Le Fau – Le Falgoux

(S) From the church at Le Fau, head towards the cemetery, go past it to reach a crossroads.

(1) Take the road on the left, passing through the Jourdanie farm. Continue straight on along the hillside. Reach the Issards stream.

(2) Cross it, then turn sharply left uphill, following the stream, and cross it again on the left. Then climb, heading roughly west, and after a sharp bend, continue north-east. Pass above the ruins of Cueilhes. Begin a series of zigzags, ignoring all side paths. Reach the ridge as you emerge from the forest.

(3) Cross the vast meadow, but take care here: there are few landmarks.
- in good weather, this is straightforward; cross diagonally towards the path visible below Puy Violent,
- in poor visibility, look carefully for the few markings here and there on the volcanic rocks; it’s best to use a GPS for navigation.
Head down along the low wall on the left, at the bottom of the thalweg, then climb diagonally in a north-north-easterly direction; you’ll come across some ruins halfway up the slope with a few^GR® markings^. Join the wide path coming from the Roc des Ombres.

(4) Turn left onto the^GR®, go round Puy Violent; it is possible to climb it by strictly following the path. Take care here: fragile environment. Continue along the^GR®, pass the small volcano of La Cumine, and reach a new junction.

(5) Head down the slope on the right and descend rapidly towards the restored Violental buron. Enter the forest and make a circular right-hand bend which ends on a wider track.

(6) Follow this track, cross the Bouige stream, and head north to reach the Sipières farm.

(7) Head a few metres to the left to enjoy a stunning view of the Récusset valley. Return to the farm and take the track on the left, entering the woods. You’ll reach the junction with the Sentier Découverte.

(8) Carry on straight ahead, crossing a footbridge. Leave the woods and begin the climb up the Impramau valley. Then head north to reach the ridge, following the signposts at the edge of the forest. You’ll cross a path on a small, open hilltop.

(9) Turn south-east to begin the descent into the woods. Change direction to head north-east down a very steep slope through the Bois d’Impramau. Cross the Route du Puy Mary (D680), then continue straight ahead down a slightly gentler slope. You’ll reach a hairpin bend.

(10) Change direction again with a bend of almost 180°, winding more gently between two volcanic cliffs, in rather strange surroundings. Leave the woods, then, under the canopy, reach a junction once more.

(11) Turn left. Join the tarmac road, turning right onto it. At the bottom of the descent, take the small street on the left, then turn right to cross the footbridge and head back up to the village, today’s destination (E).

(7) Water at the Sipières farm.
Keep an eye out on the ridge before the edge of the forest, but there are plenty of markings.

(E) Lodge available at Le Falgoux.