Park in the car park at the Pareloup water sports centre.
(S/E) Take the road towards the dam for about 200 m and turn left onto the road that climbs up to the hamlet of Fouletiés.
(1) At the entrance to the hamlet, take the first small tarmac road on the right, pass between the farm buildings (Montlait sign) and follow the yellow markings. At the exit of the farmyard, take the path lined with holly hedges, then the small path that descends gently to the right.
Be careful, as there is a very wet and overgrown section of the path: walk along the edge of the field to rejoin the wider path lined with hedges 50 metres further on (yellow markings).
(2) At the crossroads (Santa Fé information sign), continue straight ahead. The path then enters the forest and descends to the Vioulou stream. Continue to follow the yellow markings.
(3) Cross the Vioulou and climb up the other side. Continue to follow the yellow markings. The path makes hairpin bends under the high-voltage power line: a shortcut following the power line allows you to climb straight up.
(4) After the second hairpin bend, a small path leads to the Grotte de Foinou (5 mins there and back, but steep!). Continue along the marked path, ignoring those that branch off to the left and right.
(5) Once you reach the small car park at Lac de la Gourde, take the path on the left that descends towards the lake. Go around the lake on the left, pass under the dam and climb up the other side to reach the bird observatory.
(6) Retrace your steps back to the car park.
(5) Descend opposite via the small tarmac road towards Lac de Pareloup (yellow markings). At the three-way junction, turn right towards the dam.
(7) Cross the dam. Immediately afterwards, turn left onto the small path (yellow markings) that runs alongside the lake and returns to Pareloup. At the boat ramp, head back up to the car park (S/E).
. The route is easy, but there are still some steep climbs. The arrival at Lac de la Gourde provides a feeling of calm. Note the installation of numerous pontoons for fishermen.