La Bergerie du Défens

An easy walk in the Garéoult Communal Woods. The route alternates between paths through oak woods and stony tracks. The woods provide food for goats, which graze on the bushes and low oak foliage. Their milk is made into cheese at the Bergerie du Défens.

Details

1751105
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.01 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 267 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 270 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 663 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 412 m

Photos

Description of the walk

To get to the start of the circuit from the centre of Garéoult via the D554, take the Chemin des Clos and follow it to the top. Pass the reservoir and go around it on the left. You will find a few parking spaces on the dirt track.

(S/E) Start the route on a gentle slope on a wide, stony path. Take a hairpin turn to the right with the path at the level of a cistern. The slope becomes steeper.

(1) Cut through the undergrowth by taking a shortcut on the left, which avoids several bends. Cross the main path again to avoid another hairpin bend before rejoining it. Continue climbing on the main path.

(2) After passing the rainwater reservoir on the right, turn left onto a path that climbs to an altitude of 659m. Follow it around a right-hand bend, ignoring the turnoffs on the left, to descend back to the junction with the main path you left earlier.

(3) When you reach the junction, turn left to briefly rejoin the wide main path. Start descending, then turn right onto a slightly narrower, fairly stony path. Follow it, ignoring the branches on either side.

(4) First ignore a fork to the right of the wide path (not shown on the IGN map), then turn right to follow a path that goes into the undergrowth. This path turns right again, climbing slightly (south-west), then descends in a large curve to the left (south-east) and comes out onto a wide stony track.

(5) Follow it downhill to the right. Ignore all the turnings on either side.

(6) At the T-junction, turn left and continue downhill. When you reach the reservoir, turn right to return to the car park where you started (DA).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 415 m - Parking near the reservoir
  2. 1 : km 1.61 - alt. 532 m - Shortcut on the left
  3. 2 : km 3.04 - alt. 624 m - Reservoir, on the left
  4. 3 : km 3.83 - alt. 614 m - Crossroads
  5. 4 : km 4.18 - alt. 564 m - Ignore the fork on the right
  6. 5 : km 5.23 - alt. 493 m - Stony path, on the right
  7. 6 : km 6.64 - alt. 457 m - T-junction, left
  8. S/E : km 7.01 - alt. 415 m - Parking near the reservoir

Notes

  • Equipment

Although this route is not difficult, many of the paths are quite stony, so it is recommended that you wear suitable footwear.

  • Variants

(1) To continue on a gentle slope, stay on the main path, ignoring the shortcuts that cut across the hairpin bends.

Worth a visit

  • Goats roam freely in the communal wood, so you are likely to encounter them!
  • Between (2) and (3), there is a lovely view of the Gareoult plain to the south and the La Loube mountain to the north-east.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 25 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.1 / 5
madi83
madi83

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

This peaceful and easy walk (but be careful of the very rocky and often unstable ground) offers a pleasant stroll through the woods with beautiful views of the Loube massif. There are many possible variations thanks to the numerous trails and paths.

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stephane.anquetil
stephane.anquetil
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very rocky terrain, especially on the tracks, so watch your ankles! Don't miss the detour between points 2 and 3, which offers magnificent views of the Loube mountains without any dangerous passages. Pay attention to the cairns. Be careful not to get lost at point 3 (green signpost). Very pretty woodland between 4 and 5. We didn't encounter the goats or the three sheepdogs that guard them, but we did meet the shepherd... in his van at the car park at the start! He assured us that his sheepdogs are friendly, but be careful how you behave and let them get used to you. Best done out of season as there are many unshaded sections and the terrain is uneven. The duration is a little optimistic as the tracks are difficult to walk on and the route needs to be checked regularly.

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christdona
christdona
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Leaving the track (first change of direction) is not very interesting (it is better to stay on the track, which offers a nicer view), returning to the track for the second change (good, but when scouting for people, it is better to stay on the track, although it is nice to do)

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Veromam's
Veromam's

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike in Gareoult with stunning views of La Loube, the Gareoult Valley, St Quinis, etc.
No particular difficulties
Thank you

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jmgg
jmgg

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant short hike. Nice view halfway through, otherwise a walk in the forest. As is often the case, the GPS route on the Visorando app is always useful as there are many paths. Thank you for sharing

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Erika E.
Erika E.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike with my 9-year-old son. Between undiscovered paths, woodland trails and some beautiful views, we followed the app and had no trouble finding our way.

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T@ilog83
T@ilog83

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful, well-marked hike that is pleasant when passing through the woods.

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Pierre rando
Pierre rando

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 31, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The entire circuit is on very wide, passable DFCI tracks. There are numerous water tanks (which could be used as vantage points to improve the view and/or photograph the landscape). There is no shade, so bring water and a hat. We extended the circuit to 10.7 km (possible) because we were feeling fit.
In the surrounding area, the entire holm oak forest has been cleared for at least 30 metres on each side to prevent fires. Beautiful scenery in the distance, but little variety along the route.

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odilejj
odilejj
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike between sections of trails and woodland. However, it is very rocky, so you need good shoes. The changes in direction are not obvious, so a GPS is essential. We didn't meet anyone except for two sheepdogs at the sheepfold.

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riff roland
riff roland

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

the way back was very unpleasant, over a scree slope covered with stones. But overall, it was a beautiful walk

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Lexa21
Lexa21

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Done today in rainy and very cloudy weather, so I can't comment on the scenery. I liked the lack of elevation gain, the paths and the fairly dense vegetation. I went off-trail by mistake and ended up on a very rocky and slippery path.
watch out for the patous! I encountered four patous that came towards me. I've never seen patous come so close before. I was scared, I wanted to protect my dog, and I ended up falling to the ground. I was so scared. A pleasant, peaceful moment turned into a terrifying experience during the 200 metres back to my car. If you're used to these dogs, go ahead. If you're afraid of dogs, don't feel comfortable or have a reactive dog, don't go there.

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RandoMichou
RandoMichou

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike to get some fresh air for half a day
We didn't see anyone, not even a goat, just two beautiful horses waiting for us in a paddock when we arrived.

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circaete
circaete

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful walk requiring good walking shoes. An encounter with a shepherd brightened up our trip. Highly recommended.

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Flaneur83
Flaneur83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike, sometimes shaded, offering beautiful views. It's a good way to stretch your legs and isn't difficult. However, I would recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing walking sticks. Thank you for this lovely walk.

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83Isa
83Isa

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 11, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

Walk along wide tracks, not particularly interesting. A few pleasant views, however.
Indeed, some rocky sections (though not difficult) require suitable footwear.
Thanks for the route description.

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