See safety precautions in the ‘Practical Information’ section.
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Access by car to the Roc du Busatier car park, after the village of Nougein (municipality of Marcillac-la-Croisille).
(S/E) Follow the tarmac road to the right of the car park (signpost describing the route at the start).
After 200m, second right-hand bend: a cylindrical concrete tower? This is a surge tank designed to prevent water hammer during significant fluctuations in flow through the penstock.
After 300m, leave the road at a sharp left-hand bend, signposted (red markings).
The path descends steeply through the middle of the forest. After a 500m descent: you cross the penstock.
The path continues downhill. After 250m, at the fork, continue downhill to the right (red markings).
At the next fork, turn right again.
(At the lowest point, you can make a round trip to the fountain).
The path then climbs back up to the left.
(1) You are free to cross the Jardin de Bardot; there is no set route.
The exit is at the highest point, on the right (east).
From the garden exit, the path climbs steeply through scree covered in moss.
Take care as the path can be slippery.
Halfway up the climb, a signposted detour allows you to see the Grotte des Maquisards.
Warning: dangerous section.
(2): Take a round trip to the Grotte des Maquisards to explore the site and learn about its history (information board), as well as enjoy a superb view of the Dordogne.
However, access is not recommended and is dangerous without suitable footwear: narrow passages, over rocks, overhanging a cliff.
Continue the climb, which then becomes easier and wider.
Once you reach the wider path, follow it eastwards (to the right) to reach the Pas du Diable and the Fauteuil de Dieu, right next to a sculpture in the shape of a bird of prey.
The path continues to climb gently, joining a forest track.
Just before the road, below the path, note a chestnut drying shed, with a beautiful slate roof and a slatted floor to allow air circulation and the drying of the chestnuts.
Continue left along the forest road which leads back up to the starting point. Halfway up: access to the viewpoint below, on the left
(3) From this viewpoint, you can admire the Dordogne, held back by the Chastang dam.
Continue along the forest road to the Roc du Busatier car park (S/E).
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