The Ponds Trail at Bournazel

Starting point: Caussanel car park

(S/E) From the car park, head to Le Foirail and take the small tarmac road to the left of the Salle des Fêtes. At the crossroads (where all the trails start), follow the blue markings. Turn right and walk past the school. At the road, turn right then left, take the wide path that runs behind the housing estate and continue straight on. At the crossroads, turn right, then straight on, passing the remains of a lime kiln, and further on past the Fontaine du Cayrou until you reach the cross.

(1) Head to the right and walk through the hamlet of Cayrou. At the road, turn left, then right after the bend and before a house. Follow the road and take the second wide path, which climbs slightly to the left. Follow it to the road (viewpoint over the village, the castle and the Puech de Bournazel).

(2) At the D53 (Rignac road), head up to the right, keeping to the right-hand side (watch out for cars). At a place called La Bessière, turn left at the crossroads, staying on the tarmac road, until you reach the last houses.

(3) Head straight ahead onto a dirt track, through a meadow, then into a wood. Keep to the left at all times. At the road, turn right towards the Moulin du Roudillou, then right again towards the mill itself.

(4) Follow the path alongside the pond (muddy in wet weather). At the exit, on the tarmac road, turn left then right onto a farm track. Follow this to the hamlet of Crayssac.

(5) Walk through the hamlet and, at the D658 (Route de Roussennac), turn right then left towards the village of Le Garric.

(6) Walk through the village and, on leaving it, pass the bread oven on your right and head left up a slight incline; then, after 80 metres (at the rubbish bins), turn right. Follow the pleasant path branching off to the left. It is shaded and winds between two stone walls. Further up, by the truffle oaks, head straight ahead, go down the path and rejoin the tarmac road leading to Bournazel.

(7) Turn right at the end of the road, then go straight on and turn left to reach the car park (S/E).

- Wear suitable footwear.
- Take some food and drink with you.
- Hikers follow the route at their own risk. They remain responsible for any accidents they may suffer and for any damage they may cause to others (forest fires, damage to the environment, pollution, etc.).
- Stick to the marked trails and do not take shortcuts. If the route has been altered, follow the new signposting.
- Be considerate. We are not the only ones using the paths; be mindful of others.
- Take your rubbish away with you. Leave no trace of your visit; do not throw anything on the ground; carry a rubbish bag with you.
- Keep your dog on a lead, particularly near homes or livestock.
- Close gates and fences behind you, and walk around crops. Please respect the work of those who shape and preserve our environment.
- Observe the rules in certain areas.
- Do not light fires. Areas with dense vegetation (forests) or those that are too exposed (scrubland, dry heathland, etc.) can catch fire very quickly.
- Do not drink water from streams. Clear water does not necessarily mean it is safe to drink.
- Check hunting seasons; some routes may be dangerous.

Viewpoint over the Puechs de Bournazel between the points (1) and (2).