-Haut

Park in the Castanet-le-Haut car park.

(S/E) Head towards the centre of the village. Cross the Mare river and join the GR®553.

(1) Take the wide path on the right, follow the right bank and continue until you reach a bend. Do not cross the ford on the Razigade stream, but turn left to follow the right bank of the stream. You will then begin a long, winding climb. Continue until you reach a pylon.

(2) Continue along the edge of the cliff until you reach the summit marking the boundary of the Caroux-Espinouse Hunting Reserve.

(3) Begin a short descent and reach the Plo des Brus forest track. Take it on the left, then leave it on the left to reach the Plo des Brus viewpoint.

(4) Take the balcony path on the right. Walk parallel to the forest track to reach the Col de l'Ourtigas.

(5) Turn left onto the GRP® des Tours des Monts et Lacs en Haut Languedoc, marked in yellow and red, walk along the Ruisseau de l'Ourtigas stream, and reach the hamlet of Caissenols-le-Haut, which is currently being restored.

(6) Continue on the GRP® and the terraces via a flat path along the stream to reach the Portail de Roquandouire, a large crossroads of trails.

(7) Leave the GRP® here and take the path in the middle, walking downhill and following a beautiful circular loop to rejoin the Muratel Forest Track. Continue to the junction of the Haut Languedoc and Vignobles GRP® with the GR®553 Chemin de Compostelle.

(8) Take it on the left and continue down a slight slope. Cross the Ravin de Muratel, then arrive at a place called La Combe opposite the village of Andabre. Do not continue towards Saint Gervais, but take the GRP® on the left, overlooking the river, until you reach the village of Andabre.

(9) Continue right on the GRP®, then left along the Mare river, climbing very slightly to return to the initial crossroads.

(1) Turn right and retrace your steps to return to the Castanet-le-Haut car park (S/E).

This is a demanding hike that can be completed in 1 or 2 days (bivouac).
There is no water along the route, which is in the middle of nature and not very busy, so be careful and plan ahead.
There is also little mobile phone coverage, so make sure you inform your family and friends of your route.

(S/E) Mare Valley, villages of Castanet-le-Haut and Andabre.
(3) Entrance to the hunting reserve: enjoy beautiful 360° panoramic views of the surrounding area.
(6) Hamlet of Caissenols le Haut: this is the stopping point if you are doing the route over two days: you can pitch your tent here to spend the night, and there is even a permanent refuge open in case of rain.
(7) Roquandouire gate: keep your eyes peeled here as this is the heart of the reserve, where you will often see game by the river.
Between (7) and (8): enjoy beautiful views of the Mare and Andabre valleys along this section.