The Crêtes de Baret

The walk starts from the car park at the Salle des Fêtes.

(S/E) As you leave the car park, turn left onto Route des Tonnets to reach the junction with Route de Beauregard. Cross at the pedestrian crossing and follow Rue des Pâquerettes, which is almost directly opposite; after 50 metres, turn right onto the small Rue des Lauriers to reach the school car park. From there, turn left onto Rue de la Jaille and head towards the village centre, following the yellow markings along Rue de la Tour, passing the restaurant on your right.

(1) Turn right, pass Les Cléments and carry on, continuing along a path that crosses a stream. Join a small road.

(2) Carry on along this small road, pass the hamlet of Les Ayes and continue, still following the yellow markings, until you reach a small bridge over the Ruisseau Bitou.

(3) After the bridge over this small stream, head up to the left along the path and rejoin a small road, which you’ll leave 300 metres further on by turning left. You’ll come to a road which you follow until you reach a crossroad. Near a bridge, turn left and then, about fifty metres further on, turn left again onto the Chemin des Accacias.

(4) At the end of the road, take the path on the left and continue following the signposts, heading due south. It is a lovely, uphill path. Pass under a high-voltage power line before reaching a Fork in the road.

(5) Carry on straight along the path for about a hundred metres, then first turn right then left onto a path that leads into a meadow. As you come out of the meadow, continue along the path that climbs into the forest, following the yellow signposts, still heading south, until you reach the water tower.

(6) Turn slightly to the left, leaving the water tower on your right, and follow this muddy path (after rain) towards Crête Baret and its panoramic views.

(7) Walk for about 150 m and head down to the left towards Col Alexandre.

(8) Following the signposts, turn left towards Jaillans and head down this lovely path. You’ll come to a small road for 200 m, then turn right onto a path that joins a road leading to the hamlet of Serne.

(9) Turn left, cross a bridge and continue along the small road for 220 m, then take a path on the right in front of two garages. Continue along this stony path, cross the busier Route de Corbeil, and carry on straight ahead along the path towards Jaillans.

(10) When you reach this road in front of a huge warehouse, turn left towards the village of Jaillans. As you walk through the village, you can visit the church, pass the town hall and, via Rue de la Jaille on the right, reach the school car park; exit at the far end via the small Rue des Lauriers and come out onto Rue des Pâquerettes. Turn left to join the Route de Beauregard. Cross the road and continue straight ahead to reach the car park (S/E).

No special equipment required, but do wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy!