The Picaussel Maquis as seen from Lescale

Start at Lescale. Walk up through the village until you reach the church. The road then turns right and leads straight to the Baraque du Souvenir (Second World War Memorial) and its car park.

(S/E) Head back down towards the church.

(1) At the crossroads, turn right for a short detour to the church (commemorative plaque and mural).

(1) Head down to the right along Rue des Orchidées, following the red and white markings of^{the GR®367}. Continue to the left along Rue des Martyrs (information boards). After about fifty metres, take a path on the right. Follow the^GR® down to a footbridge over the Blau.

(2) Head right along a forest path (yellow markings; let the^GR® branch off to the left) which climbs gradually. When the Blau bends to the right, the path branches off to the left and climbs steeply. You’ll reach the Grotte du Maquis, to the right of the path. Continue climbing and, a little further up, you’ll reach the Saut de La Bourrique.

(3) Carry on along a flat section, then turn right and resume the climb. Pass a remarkable viewpoint (orientation table) and continue along the path uphill.

(4) At the junction, take the^second path on the right, marked in yellow. The path runs along the hillside through the forest, then winds its way up until it reaches a flat stretch and a junction with the Maquis de Picaussel and Maquis command post trails.

(5) Turn left onto the level track (unmarked) and you will soon come to the Maquis de Picaussel Command Post (Maquis Memorial), set amidst a magnificent tree-lined avenue. Continue along the gently sloping path, which veers to the left.

(6) After about 150 m, turn right. The route is marked by information signs (no trail markings). Wind your way uphill until you reach a wide track.

(7) Follow the track to the right and you’ll soon reach the Maquis Refuge (picnic table). Retrace your steps.

(7) Continue eastwards along the descending track (Route de Picaussel). Stay on this track and walk for a long while, gently downhill, until you reach the Stèle du Maquis, just before the D422.

(8) Turn left onto a path running parallel to the road. At the fork in the road shortly afterwards, keep to the right. Stay on the path running parallel to the road, which is sometimes difficult to follow: if necessary, join the road on the right and follow it to the village of La Malayrède. At the fork at the entrance to La Malayrède, turn left and walk through the village, passing in front of the church.

(9) Turn left, ignore a signposted path on the right and continue downhill towards the north-west, passing through a metal gate (open). There are a few yellow signposts… Descend at a leisurely pace until you reach a beautiful viewpoint.

(10) Continue the descent along steep hairpin bends. Further down, you’ll come out onto a track; follow it to the right for a few dozen metres. Join the^GR® again and follow it to the left (red and white markings). Walk up the Blau to the small footbridge you crossed on the way there.

(2) Head back up to the village of Lescale by following the outward route in the opposite direction. This will take you back to the car park at the Baraque du Souvenir (S/E).

Please note: there are no proper water points along the route.

Picnic tables at the Refuge du Maquis and at La Malayrède (at the bottom of the village).

Don’t miss these stops on this commemorative walk:
- The Memorial Hut in Lescale.
- The Picaussel Maquis Command Post.