The Roc des Écus from the Col de Picotalen

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This is a family-friendly round-trip hike offering splendid views of Lacaune and its surroundings from the famous Roc des Écus. More than half of the route follows a wide forest track, then a beautiful, easy trail that is shaded almost all the way.

Details

n°78050981
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.34 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 137 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 136 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,096 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 992 m
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Photos

Poutras pond
The Poutras pond
POUTRAS RESERVOIR
Beautiful flower

Description of the walk

Start and finish at the Col de Picotalen car park (spelled Piquotalen by the IGN), on the D607, south-west of Lacaune.

(S/E) Cross the road with caution, pass a chalet (cross-country skiing) and take a forest track heading south-southeast.

(1) At the fork (stele), follow the signs for Roc des Écus / Belvespré to the left. Climb gently up the side of Puech d'Aussaresses.

(2) At the fork, turn left and follow the GRP® Hautes Terres d'Oc (red and yellow markings) towards Roc des Écus. Climb straight ahead (north-northeast) to the summit (panoramic view of Lacaune).

(3) Return via the same route in the opposite direction to the Col de Picotalen (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,003 m - Car park - Col de Picotalen ou Piquotalen (1003 m)
  2. 1 : km 0.48 - alt. 1,013 m - Fourche
  3. 2 : km 1.41 - alt. 1,066 m - Junction
  4. 3 : km 2.17 - alt. 1,071 m - Roc des Écus
  5. S/E : km 4.34 - alt. 1,003 m - Car park - Col de Picotalen ou Piquotalen (1003 m)

Notes

If you wish to picnic, tables are available by going down to point (1) and turning left; 600 m away you will find the two Poutras ponds and four or five picnic tables!

Worth a visit

According to legend, the Devil, carrying a large bag of coins, was crossing the Monts de Lacaune. He had left Spain and was on his way to buy the souls of a few Auvergnats. Passing through the heights of the town of Lacaune, he caught his bag on a tree stump. All the coins scattered on the ground.

Other walks in the area

Walking Roc des Écus via the Poutras and Martinou ponds

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Roc des Écus par les Bassins de Poutras et Martinou
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A pleasant walk, 80% of which is along shaded forest paths, offering a 360° view of Lacaune from the Roc des Écus. It can be completed at a leisurely pace in 2 hours 15 minutes with the family, as the climbs are gentle.

Walking Circular route starting from Lacaune

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The hike starts with a steady climb to reach the ridge of the Hautes Terres d'Oc. The descent is gentle, through a beautiful beech forest, along holly hedges and a small stream at the end. There is shade all along the way except for 2-3 km at the summit.

Walking From Lacaune to Roc de Montalet via Roc des Écus

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From the narrow streets of Lacaune, with its already mountainous atmosphere, the ascent to the summit of Montalet takes place in the hushed atmosphere of magnificent beech forests. The Pic de Montalet peaks at 1259 m. A day of hiking and fresh air to take in the beauty of the landscape. The 360° view of the Massif Central from the Rocher de la Vierge is breathtaking.

Walking Monts de Lacaune, Picotalen and Roc des Écus

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Thanks to the diversity of its landscapes, the Monts de Lacaune offer a remarkable palette of colours and a delight for hikers.

Walking Les Cabanes

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↔18.73 km ↗+522 m ↘-523 m ◔6h 50 ▲Moderate
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A refreshing hike that takes place mainly in the forest. From the Col de la Bassine, the route first leads to the Tourbière des Pansières and its discovery trail, then to Mont Roucous after a quick and easy climb. To finish in style, part of the "Sur les traces de l'Enfant Sauvage" trail allows you to enjoy interesting and entertaining information panels and exceptional undergrowth.

Walking Gijounet - Roquenière - Puech de Montgros loop around Gijou

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↔15.01 km ↗+552 m ↘-551 m ◔5h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Gijounet (Tarn)
This hike starts in the small village of Gijounet and leads first to the Roquenière viewpoint and orientation table, then to Puech de Montgros, where you can enjoy a 360° view of the landscape. There is no monotony on this very "natural" circuit, where forest passages alternate with ridge paths that allow you to enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding puechs and the Gijou valley.

Walking The Tsaquarello thermal springs and the Payrac trail

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Les termes de Tsaquarello et le sentier de Payrac
↔6.32 km ↗+183 m ↘-182 m ◔2h 20 ▲Easy
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Walk along the trail and discover reconstructed stone markers: cairns, drystone shelters and more. You will have a magnificent view of the Monts de Lacaune. From May to September, you can linger at the Maison de Payrac, a 19th-century farmhouse that has been restored in keeping with the lifestyle and objects of yesteryear.

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