The Puits des Bans from Saint-Disdier

In Saint-Disdier, leave the D937 and head down to the hamlet of La Ribière, then cross the bridge opposite the church. Park in the car park where the signposts for the walks are located.

(S/E) Head towards Puits des Bans and follow the Souloise along the right bank for 1.4 km, first on the road, then along a footpath.
''Note that there are several shaded areas along the riverbank where you can have a picnic.
The path also features information boards on the geology, flora and fauna (great for children).'' You’ll reach the tarmac road.

(1) Turn right onto it and cross the bridge. Immediately afterwards, turn left onto the path that runs alongside the river as far as the signpost for the Béal walking routes.
Continue to the ‘Bois des Bans’ signpost. * See: practical information.

(2) At the ‘Bois des Bans’ signpost, take the path down to the left towards the Puits des Bans. Please note, the descent is quite steep and slippery. This is where the more challenging part of the route begins!
Note that at the bottom, the riverbank is a lovely spot for a picnic or to cool off.
Take the steep path on the left bank, which overlooks the torrent by a few metres; however, a safety cable secures this exposed section. Cross the Souloise over large, fallen boulders fitted with sturdy rungs (a rather fun first section). Climb back up to the Puits des Bans. Walk along its right-hand side, then cross a rocky ledge via a cable-assisted passage. This first short climb leads to a cave-like platform. * see: during the hike or nearby
Continue along the path, which comes to an abrupt end, but fortunately the rock face on the right is equipped with rungs and cables (a second fun section). Continue the climb to the Haut Puits des Bans junction.

(3) Take the path on the left, which continues on level ground towards La Cerise and Saint-Disdier, and carry on to the next junction.

(4) Turn left here too to follow the path marked with yellow lines. The path soon climbs through a Scots pine forest, then crosses an area of marl. It then descends to the Cerise farm (private access) and joins a tarmac road. Follow this down until you return to the La Cerise bridge and the original junction.

(1) Turn right to return to Saint-Disdier by retracing your steps to the car park (S/E).

• Alternative route to avoid the technical section at Puits des Bans:

Before or at the Puits des Bans, turn back towards (2).

Fountain in the centre of St Disdier (hamlet of La Ribière).

Warnings and recommendations.
Whilst the first part of the path is easy and shaded, the section at Puits des Bans can prove tricky for children and those with a fear of heights, and is impossible for dogs (dogs must be carried). This route should also be avoided on rainy days (risk of flooding and slippery sections).
A simpler alternative is available by taking a straightforward return route (alternative route).

• The ‘Puits des Bans’ signpost shows caving enthusiasts where to enter the mountain’s hidden depths. Curious visitors without equipment (though a head torch is compulsory) can venture into the first few metres of the cave, as far as the small underground lake, which is then crossed by inflatable dinghy. This spot is well suited to an introduction to caving, reaching a depth of 70 metres below ground (must be accompanied by a certified guide).

The Souloise is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including brown trout and common frogs (part of the ‘brown’ frog group).

The Puits des Bans for caving.

The end of the route offers magnificent views of the Ferrand-Obiou mountain range.

It is possible to climb up to Mère Église from Saint-Disdier.