Bois des Moines and Graziac

Newly re-routed, the Baïse towpath allows you to reach Condom from Valence, following the river for 11 km. This circular route joins the double lock at Graziac via forest paths, returning through the valley.

Details

10872580
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.32 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 33 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 33 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 118 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 76 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Departure from the car park at Flaran Abbey (marked route) or from the port (add 3 km round trip).
The route can be followed in either direction.

(S/E) From the abbey, join the D142 and carefully follow the road towards Cassaigne until you reach the first road on the right.

(1) Turn right at thefirst road and immediately turn left into the Bois des Moines. At the end of the grassy path, as you leave the woods, turn left, leaving the castle and chapel on your right, then go down the road that runs alongside the vineyards on your right. At the bend, continue straight ahead along the stone path (you can also follow the road to Graziac).

(2) After turning left behind the Gaillou vineyards, ignore the uphill path and take the path on the right into the Bois du Couach until you reach a small road about 1.5 km away.

(3) Follow it to the right, towards Graziac.

(4) Cross the Baïse river and the double lock, then pass through Graziac.

(5) Take the path that runs along the right bank. Follow it for 3.5 km until you reach the Flaran mill.

(6) Turn right twice, first onto the stone path and then at the bridge, to reach the abbey (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 85 m - Abbaye de Flaran (Valence-sur-Baïse)
  2. 1 : km 0.59 - alt. 90 m - Fork in the road
  3. 2 : km 2.06 - alt. 97 m - Le Gaillou
  4. 3 : km 3.73 - alt. 88 m - Road junction
  5. 4 : km 4.2 - alt. 76 m - Écluse double de Graziac
  6. 5 : km 4.55 - alt. 77 m - Path along the - Baïse (rivière)
  7. 6 : km 8.02 - alt. 83 m - Flaran Mill
  8. S/E : km 8.32 - alt. 85 m - Flaran Abbey - Abbaye de Flaran (Valence-sur-Baïse)

Notes

Parking: Flaran Abbey or Valence-sur-Baïse harbour.
Toilets: Port of Valence and Graziac
Accessible by mountain bike and hybrid bike

Picnic: Port, Baïse trail, Flaran park, Bois des Moines, numerous tables in Graziac.
Restaurants

Worth a visit

From Flaran, the path runs alongside the racecourse of the same name, one of the few to have a grass track, to reach the Bois des Moines. The numerous paths and fitness trail in the middle of this oak grove with its remarkable trees invite you to take a stroll.
At the edge of the woods, on the hill, stand the Chapel of Flarambelle and the Château de Léberon. The former, the original site of the monks of Flaran in the 12th century, nestles peacefully in its bucolic cemetery, while the latter is a renowned producer of vintage Armagnacs.
After the Bois du Couach, the double lock at Graziac is one of the few still operated manually. A stone's throw away, the picturesque 18th-century bridge spans the leat of an old mill.
The return journey along the Baïse is a peaceful one, passing by the Château de Trizac.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
ChristianQ
ChristianQ

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant and easy hike, picnic in Graziac near the lock, and return along the Baïse river... ending with a visit to Flaran Abbey and its exhibitions.

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Marly32
Marly32

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful nature, sunflowers in bloom, very few tourists, it's a lovely walk. We parked in the shade of the plane trees in the car park of Flaran Abbey, and you really must take the opportunity to visit the Simonow Collection exhibition, which is exceptional!

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BERT35
BERT35

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

A very pleasant walk to do in the morning in summer, especially when it's very hot.

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Pantxica
Pantxica

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, varied landscapes, an interesting discovery of the double and the opportunity to visit Flaran Abbey (depending on opening hours). Beautiful weather. The only difficulty was the very muddy paths in March.

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VUILLEMIN Pierre
VUILLEMIN Pierre

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb walk that presents no technical difficulties and is very well signposted, except for the section after the lock (which is difficult to follow if you only use the description). Those who use the route on their phone will have no trouble. The "rest area" at the lock is very well equipped and the variety of landscapes is rare. Go for it!

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FF32190
FF32190

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 12, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I always hike with my Nikon strapped to my chest, ready for anything. At this time of year, I mainly walk to enjoy the colours, and I'm treated to a feast for the eyes. This time, there was also a thick mist that made everything look different. For now, the only deer I encounter are fast-moving and don't take the time to pose for photos. Too bad. The route is easy, the monks' wood is very pretty, and the double lock is unique and particularly well designed. I'll have to come back in the summer.

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