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Parking at the Pontaix village hall. Cross the bridge and turn right, following the signs to the car park.
(S/E) From the car park, with your back to the village hall, turn right onto Impasse de la Forge. Turn left onto Chemin de Véronne, then right onto Chemin des Jardins, which becomes Rue du Barry as it approaches the bridge. Leave the bridge on your left and continue straight on towards the temple. Pass it and continue on the same road, which becomes Rue du Temple (ignore the side streets on your right). Go under a porch and look for an alley on the right after No. 89.
(1) Turn right onto paved slanting street de la Cascade, pass under a porch and go to the end of the alley. Go through a gate that leads out of the village. Climb a few steps and continue along the cliff side to reach the top of the first waterfall (I couldn't find a way down!).
Walk a few steps and cross the stream to find a flat path on the right leading to a second waterfall (do not immediately take the path that climbs to the left). Opportunity to cool off. (See Practical Information for Variant 1).
Turn back towards the first waterfall, do not cross the stream again but turn right onto the path leading up to a slightly hidden water tower. After passing the building, follow the path carved into the cliff, equipped with a handrail where you have to bend down a little. This section may be daunting for those prone to vertigo, and children should be held by the hand.
At the end of the path, descend to the right towards a beautiful waterfall and its pool. You can also cool off here and walk behind the waterfall. (See Practical Information for Variant 2). Go back up the path and turn right to enter a tricky passage through the trees. You will then need to use your hands to climb a small wall that leads above the waterfall.
Continue along the trail, staying on the same side of the stream (right bank). At first, the trail is difficult to see in the grass and brush, but it becomes more obvious as you approach an old walnut grove. Walk along this old plantation to find a footbridge a little further on, or ford the stream.
Take the path that climbs up the opposite bank. After three hairpin bends, it leads to a tarmac road. Turn right onto the path and immediately follow the track on the right. Descend into a hollow and then climb up opposite towards the castle ruins. Pass between two ruins and continue a little further to enjoy the view over the Drôme valley.
(2) Turn around, pass between the ruins again and descend into the hollow. Follow the path on the right which goes around the promontory, passing above the village. Follow this path which descends gently to a house undergoing renovation (on the right). Turn left and descend a few steps to Rue du Temple.
Turn left and follow the same route as on the way up to return to the car park (S/E).
be careful not to slip...
!
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