The hamlet of Cézas and the Priory of Saint-Martin

The hamlet of Cézas, in the commune of Sumène, clings to an altitude of 650 m between the Cagnasses and Fage mountains, in the heart of a national forest. This short mid-mountain route alternates between numerous shaded passages and views of the Cévennes and beyond. On the way, a visit to the 12th-century Priory of Saint-Martin is a must, offering a peaceful spot for a picnic.

Technical sheet

8678079
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.42 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 283 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 289 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 725 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 484 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the small car park at Cézas near the junction of the D 317 and Chemin du Mas Ferrand.

(S/E) At the cross, turn left onto the concrete path, leaving Chemin du Mas Ferrand. After about 150 m, at the three-way junction, turn left. Continue along this path, ignoring the trails that climb up to the left. Very quickly, it winds its way through mixed woods.

(1) At the fork, turn left. Walk along a meadow on your right and start up a slope that ends in an S-bend. Leave the paths that branch off to the right and continue in the open until you reach a fork.

(2) Turn right to climb to the top of Montagne des Cagnasses and enjoy the view.

(3) Turn back.

(2) Continue to the right. The path descends in a large left-right S-bend, plunges back into the forest and follows the ridge to an altitude of 627 metres.

(4) Take the path on the left that descends into the woods. It changes direction, turns north-west and joins the D317.

(5) Cross the road. Take Chemin de Védille for 40 m and continue straight ahead along the road. At the fork with Chemin du Mas de La Croix, turn left.

(6) Turn right onto Chemin du Prieuré de Saint-Martin. Go through the gate and climb up to the priory.

(7) After your visit, retrace your steps.

(6) Take an old paved slanting street between two dry stone walls on the right. Pass in front of a pedestal that once held a cross. Continue straight ahead to a "gourgue" (spring) and go back up the Cézas-Est path.

(8) Turn right, pass by the Oustalet and go up to the road, which you take to the right for about 50 metres to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 614 m - Cézas car park
  2. 1 : km 0.73 - alt. 641 m - Fork in the Mourade
  3. 2 : km 1.35 - alt. 682 m - Intersection
  4. 3 : km 1.66 - alt. 725 m - Summit of the - Montagne des Cagnasses
  5. 4 : km 3.39 - alt. 625 m - Descent to the left
  6. 5 : km 4.3 - alt. 490 m - Crossing the D317
  7. 6 : km 5.02 - alt. 541 m - T-junction at the priory
  8. 7 : km 5.34 - alt. 565 m - Prieuré Saint-Martin (Sumène)
  9. 8 : km 5.86 - alt. 540 m - Cézas-Est trail
  10. S/E : km 6.42 - alt. 614 m - Cézas car park

Practical information

Tap, toilets, shelters at the Priory of Saint-Martin.

Source of the Gourgue between and (8).

Light hiking equipment.

In the nearby area

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 34 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 21112924

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Easy hike. Beautiful views and interesting tour of the priory site.

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laurence30
laurence30

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A very pleasant, easy hike. The priory is beautiful and well restored.

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User 9688204

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A very beautiful hike with magnificent views.

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User 13131954

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

We didn't meet anyone, and that's fine

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gev34
gev34

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Nice hike, fairly quiet that day.

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Noëlle Porthault
Noëlle Porthault
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

A pleasant stroll in the cool woods.

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CCh08410.
CCh08410.
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful route that is never flat, with two highlights on this hike: the 360° view from the Cagnasses mountain and the St Martin priory. I combined this with "la montagne de la Fage" on the same day: exceptional panoramic views in good weather. There are lots of interesting things to see in this area: I highly recommend it.

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Karotte07
Karotte07

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A magnificent walk early in the morning! The highlight was the view from the lookout point, which offers a magnificent panorama stretching from the Cévennes to the sea.

The route is easy to follow, mostly shaded, with a good mix of uphill and downhill sections.

I highly recommend it!

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anneG
anneG

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A very pleasant place to spend a lovely afternoon

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jpvls
jpvls

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

A short nature walk in the vicinity of Les Cagnasses.

The priory is well maintained and the hamlet of Cézas is quite pleasant.
The main attraction, however, is the viewpoint, which offers a beautiful view of much of the
Piémont Cévenol region

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Patmax
Patmax

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Dec 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The village of Cézas is quite isolated, and the roads leading there are narrow. The hike is well signposted, and the priory, which is in very good condition, was a pleasant surprise. The place is pleasant and very well maintained by an association. The autumn colours in the Cévennes are stunningly beautiful.

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Perval
Perval

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A route offering beautiful views almost 360° around

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CathAmou
CathAmou

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very beautiful hike, well marked, lovely views; we were able to enjoy a very interesting tour of the Priory.

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Franck-Steph
Franck-Steph

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A wonderful time with magnificent panoramic views. First visit to the Cézas priory.
If you're passing through the region, there are Les Jumeaux and Le Ranc de Ban starting from Sumène. A little longer and more difficult than Cézas, but well worth it for the views.

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Ludo 47
Ludo 47

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A lovely, fairly shaded short hike... magnificent view from the Cagnasses viewpoint... guided tour of the priory with a passionate volunteer

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