Le Puech-Haut

Hike in the Notre-Dame de Parlatges National Forest, located on the southern edge of the Causse du Larzac plateau between 300 and 800 metres above sea level. Partly reforested with Austrian black pines, maples and deciduous oaks, it is home to golden eagles and griffon vultures and shelters several protected species such as the spotted salamander.
In spring, there is an explosion of scents, particularly with the flowering of broom, coronilla and a large number of aromatic herbs.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.78 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 525 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 525 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 755 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 275 m

Description of the walk

In Saint-Etienne de Gourgas, take the D25-E3 towards Aubaygues. At the first street on the left, park near the tennis courts.

(S/E) Go up the road towards Aubaygues and turn right immediately at a stone cross, crossing a bridge. After 400m, at a crossroads, take the road that goes up to the left (Chemin des Aires). At the next crossroads, turn right (Route de Fozières) and continue for 150 metres until you reach a track that branches off to the left in the opposite direction.

(1) Follow this track, which climbs gently and then runs alongside a wall in a deforested area. Then turn right onto the steep path that climbs to a T-junction.

(2) Turn left onto the path that climbs between rocky outcrops. At another junction, turn left again and continue climbing along a valley until you reach theGR®7, marked in red and white.

(3) Take it to the left for 50 metres and you will arrive at a track. Leave theGR® which branches off to the right and continue straight ahead until you reach a small stream that is difficult to see due to the vegetation. After the stream, take the path on the left (sign prohibiting cars and motorcycles) and follow it until you reach another track junction with theGR®.

(4) Ignore it and turn left until you reach a spring.

(5) This is the start of the climb to Puech Haut. Take the path on the right after the bridge. At the first junction, turn left and at the next junction with a path, take the path that branches off to the right. Much higher up, at a trail junction, turn left and you will come to a forest path. Cross it and continue on the trail opposite (cairn on a rock). At another trail junction, turn right and continue to the summit of Puech Haut. Beautiful view, especially of the Cirque du Bout du Monde.

(6) Continue along the path until you reach a crossroads.

(7) Visit the sheepfold on your right, typical of Lodève architecture. It is also an excellent place for a picnic (tables available). Turn left to begin the descent along the narrow path that goes down the hillside until you reach a track.

(8) Take it on the left.

(9) As you pass, admire the impressive Roc de l'Église rock formation. When you reach the Bourbonelle fountain, leave the track that branches off to the right and take the slightly overgrown path at the water intake until you reach a new track. Turn right and you will come to a crossroads with a forest house.

(10) Continue straight ahead until you reach the Carrefour du Pioch-Louvio.

(11) Turn left and at the next crossroads turn left again. The track leads to a property. Continue past the property on the Aubaygues path which leads to the hamlet of the same name.

(12) After the first house, take the lane on the left to reach a small square. Visit the pretty little Saint-Michel chapel. In the square, take the paved slanting street called La Calade which descends to a road. Turn right and follow this road, which will take you back to (S/E) in a few minutes.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 275 m - Tennis car park
  2. 1 : km 1 - alt. 310 m - Fork in the trail
  3. 2 : km 1.65 - alt. 371 m - Crossroads
  4. 3 : km 2.33 - alt. 490 m - GR7 intersection
  5. 4 : km 3.87 - alt. 493 m - Crossroads
  6. 5 : km 4.55 - alt. 482 m - Captured spring
  7. 6 : km 7.28 - alt. 755 m - Puech-Haut (756 m)
  8. 7 : km 7.78 - alt. 678 m - Fork in the road - Bergerie
  9. 8 : km 9.25 - alt. 529 m - Track
  10. 9 : km 9.98 - alt. 507 m - Roc de l'Église
  11. 10 : km 10.67 - alt. 442 m - Forest house
  12. 11 : km 11.37 - alt. 399 m - Carrefour du Pioch-Louvio
  13. 12 : km 13.14 - alt. 319 m - Hamlet of Aubaygues
  14. S/E : km 13.78 - alt. 275 m - Tennis car park

Notes

- No water source except at the end in the hamlet of Aubaygues.
- The descent trail is sometimes narrow but safe.

Worth a visit

Priory of Saint-Michel de Grandmont: 12th-century priory, but also a 14th-century chapel, 5th-6th century Visigothic tombs, an ancient monks' cemetery, panoramic terraces, and a megalithic park where you can encounter does, stags and does.
FFR hike starting from Soumont.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 7 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
roquesjm
roquesjm

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

From point 5, after passing to the left of the water catchment, turn left at the top. Then, when you are at the top of a hairpin bend, the author of the route has cut across the mountainside. It is easier to follow the path which goes in the opposite direction to the route but which returns in the right direction at the next hairpin bend.

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dr34
dr34

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful trail with the Puech Haut offering superb views of the valley and the Cirque du Bout du Monde, as well as a pleasant sheepfold where you can rest.
The path on the way back is narrow and overgrown, which makes it a little difficult for people who don't like walking near drops, even though there are no sheer cliffs.
It is possible to do this even in hot weather, as it is often in the shade of the trees.
Enjoy your hike!

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Cumulus66
Cumulus66

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Competition is fierce in the sector, particularly with Cirque du Bout du Monde and its numerous hikes!
And yet, the peak opposite it is a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the foothills of Larzac, and this hiking route is beautiful, neither too long nor too difficult, with a wide variety of scenery.

We set off from the tennis court car park in Saint Étienne de Gourgas.

The ideal thing to do is to have a picnic at the summit, with its 360° view, and then visit the historic sheepfold.

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Jeune senior
Jeune senior
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A route with a gradual elevation gain and beautiful views. Two tables are available at the sheepfold, after Puech Haut.
The descent is gentle.

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celinemma
celinemma

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike, not very busy, north-facing trail a little slippery because it is very wet but no particular difficulties. Magnificent landscapes in a blazing autumn. To be repeated without moderation.

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cocodidou
cocodidou

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very nice picnic area with table
at the sheepfold point7

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bearn34
bearn34

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very interesting hike. Not very popular.
Opposite the Cirque du Bout du Monde.
Magnificent forest.
Sheepfold and magical picnic spot.
Trail through the cliffside, wooded but a bit overgrown. Superb views.
Highly recommended.

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