Country:
District:
Park at the Saint-Jean des Balmes priory car park on the D29 between Peyreleau and Lanuejols on the Causse Noir (road sign indicating tourist attraction).
(S/E) Follow the track to the ruined priory.
(1) Continue along the path that passes in front of the bell tower and narrows between two low walls. Join a forest track.
(2) Continue straight ahead for about 200 m until you reach a bend to the right.
(3) At the entrance to the bend, take the path that branches off to the left of the track towards the Cirque de Madasse (information signs). The path (yellow markings) gradually descends along the nature reserve (stay on the marked paths) with a few views of the cirque. The path then descends more steeply and offers the first glimpses of the Causse Méjean under a canopy of oak and pine trees, then beech trees.
(4) At the crossroads with the marked trail that connects the Saint-Michel Hermitage and the prehistoric mushroom, turn right to reach the hermitage through the undergrowth via a descending trail, then turn left and climb back up.
(5) The Ermitage Saint-Michel is a ruined complex occupying three peaks overlooking the Gorges de la Jonte, whose origins seem to lie in the Château de Montorsier. Access is via sturdy ladders offering a unique panorama. The summit terrace is quite challenging to reach. Then retrace your steps to the junction with the path coming from the priory.
(4) Continue along the ledge, progressing from one ledge to the next, mostly in the undergrowth and without any significant elevation gain. There are a series of views of the hermitage, then the Vases de Chine and Vases de Sèvres, the Rocher de Capluc and finally Peyreleau and the confluence of the Jonte and Tarn rivers. The climb back up to the ridge is a little steeper, ending at the Champignon Préhistorique (a remarkable ruiniform rock offering substantial shelter).
(6) Take the path that branches off to the left towards the south, which quickly becomes a forest track suitable for vehicles. Follow it for about 900 m to reach a large crossroads.
(7) Take thesecond track on the left towards the north-east. Proceed quickly through a forestry area with a few clearings that remove the shade. After about 700 m, you will reach a track that branches off to the left towards the north-east.
(8) Turn left and continue for about 800 m to reach the Point Sublime.
(9) Descend for about 100 metres to reach the rock overlooking the Gorges de la Jonte, the Corniche and the Causse Méjean, with views stretching as far as the peaks of the Cévennes. This site is well worth a visit. Return by the same route.
(8) Then follow a small path on the left that cuts across and joins a wide track.
(10) Turn right towards the east onto an uneven farm track, passing near an ONF water tank. Then join the track leading to the old Bartasserie farm.
(11) This abandoned resin farm (owned by the ONF) is a superb example of Causse architecture. Follow the track that goes around the building and then heads south-east to rejoin the track you started on.
(2) Turn right towards the priory to complete the hike and return to the starting point (S/E).
Association / Club / Walk leader
Easy 
Tourist office
Visorando member
Difficult 
