The Puy de Niermont and the Limon Plateau as seen from the Col de Serre

(S/E) From the Col de Serre car park, head north-east along a wide path that follows the ridge. Follow the^GR®4 markings

(1) After just under 3 km, carry on straight ahead along the ridge.

(2) Go through the gate and leave the^GR® 4, then climb up to the Puy de Niermont. Take in the 360° view and look out for the well-known Puys.

Head north, skirting the boulder field to the left, then join a lovely path heading north towards a paragliding launch site. Go round the embankment on the left. Take in the whole view to the west.

(3) Take a wide right-hand bend to end up facing due east, staying at the same altitude. Cross the stream. This route is an easy one to follow.

(4) Follow the^GR® 4 northwards. In our case, initially to the west of the fence, then to the east afterwards.

(5) Go through the gate (which has been moved and looks a bit out of place) to pass north of the fence, then head east (alternative route in the practical information section).

Alternatively, head north-east along a lovely path that runs across the plateau, then turns south-east and descends towards a well-restored buron. In this area, there are some rather old orange markings.

(6) Go round the back of the buron, then continue eastwards to reach a copse of trees. Go through a gate.

(7) Orange markings. Cross the ford, go through another gate^. Red and white^GR® markings^. Follow the^GR®; at elevation 1324, turn right, due south, until you reach the Croix du Gendarme, which you can see. Continue along the^GR® 4 to the crossroads at elevation 1374.

(8) Leave the^GR®4, which heads off to the right, and carry on straight ahead towards the south-west along a well-marked path.

(9) Leave the path heading due south, signposted ‘Dienne’, and turn west-south-west onto a path that is barely marked but signposted in green, either on stones or on small posts.

(10) Follow the markings, which will soon veer south-west and skirt round the Puy de Niermont along a steep south-eastern slope, returning to the junction you passed on the way out.

(1) Continue to the left on the^GR® 4, retracing your steps from the outward journey, until you reach the Col de Serre car park (S/E).

(5): Alternative route: here, you can shorten the route by continuing due east on the^GR®4to reach (8).

The routes are affected by livestock in the pastures and the gates used to enter and exit the enclosures.
Please ensure you close the gates carefully.
For the animals, an open gate is a sign of a visitor and they are very curious.

Standard kit: high-top shoes, walking poles, a cap, sunglasses and long trousers to prevent tick bites.
Make sure you take plenty of water with you; the streams on the plateau are not safe to drink.

There’s plenty to see with your own eyes during the hike, both in the distance and in the local flora.