The Puech de Luzergue

A drive through the Gorges du Tarn, around the Puech de Luzergue. Explore the village of Compeyre, Cabrières Castle and Lugagnac Castle. Numerous viewpoints overlooking the Gorges du Tarn.

Details

19894
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  • Horse riding
    Activity: Horse riding
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.33 mi
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 4 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,312 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,312 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,051 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,430 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

The starting point is just before Serres; the roadside is wide enough to park and unload the horses.

(S/E) Follow the road to Serres and take the track at the edge of the hamlet which leads down towards the railway line. Follow it for a while, then leave the track on your right – that’s the one you’ll take on the way back.

(1) Continue along the track, passing the Château de Lugagnac.

(2) Once you’ve passed it, take the path opposite at the fork and enter a slightly wooded area. Keep to your right at the next fork.

(3) You’ll emerge into a more open landscape, between fields and fruit trees. Continue along this path, passing by the buildings at Soulacroup.

(4) At the junction with the small road, head down along it on your left. It takes you to the village of Compeyre, which you should cross via the higher part of the village.

(5) On leaving the village, take the path on the left which passes beneath the cemetery, walking past a few houses before joining the small road.

(6) Follow the road on your left for about a hundred metres.

(7) Turn onto the path on the right. The path becomes a little overgrown on the uphill section. Climb to the top of the hill; the path becomes visible again at the top.
Walk along the ridge for about 200 metres.

(8) Take the path on the left, which leads back down towards a reservoir (path on the right). Walk alongside the reservoir, following the main track to Château de Cabrières, where you’ll rejoin the road.

(9) Continue along the road, then take the first path on your left. This avoids a section of the road.

(10) At the end of this, head back up the road on the right for about a hundred metres.

(11) Just before Aldiguiès, take the path on your left. This takes you back to the original track, running alongside the railway line.

(1) Head back up to your left towards Serres along the same path as on the way there, until you reach the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,926 ft - Roadside verge just before Serres
  2. 1 : mi 0.81 - alt. 1,939 ft - Junction on the circular loop
  3. 2 : mi 1.39 - alt. 2,001 ft - Lugagnac Castle
  4. 3 : mi 1.8 - alt. 1,965 ft - Les Graves
  5. 4 : mi 3.3 - alt. 1,949 ft - Junction with a road after Soulacroup
  6. 5 : mi 4.51 - alt. 1,529 ft - Starting from Compeyre
  7. 6 : mi 5.11 - alt. 1,575 ft - Turn left
  8. 7 : mi 5.3 - alt. 1,591 ft - Path on the right
  9. 8 : mi 5.79 - alt. 1,906 ft - Path to the reservoir
  10. 9 : mi 7.66 - alt. 1,785 ft - Cabrières Castle
  11. 10 : mi 8.49 - alt. 1,857 ft - Back on the road
  12. 11 : mi 8.64 - alt. 1,916 ft - Path before Aldiguiès
  13. S/E : mi 10.33 - alt. 1,926 ft - Roadside verge just before Serres

Notes

The road up to Serres is narrow and winding; it’s passable by van, but it’s very difficult to pass other vehicles on the uphill sections.
The tracks are hard-packed and stony, so the ride is mostly at a walking pace.
Spring is the ideal time to do this circular route; it’s not too hot yet, and the cherry trees are in bloom, which greatly enhances the scenery.

Worth a visit

The Gorges du Tarn, Millau and its viaduct, and swimming in the Tarn during the summer.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
jo1703
jo1703

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 29, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We completed it in 4½ hours, but we’re both well into our seventies… This route isn’t recommended in hot weather as there’s very little shade; what’s more, it does involve a fair bit of cumulative elevation gain. We’d therefore rate it as moderate; some sections aren’t maintained and you have to make your own way through grass that’s nearly 1m high in the middle of the path. With the recent thunderstorms and the day’s intense heat, we were a bit worried about possible snakes…
The hamlet of Serres, the start and finish point, is remarkable for its flowers and architecture. With lovely views of the castles, we really enjoyed this walk. At this time of year, it’s very easy to park at the hunters’ car park.
A lovely day – many thanks to the person who mapped out the route.

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topo38
topo38

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2014
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A brilliant hike with stunning views – pure joy! Thanks for the tip
as I’m not from around here

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nikko
nikko
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2013
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A lovely walk of around 16 km, taking about 4 hours, along a very easy route passing three castles. The signposting is rather sporadic, but it’s not difficult to follow with a map. You can set off from the Quiers farmhouse inn (bed and breakfast), which is well worth a visit for the extraordinary scenery and the delicious home-cooked meals....

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