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Parking at the Grotte de la Glacière, opposite the house. Yellow-blue markings are not very prominent. Some sections are unmarked.
(S/E) The sign for the start of the hike is at the back of the car park. Set off along this beautiful forest path, which quickly turns right and runs alongside the Audeux gorges. The path leads to the D427. Do not take this road; a sign invites you to turn left. You will rejoin the D427, which you continue to follow downhill on the left until you reach the bridge over the Audeux. Turn right and head back up towards Orsans on the D120.
(1) When you reach the meadows (signposted 'Chutes de pierres'), climb left up the stony path. A little further up, at the first fork, continue left. At the next fork, turn right and continue along this stony path, which quickly becomes a dirt track. There are no signposts, but the path is clearly marked. You will walk alongside sinkholes.
(2) After a plateau, at a new fork, continue straight ahead on the left-hand path. At the gravel road, turn left and walk about fifty steps. At the crossroads, continue straight ahead along the beautiful gravel path that runs alongside a fir tree plantation. Further on, at another fir tree plantation, the path loses its gravel surface. You will arrive at pastures with a beautiful view of the Abbaye de la Grâce Dieu.
(3) At the main road, turn left and walk to the abbey gate. Then retrace your steps to the fountain and take the small road on the left. Cross the small bridge over the Audeux river, then turn right, with your back to the abbey, passing a marker post. Shortly afterwards, on the right, a small staircase leads to a small cave. After the cave, continue uphill along the same stony path.
(4) You will come to another stony path, which you take to the left. After about two hundred metres, look out for the sign on the right saying "La glacière" (the ice house), inviting you to turn left onto the forest path. Continue along this well-defined path, but with few markings. However, some paths will be blocked by crosses. Towards the end, this path widens and becomes stony before joining a small tarmac road.
(5) Take this road on the left.
(6) When the road turns right, look for the sign for "Belvédère de l'Abbaye". Take the path that leads into the woods on the left. At the edge of the cliffs, the path turns left towards the metal barriers.
After enjoying the view, you have two options:
- the easy option (not marked on the map): turn back and, once you are back on the small road, turn left. A new sign points to the second viewpoint, Le Belvédère de la Cascade, which you can reach by taking a path on the left. Unfortunately, when the trees are in leaf, the vegetation will prevent you from seeing much.
- the adventurous option (remaining cautious): walk back about 50 metres to where the path turns and head straight into the woods, following the ledges. There is barely a path visible in the dead leaves. It winds its way (appearing and disappearing) five to ten metres from the ledges, but the woods are sparse. Be careful where you step as you cross the beautiful sharp limestone pavement. Your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful views of the valley. At forest signs 26 and 27, you will rejoin the easy path and see the barriers of the second viewpoint.
(7) Return to the signs and walk back up the path a few steps, then take the path on the left, which is better marked this time and continues along the ledges. When I passed by, the start of the path was slightly obstructed by fallen trees, which will no doubt be removed soon. You will soon rejoin the beautiful path you started on, which you will follow to the right until you reach the car park (S/E)
The route includes cliff-edge paths and unsecured viewpoints. The paths are rocky and slippery in places. Sturdy footwear is essential and walking sticks are recommended.
Visorando member
Moderate 
