The Gorges du Tarn from La Malène to Les Vignes

Park in the car park at La Malène

(S/E) Head towards the crossroads in the centre of the village, then walk past the boat operators’ ticket office to cross the bridge.

(1) Take the path leading off to the right at the end of the bridge and walk alongside the River Tarn on your right for about 2 km.

(2) Take the path on the left that climbs (towards “Les Vignes”) halfway up the slope through the oak and boxwood trees (shade guaranteed!). At the fork about a hundred metres further on, turn right, leaving the path that climbs up to the Roc des Hourtous.

(3) Les Détroits: the perfect spot for a picnic.

(4) Follow the path leading back up towards Les Vignes. The unmarked path on the right, which isn’t shown on the map and leads downhill, is a possible route to the hamlet of La Croze, although please note that this is private property.
For those who might have tried to visit the hamlet of La Croze, you’ll rejoin the signposted path a little further on.

(5) Follow the path through the woodland; a few clearings offer views across to the other side, taking in the Cirque des Baumes, the Point Sublime, the Chapelle Saint-Hilaire, the Baumes Basses, etc. Further on, as you approach the Pas de Soucy, the vegetation thins out, revealing a fine view of the Roc Aiguille and the River Tarn. Shortly afterwards, you reach the junction with the GRP®.

(6) Keep to the right and follow the path through the houses of the hamlet of Le Ménial, then the small village of Saint-Préjet, and finally on to the village of Les Vignes. You will then find the cars you left at the Les Vignes car park for the return journey to La Malène (S/E).

This walk requires two cars. Leave one at the Les Vignes car park and the other at the starting point in La Malène.

The path, which is stony or steep in places, requires suitable kit (especially footwear).

The only water source is at La Croze (with the owner’s permission).

Views of the sites mentioned in the introduction.
La Malène Bridge and the ruins of Planiol Castle; a little further up on the hillside, the ‘Demoiselles Coiffées’.

(2) Just before setting off on the path, you’ll spot the ‘Rocher de la Chapelle’, sculpted by nature.

(3) The path runs along the edge of the Détroits cliff.

(4) The hamlet of La Croze (access by permission only), overlooked at the very top by the famous ‘couple of lovers’. Shortly afterwards, you’ll recognise the famous ‘Champignon’ rock by the roadside opposite.

The ‘107’ footbridge (bungee jumping) is clearly visible before you reach the Cirque des Baumes and its stunning viewpoint. You’ll find it a bit difficult to see the Chapel of Saint-Hilaire because of the vegetation; however, a small viewing platform offers a glimpse of the Baumes Basses site (a climbing area).

On several occasions, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the Roc Aiguille and, below it, the Pas de Soucy.

The valley then widens, revealing views towards the hamlets and the village of Les Vignes.