The southern Larzac circular route

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to give your opinion.

See you soon!

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Date of your route : Aug 21, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

We did this hike with a group of three people, starting from Saint Guilhem (note that parking is paid) but in the opposite direction to the one initially suggested. We set off in the early afternoon with the aim of camping for two nights. There are no technical difficulties, but as mentioned in previous comments, the stages are long.
So we set off in the middle of the afternoon on the first day and made our first bivouac a little earlier than planned because night was falling between points 16 and 17 on the site map. We couldn't find an ideal spot either before or after, so we settled for a small patch of grass not far from the path.
The second day was very long, with more than 30 km of walking, passing by the two water points on the hike, located at Saint Maurice de Navacelles and La Vacquerie et Saint Martin de Castries, before finally setting up camp at the top of Mont Saint Baudille, which was a very beautiful spot. The sunsets and sunrises were splendid, with views across the entire region. In the end, we didn't need the tent, as the conditions allowed us to sleep under the stars.
Finally, on the last day, we had a 3-hour walk back to Saint Guilhem le Désert without any difficulty.

In total, the hike took 16 hours of walking without any technical difficulty, but there were very few water sources at this time of year, requiring at least 3 litres of water per day per person. In addition, there are many intersecting trails, so we relied heavily on GPS to guide us.

Enjoy your hike.

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Date of your route : May 10, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

I did most of this circular route with my dogs, starting from the hamlet of Les Lavagnes on the D122. We know the St Guilhem section and wanted to shorten it a little so we could do the whole route in one day.
We climbed up to Pic St Baudille and then headed to La Vacquerie. There is still a fountain in front of the CAF refuge on the small square. Then we headed towards St Maurice de Navacelles, the most monotonous part with tarmac all the way to Mas de Figuières. After that, we entered the pastures and it was more enjoyable. In St Maurice, there is also a fountain on the D25 in front of the school. From there, we decided to follow the GR74, which passes through Les Natges before climbing up to the Séranne ridge below Peyre Martine. We followed the ridges down to Les Lavagnes, passing in front of Mas Faubert.
A varied 44km circular route with 1200m of elevation gain, completed in less than 8 hours.

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Date of your route : Jun 16, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

We started this tour from St Maurice de Navacelles (as we weren't sure we could leave our vehicle in St Guilhem without it costing us a fortune!!! = parking problem in St Guilhem).
It should be noted that this tour is very difficult, even though we are very good walkers and athletes: the stages are very long, and above all there are almost no water points, which can be problematic when you are camping (which was our case). Absolutely not recommended in summer!
Otherwise, the explanation is perfect and the signposting is good. Thank you. Fleur

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Hello, everyone!

What are the conditions for camping? Are tents permitted or not? Are there any recommended or discouraged locations, or even prohibited areas? Do you have any information about this for July 2018?

Thank you all!

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Date of your route : Dec 30, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike with varied landscapes. We did it over two days, camping out with food and water for both days. The description is very clear and the paths are well marked overall, so it's difficult to get lost.
Two comments:
- On the first day, between Saint Guilhem and Les Besses, marker 6 is particularly difficult to find because a fence along the road encourages you to continue on the GR trail that follows the D9 road rather than crossing it.
- On the second day, Les Besses-Saint Guilhem, after marker 6, you have to turn left and not right after the Moulis car park (the GR is well signposted).
We are experienced hikers and it took us 8 hours on the first day and 7 hours on the second day, including lunch breaks (approx. 45 mins).

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Date of your route : Apr 17, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Please note that this hike is over 50 km long, which is quite a distance, especially if, like us, you plan to camp and bring food for two days. The duration of this route is designed for travelling light, and even then, as there is no water between stages and if it is very hot, you will need at least 3 litres per person.
However, it is very well marked except at No. 15, where the GR trail heads towards Buèges and is no longer marked until Coulet.
Otherwise, the scenery is magnificent. It would be interesting to do it in three days, perhaps adding a little extra.
Thank you.

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So did you go on that hike?
We'd like to do it in three weeks. Is it too cold?

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Hello to all hikers!

I am planning a hike with three other people, and I am very interested in this. However, I would like to get Pascal's opinion, and/or that of people who know the area, on two questions:

- The idea is to hike during the weekend of 19-20 March: is it too early and is there a risk that it will still be very cold (especially at higher altitudes)?
- Considering the time of year, would it be better not to sleep in tents, but to stay in a lodge near Saint-Maurice-Navacelles for the night? Does anyone know the area and can help me with a good plan?

Thanks in advance to everyone,

Giovanni

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Date of your route : Apr 21, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike. The section that climbs up the Cirque de l'Infernet and goes to the summit of Mont Saint Baudille is splendid. Then, after the section on the Causse, although less beautiful, it remains pleasant, and finally the descent to Saint Guilhem is also splendid. The description of the route is very precise. No complaints, thank you for this route!!!

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As you may have read, we chose to camp at Les Besses, but I believe there is bed and breakfast accommodation available in the hamlet.

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Hello everyone,
Regarding the southern Larzac circular route, can you tell me what accommodation options are available in Les Besses?
Thank you and have a great weekend.

Thierry

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