"Le Monolithe" and the summit of Roche Ronde from Rabat

Starting from the Contrac car park in Rabat-les-Trois-Seigneurs, this is an accessible circular route with beautiful sights along the way.
After the first climb, you will reach the architectural structure "Le Monolithe", created by students from the Toulouse School of Architecture: an unusual seat with a view over the valley. Then enjoy the panorama from the ruins of the ancient Cathar castle of La Roche Ronde, before finally descending past the Calamès Cave and its climbing site.

Details

57230107
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.98 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 352 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 355 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 968 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 662 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking is available in the Contrac car park, above the village of Rabat-les-Trois-Seigneurs.

GRP®® Yellow/Red markings

(S/E) Take the wide road that runs along a retaining wall, heading north for 50 m, then the path turns right.

(1) As soon as you see the "site non protégé" (unprotected site) sign with theGRP®® symbol painted underneath (yellow and red markings), turn left in that direction.

(2) Go through the cattle gate and continue climbing until you reach the next fork.

(3) Turn left and follow the sign for "La Roche ronde". Further on, make a short detour to the "Monolithe" structure.

(4) After enjoying the spectacular view, turn back, continue along theGRP®® for about 100 metres, then turn right again for a short detour to the summit of La Roche Ronde.

(5) Turn back and continue along the GRP®®.

(6) Pass the Col d'Ijou, then, near the Grotte de Calamès, you will come to an intersection 100 metres further on.

Unmarked

(7) Leave the main path and turn right, taking a hairpin bend onto the path that enters the forest and leads back to Contrac.

GRP®® Yellow/Red markings

(1) At the intersection you passed on the way there, follow the route in reverse to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 676 m - Contrac car park
  2. 1 : km 0.16 - alt. 674 m - Junction, Las Costes path
  3. 2 : km 0.42 - alt. 713 m - Cattle grid
  4. 3 : km 1.08 - alt. 870 m - Junction
  5. 4 : km 1.61 - alt. 957 m - The Monolith
  6. 5 : km 1.92 - alt. 945 m - Summit and Cathar castle ruins - Roche Ronde (Roche de Cayral)
  7. 6 : km 3.16 - alt. 814 m - Col d'Ijou (820m)
  8. 7 : km 3.93 - alt. 700 m - Junction
  9. S/E : km 5.98 - alt. 675 m - Contrac car park

Notes

Parking is available in the village below, near the bridge, if the car park is full.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 2060576

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant, shaded route.
However, the layout lacks precision around the round rock.

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CMA31
CMA31

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful views, caves not to be missed.

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ange noir
ange noir

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The only thing that stands out is when you start the descent, there are yellow arrows pointing in three directions, including one saying "CONTRAC" which indicates the same path you came from. We thought we had taken a wrong turn, but it must be the signpost for another path. It is important not to turn back...I really liked the caves.

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