The Bélesta Forest

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A varied route on a cool day (cloudy).
There were few people at the Fonterstorbes spring in the morning, which meant we were able to go inside the ‘cave’ whilst the flow was low.
The climb that follows is steep.
The Trou du Corbeau is impressive, with excellent safety measures in place.
We stopped for a picnic on a bench in the hamlet of Le Gélat, with the kind permission of the very friendly owner.
The only point to watch out for in the route description is at point 13: we did indeed turn left, but – although not mentioned in the description – the path splits into two 50 metres further on (we didn’t notice) and you need to turn right if you want to follow the route as described.
It doesn’t matter, though, because if you stay on the path going downhill (which leads to La Bicharolle along the Millet stream), the turn-off for the Croix de Millet is signposted to the right 500 metres further on, and you’ll rejoin the ‘correct’ route.
Reaching the Croix is hard-earned and quite a workout: a free step aerobics session amongst the rocks. There’s a lovely view from the Croix (for those, like me, who are prone to vertigo, there’s nothing to worry about).
The final stretch is a steep descent – walking poles are definitely a good idea.

In this dry summer, for our canine friends, there’s little or no water in the streams crossed along the route, but they can have a splash at the Fontestorbes fountain at the start.

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Sep 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike, but quite physically demanding due to its length. We didn't meet anyone else along the way. The forest section between points 4 and 6 has been completely destroyed by logging. I enjoyed discovering the intermittent Fontestorbes fountain and the impressive Trou des Corbeaux (Crows' Hole). The climb to the Croix de Millet takes more than 25 minutes at this time of year, and I would not recommend it with young children as some sections are quite dangerous. From the top, there is a beautiful view of the village of Bélesta. The trail was quite wet due to the rain in recent days. Best done in spring.

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Nov 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

At km 3, on the uphill stretch through the woods, trees are broken across the path and you have to go around them... three times. At km 14, to get to the Millet cross, the sign says it's 15 minutes for 800 metres. It takes much longer than that. It was very slippery everywhere, which is normal as it has been raining heavily for quite some time. This hike is best done in late spring as it is very shady and not particularly difficult.

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Done on Friday, 9 August. I didn't meet anyone.
Shady route, but apart from the three hamlets I passed through, not particularly interesting as my vertigo quickly forced me to turn back on the Millet Cross trail.
The first climb after the resurgence is quite demanding, but after that it's smooth sailing.

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Apr 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Quite a physically demanding hike, mainly through forest with a few small hamlets along the way. Didn't meet a soul. At the viewpoint (point 11), there are very rustic tables and benches, but the information panel describing the panorama is completely damaged. What a shame! Didn't attempt the crossing at the Millet cross!

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Jan 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We hiked under a beautiful blue sky without a breath of wind. The start of the trail after the fountain is very congested, with fallen trees in the middle of the path forcing us to perform multiple acrobatic manoeuvres. We quickly encountered snow, which prevented us from reaching the Millet Cross. I recommend this hike.

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Sep 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful walk, sometimes on very quiet paths.
Otherwise, it is a fairly easy route to hike and the hamlets you pass through are very beautiful. Be careful on the path to the cross, which can be difficult for those unfamiliar with it.

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very good walk, with enough elevation gain but not too much, several very interesting points of interest. For less experienced hikers, the paths were well marked (we only got lost once). The weak points are a few sections that are poorly maintained, which can cause you to doubt which path to take. I recommend it.

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Jul 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike through the forest, sometimes passing through beautiful high forests, which gives the route a feel reminiscent of the Laurentian forests (north of Montreal in Quebec). Clear paths and fairly well marked. Pass through inhabited hamlets and meet friendly locals. No notable difficulties except for accessing La Croix de Millet, with steep passages that are quite tricky to negotiate on the limestone rock: this route is strongly discouraged in rainy weather. Magnificent panorama from La Croix over the Pays d'Olmes. An interesting return trip to discover Bélesta, an old industrial town from the 18th and 19th centuries, and walk along the Hers. All in all, a slightly difficult hike due to its length, but without any major difficulties except for the last few metres to climb towards La Croix de Millet. Be careful, however, of horseflies and their very painful bites. In summer, protect yourself against these blood-sucking insects, which are inevitably very unpleasant. Cheers!

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for this beautiful hike in the forest, with gigantic fir trees between 10 and 11, on a trail that is almost always in cool shade and dotted with interesting sights that enhance the walk.
The trail was indeed not maintained when we arrived at 2, with brambles and branches blocking the path due to spring growth. The signage is effective along almost the entire route, with little need to refer to the description. On two sections, runoff water made progress more difficult, due to the storms of the previous days. The route to the Millet cross (14 to 15) should be undertaken in dry weather, as it is much safer!

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Mar 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

An easily accessible route that anyone can enjoy, whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker. I have a slight disability and had no trouble completing it. Of course, some sections require a bit of effort, but nothing too strenuous.

Machine-translated