The sand caves of Piolenc

A pleasant short walk through landscapes of ochre-coloured canyons filled with pine trees and surprising sand caves to round off the route. The start of the route is marked in yellow. The final section follows a tarmac road and runs alongside an avenue to return to the car park. ‘Former mines’ warning signs are placed along the route for your safety and to ensure you remain vigilant.  

Details

75440435
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.13 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 89 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 89 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 135 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 40 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Piolenc (84420)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 44.183603° / E 4.766129°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3040OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Park along Chemin de Bouqueyran without obstructing traffic or access to nearby homes.

(S/E) Continue along Chemin de Bouqueyran in the direction of arrival. 

(1) Turn left onto the stony path marked in yellow, which will take you along a large part of the walk: a gentle climb through canyon-like landscapes. Take the path on the right at the “Carrefour des Béziers” sign andcontinue up this gentle slope through the pine trees, following the yellow markings. You’ll reach an open area with a hut and various paths. 

(2) Take the path furthest to the left to head back down. Follow a path with a hedge screening a tree plantation and arrive at the end of the field with an iron gate in front of you.

(3) Turn left to wander amongst the vines and olive trees. A steeper climb follows along a forest track.

(4) At the end of this climb, turn left. Follow an old BMX track along a wide dirt track and you’ll reach, on your left, the entrance to the sand caves (former quarry). 

(5) Enter the galleries carefully to admire the sculptures and a surprise! On your way out, follow the small paths running alongside the main track to discover old buildings, ruins and a dangerous well: take care. Return to the track and climb gently up to a viewpoint overlooking the Rhône Valley.

(6) Behind you lies a beautiful ruin and magnificent scenery of partly burnt pine trees, as well as a stunning canyon below.
Head down the track towards the village until you reach the barrier marking the end of the path, then join a tarmac road (Montée des Béziers).

(7) Follow the road to the junction with Avenue Saint-Louis and turn left for about 150 m. Then turn left to follow Chemin de Bouqeyran back to where you parked (S/E). 

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 46 m - Chemin de Bouqueyran
  2. 1 : km 0.39 - alt. 48 m - The path starts off stony
  3. 2 : km 1.2 - alt. 69 m - Crossroads, hut – on the left
  4. 3 : km 1.57 - alt. 65 m - Iron gate, on the left
  5. 4 : km 2.13 - alt. 117 m - End of the climb, on the left
  6. 5 : km 2.52 - alt. 134 m - Sand caves
  7. 6 : km 2.81 - alt. 121 m - Viewpoint
  8. 7 : km 3.35 - alt. 77 m - Montée des Béziers
  9. S/E : km 4.13 - alt. 46 m - Chemin de Bouqueyran

Notes

Park on Chemin des Bouqueyran without obstructing residents or traffic. 
Partially shaded path. 
Take care inside the cave 

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
User 28344372

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 10, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Lovely family walk 👍.

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SylT
SylT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

clear explanations for the route

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GMD
GMD
• Edited:

Date: 3/10
Description: improve points 2 and 6
Followed a bit like a treasure hunt
Very beautiful hike with the caves as the highlight and the view of the valley
Small note on the map: Rocantine (more convenient car park) is on the other side of the railway line and the starting point can be reached via Rue H CLEMENT.
At the hut, there are various paths: head towards Bouqueyran
At point 2, when you reach the gate, pass by X, leaving the PR to take the forest path (barrier)

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andre demey
andre demey

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Please note that there are 5 to 6 parking spaces on a lay-by on the left after 536 Chemin de Bouqueyran. At the Béziers crossroads, you can also turn left. When you reach the gate, follow the olive grove fence to take the DFCI (firebreak). Finally, don't be impatient, the caves are accessible via a path (do not take the small GRP-marked trail that is before it). You won't be disappointed! Beautiful panorama, view of the citadel of Mornas. Enjoy your outing!

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Le Did
Le Did

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely short family walk with interesting caves and views of the Rhône at the end.

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Lo59
Lo59

A magnificent short hike with varied landscapes, canyons, pine forests, olive trees, vineyards, caves, ruins and views of the Rhône Valley... a complete change of scenery!
Don't miss it! This route is short but so beautiful. Be careful of the galleries and holes, but if you stay on the path, you'll see lots of beautiful things!

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