The Argales slag heap in Rieulay

Park at the very end of the car park at the Parc des Argales leisure centre, near the goat farm.

(S/E) Take the first path leading to the Argales Leisure Centre.

(1) Once you reach the lake, turn right.
After a short while, take a small path on the right that leads into the woods.
Walk alongside a small, slightly marshy, crescent-shaped pond on your left. Carry on until you reach a small bridge.

(2) Cross it and carry on to your right. At the Fork in the road, take the path on the left. Stay on the charcoal-coloured path at all times.
At one point, head towards the Sentier des Galibots. It descends onto the paved path that circles the lake. Then head straight back up to the right onto the charcoal-coloured path.
When the path ends, head back down to the left onto the paved path. If you turn round, you’ll see a kiosk. Carry on past the mudflats; you’ll see an explanation on the sign below.

(3) Turn left after the information about the mudflats.
Then turn right towards ‘black earth and green plants’ via the slurry pond (mining waste consisting of fine coal dust).
Immediately take the coal-dust track on the left, then turn right towards the small mound topped by a gazebo. Climb up to the gazebo, which offers a 360° view

(4) Head back down, take the same path you’ve just left (diagonally to the right), then the path on the right leading downhill. The path takes two hairpin bends.

(1) After passing the water sports centre on your left, take the path on the right which leads you back to the car park (S/E).

Dogs must be kept on a lead.

- Be sure to climb up to the hillock where the gazebo is situated, offering a 360° view.
- On leaving Parc des Argales, you can visit the goat farm if it’s open that day.