Le Caroux - south-west facing

Park in the car park in the hamlet of La Coste, at the bottom of the Orb Valley.

(S/E) Walk back up towards the village, cross part of it, and turn right to walk up the pretty cobbled streets. Enter the forest, walk up about 200 m, and turn slightly to the left before crossing a track at the foot of a "forêt domaniale" sign.

(1) Take the small path opposite on the left, not the track that descends. This path starts at the foot of the sign and runs horizontally along a dry stone wall (blue markings) towards the Gorges d'Héric. Follow it for 800 m.

(2) Be careful not to miss the start of the path to the La Coste ridge, 90° to the right, marked by a cairn and a small wooden sign saying "arête de La Coste". From here, follow the blue markings and cairns, which mark the route through the terraces and over the rocks. Several forest passages alternate with sections where the ascent of the ridge is made easier by ropes and chains. Reach the Col de Bartouyre and the intersection with the GRP® (yellow and red markings) of the Biterrois trail.

(3) Turn right to follow this path leading to the Saint-Martin crossroads, marked by a multi-directional signpost.

(4) Continue straight ahead, keeping to the GRP® with yellow and red markings: a challenging trail through the forest and rocky terrain. Pass Col de l'Ours, heading towards Saut de l'Âne, until you reach an intersection that is impossible to miss.

(5) Turn right, at a 90° angle, onto a path that descends towards Saint-Martin. The descent is long, winding and rocky, along the Ruisseau de Saint-Martin, and leads to the upper part of the village, near the first stone houses.

(6) Continue downhill towards the centre of the village, then turn right (follow the GPX track carefully) to reach the access road.

(7) Turn right for about 30 metres, then take the path on the left which leads to a narrow tarmac road.

(8) Turn right onto this small paved road that crosses the fields on the edge of the village. This section is pleasant and allows you to relax and stretch your legs before returning to the starting car park at La Coste (S/E).

This is a challenging route, so good footwear and a good level of fitness are required... not to mention some basic climbing skills for the most vertiginous sections.

There are no water sources along the route, except at the end of the hike at the communal fountain in the centre of Saint-Martin: drinking water.

This route is in the countryside and not very busy => be careful and plan ahead, and make sure you tell your friends and family about your route.

Picturesque villages built of old stone in Saint-Martin and La Coste, particularly their pretty houses at the top of the village.

Orb Valley.