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(S/E) After passing the barrier to the private car park in the hamlet of Bardou, take the signpostedGR® trail on the left, which descends for just over 100 metres.
(1) Turn right down the wide path to the old Lac de l'Airette.
(2) Cross over a concrete passage (somewhat damaged) and take the time to walk 10-15 metres up the stream on your right to see a beautiful waterfall.
After returning from the waterfall, follow theGR® markers and begin the climb. The path rises gradually through chestnut trees and then reaches a small pass with an isolated house and a pond.
(3) Take the path opposite and continue on the GR®. Enter a forest of holm oaks. The path winds its way through the vegetation and stones. Take the time to enjoy the views on your right, but remember to retrace your steps each time. As you leave the forest, the landscape opens up. The path improves and leads to the Col de Landres.
(4) Take the path on the left to pass the ruins of Chavardès, then cross several streams.
The trail suddenly begins to climb steeply, even crossing a few rocky outcrops. After this short, challenging section, pass another ruin. The trail then continues to climb gradually, soon offering new views down the valley. You will then arrive at the Col de Peyre Azent, a vast grassy expanse. There is a beautiful view to the south. A short descent leads to a wider path.
(5) Take this path to the right under the spruce trees and then come out into the open among the broom.
(6) Turn left onto a path following the GR® markings. Be careful not to miss it, as this will lengthen the route along this awful path. The path makes two bends, then turns southwards and arrives at the highlight of the hike. On a gentle slope covered with heather, the horizontal path skirts the summit of Montahut. After turning westwards, the path re-enters the forest. At the first fork, take the right-hand path, which climbs slightly to reach a large crossroads.
(7) Take the wide path on the left. This path climbs slightly and is not very pleasant. At the top, take a signpostedGR® path on the left. This path widens, becomes a wide track and descends slightly. Then leave it for a path that climbs diagonally to the right. You will reach the fort (ruins).
(8) Continue to the right and climb uphill under the beech trees to come out onto a wide path. Turn right and continue to follow theGR® trail, which now runs through a beautiful beech forest. You will reach a crossroads just before the Maison Forestière des Bourdils. From here, leave theGR® trail and follow theGRP® MHL (Montagne du Haut Languedoc) trail on the right until you reach the Col de Bardou.
(9) At a large multi-track crossroads, continue straight ahead, slightly to the right, with theGRP®, on a wide track suitable for vehicles. This is where the long, monotonous section of forest track begins. Follow the GRP® markings throughout this section.
(10) At the first major crossroads, the Rond-Point du Club Cévenol, turn right. At the next major crossroads, continue right again, following the sign for Saint-Martin-du-Froid.
(11) Take the left fork towards Saint-Martin-du-Froid. Begin a slight climb to finally reach the Peyroutarié sign. Continue along the path on the right. You will reach the small Saint-Martin-du-Froid chapel on your left, with a superb, sweeping view in front of you.
(12) Take a path that descends southwards. At the rocky promontory, turn left and take a path that is not very visible, especially at the beginning, which crosses horizontally and joins theGRP® marked descent path to reach the Col de Bardou (crossroads with signs).
(13) Turn right towards Bardou. After a few metres, at the fork, turn right downhill with theGR® to reach the village of Bardou and the car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Very difficult 
Moderate 
