Las Combes

de fr

A short route to explore the Gorges du Bès

From Valiette, this route descends past the dam before entering the gorges, offering superb views of the valley.

Details

n°39273474
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.56 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 479 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 459 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,320 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,867 ft
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Photos

Dam

Description of the walk

Park at the entrance to the village of Valiette.

(S/E) Retrace your steps along the road to join the GR®670.

(1) Turn left onto it until you reach a path junction by a stream

(2) Leave the GR® and turn left; follow the path to the dam on the Bès.

(3) Go round the back of the facilities and follow the path running parallel to the River Bès for 1.5 kilometres. You’ll reach the old uranium mine entrances.

(4) Take the path on the left, then turn left again onto a small track to rejoin the path leading back to the Valiette car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,222 ft - Vialette car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.04 - alt. 3,202 ft - GR670
  3. 2 : mi 0.56 - alt. 3,100 ft - Stream
  4. 3 : mi 0.95 - alt. 2,949 ft - Dam on the - Bès (rivière)
  5. 4 : mi 2.08 - alt. 3,146 ft - Former uranium mines
  6. S/E : mi 2.56 - alt. 3,222 ft - Vialette car park

Notes

Access:
Access to the start: to get to Valiette from Anterrieux, take the RD 889 towards Saint-Chély, then turn left onto the small road towards the Gorges du Bès. Continue for 1 kilometre, then turn right towards Valiette. Park at the entrance to the village.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Downloads
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Reviews and comments

4 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Reliability of the description
3.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
randobambi
randobambi

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk along the stream; the climb back up to the village in the second half is a bit of a challenge. The path would benefit from some maintenance and clearing; the entrance to the path near the dam was completely blocked off – luckily we knew where it was from last year. What’s more, it would be nice to be able to see where you’re putting your feet, particularly on the steeper sections, which are made more difficult by the tall grass, stinging nettles and so on.

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User 30107609

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

If you choose this route because you’re looking for an easy walk, please note: Point 3 of the itinerary is unclear, as it’s difficult to spot the entrance to the uranium mines.

After walking a good kilometre along the River Bès past the dam, you’ll find yourself on a track (wide enough for vehicles to pass). On the left, there’s a sign for ‘Valiette, 700m back’. On the right, there’s a sign for ‘Las Combes’.

To stay on the easy route, turn left here to head back towards Valiette.

As the name of the route is “Las Combes”, you might be tempted to turn right. And indeed, the route map recommends turning right at this point. But be aware that your route will no longer be quite so “easy”. You can expect some more challenging sections.

In any case, you won’t get lost as the signposting is very clear.

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User 18871878

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 09, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We couldn't find the path that goes up past the old uranium mines. So we continued on, which allowed us to reach a very beautiful viewpoint.

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User 23353071

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

You mention the RD 889 to reach the hike. In fact, it is the RD 989.

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User 13020636

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Be careful when walking along the river, as some sections are very narrow and rocky.
This route should be avoided with dogs and small children.
Otherwise, the route is very well marked.
The end of the trail has a steep climb back up to the starting point.
Enjoy your hike!

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User 26374244

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Access to the car park at the start of the route is clearly signposted.
You can even enjoy a meal before or after your hike at tables set up for this purpose.
Before reaching the dam, take the wooden steps that allow you to go around it at the top, as the access indicated on the app is blocked.
Pick up the trail a little further up.
A very beautiful hike.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.