The Écrivains Combattants Forest and the Haut des Gorges de Colombières

To get to the Forêt Domaniale des Écrivains Combattants, from Clermont-l'Hérault, head towards Bédarieux. At the entrance, take the new ring road (fire station) and at the roundabout, follow signs for Béziers. At the last roundabout, head towards Hérépian then Le Poujol-sur-Orb. In the village, take the first right towards Combes on the D180 towards (Forêt domaniale des Écrivains Combattants), drive through the village, leave the D180 and turn left onto the narrow road, "Domaine des Écrivains Combattants". Further up, turn left (speed limit 30 km/h), be careful as the road is very narrow. Continue until you reach the imposing sculpture, Croix de Guerre 1914/1918, and the car park on the left.

(S/E) From the sculpture, take the first right-hand lane (west) with a cement surface lined with steles and trees, following the red and white markings of^{the GR®7}. Leave it to continue on the left-hand side, reaching a crossroads of paths at the Fontaine de Conil.

(1) Continue to the right until you reach the road, then turn left. Follow the road for about 100 metres, then turn right onto the path. Continue along this path and at the next crossroads, turn right again to reach the Montagne de Conil viewpoint.

(2) Here you will find the^GRP® Tour de la Montagne du Haut Languedoc trail, marked in yellow and red. Take it to the left and you will soon come to the crossroads of a lane.

(3) Take it to the right, follow it to its end a few metres further on, where you will find two paths starting at the crossroads marked by a cistern.

(4) Keep right downhill on the^GRP® heading north-west. Walk along the cistern on your left, cross the summit of the Col de Jaquet and the 692 and 704 peaks. Begin a short descent to reach the Col de Madale and a crossroads with several directions.

(5) Turn almost 180° to the left and take the D 180E2 road. Cross the bridge over the Ruisseau de Madale. Shortly afterwards, you will come to another crossroads with several directions.

(6) Continue right on the uphill path, which is rocky and rutted for a good portion. Follow the white and red markings of^{the GR®7}, which is also common here with the GRP^®. Cross the 741 hill. Shortly before the Croix de Douch, you will reach a crossroads.

(7) Take it on the left, then continue along the path on the right, following the yellow markings of this PR^®. Cross a wooded area before reaching the crossroads of the path leading to the climbing site.

(8) Stay on the left-hand side, following the yellow markings, on the rocky but almost horizontal path. Pass to the left of Roc de Brétouyre and continue on to a crossroads.

(9) Keep climbing to the left for a few metres, then to the right. Take care here because:
- the path is rocky,
- the descent is difficult,
- the trail is almost invisible,
- the undergrowth is littered with rocks, dead leaves and branches.
However, follow the yellow markings, or use GPS, a compass and a map to find your way. Pass close to a ruined forest house.
Be careful when reaching the road below leading to Le Bosc de Madale.

(10) Turn left, follow the yellow markings and cross the hamlet of Madale. Shortly afterwards, you will reach the crossroads with several directions that you passed earlier.

(6) Take the steep, rocky and gullied path on the right, cross the footbridge over the Madale stream. Begin another climb to reach the crossroads with the cistern you passed on the way there.

(4) Turn right onto the path you took on the way out and follow the^GR®7trail. You will arrive at the junction of^{the GR®} and the trail.

(3) Stay on the track, continue to the roundabout and continue straight ahead, keeping to the main road. Take the^second path on the right. Then return to the track by turning left to reach the^first crossroads.

(1) Take the straight path on the right. At the^GR® junction, turn left to reach the car park (S/E).

There are no water sources or shelters along the entire route. The hike will take place on a day with good weather so that you can enjoy the views. Avoid hiking during periods of extreme heat. Wear good, broken-in shoes. Bring a windbreaker. Bring necessary drinks and supplies. Anti-chafing gear. Do not overload your bag. Camera. Walking sticks. Head protection. Windbreaker, etc.

- Visit to the site of the Forêt Domaniale des Écrivains Combattants (State Forest of the Fighting Writers).
- The 1914-1918 War Cross sculpture.
- The paths lined with steles bearing the names of the Writers.
- Views from the top of the Colombières Gorges: the ravine, ridges and stacked rock slabs.
- The panorama is surprising because the view extends as far as Colombières-sur-Orb.
- Crossing the coppices of the old chestnut groves and hamlets.
Association of Combatant Writers