The steps of Sabuscles – Malbosc – Pont de Malbosquet

de fr

A short walk along pleasant Cévennes paths. A route that begins with a magnificent staircase made of splendid schist slabs, and a series of small steps allowing you to cross the various accols (or faïsses: terms meaning terraced farmland) once maintained for cultivation.
Also worth noting is a distinctive feature of the Malbosquet Bridge, where one of the parapets has a pointed section in the middle, into which a slab has been set to form a seat.

Details

n°32087327
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.88 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 866 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 856 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,535 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 866 ft
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Photos

Path towards Malbosc
Abeau Stream
Various staircases made of sandstone slabs.
White heather

Description of the walk

On the D216 from Les Vans towards Malbosc, park in a small lay-by on the left opposite the junction with the road signposted “Le Barre”.

(D:A) Follow the road for about 50 m towards Malbosc until you reach the path on the left marked “Les marches de Sabuscles” and signposted in yellow.

(1) Follow this path down via the various steps to the Ruisseau d’Abeau and cross via the small bridge.

(2) After the bridge, turn right towards Malbosc. Walk through the village to the church, following the yellow markings.

(3) At the hiking signpost next to the church, take the road on the left towards Malbosquet for about 100 m.

(4) Turn right onto a path towards Pont de Malbosquet.

(5) At the Pont de Malbosquet signpost, turn right and, at the end of the bridge, continue along the path on the right until you reach the D216. Follow the road for about 1.5 km to return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,066 ft - Car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.05 - alt. 1,073 ft - Trail: Marches de Sabuscles towards the - Abeau (ruisseau)
  3. 2 : mi 0.24 - alt. 889 ft - Signpost for Malbosc
  4. 3 : mi 1.06 - alt. 1,529 ft - Hiking sign
  5. 4 : mi 1.16 - alt. 1,516 ft - Path on the right
  6. 5 : mi 1.88 - alt. 1,007 ft - Pont de Malbosquet
  7. S/E : mi 2.88 - alt. 1,073 ft - Car park

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Cirelli
Cirelli

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

WARNING: the start of the steps at Sabuscles has collapsed!! We went down the path anyway, but it’s dangerous and slippery!!

The rest of the walk was magnificent, particularly the village of Malbosc. I hope the steps can be repaired so that the route is passable again!

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Ma.com
Ma.com

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The route takes you past the monumental staircases of Sabuscles: they’re impressive!
It’s best to walk down them, as the climb back up is likely to be more difficult.
If you have time to head up to the village of Sabucles, it’s also well worth a look.
The woodland is beautiful and provides a refreshing coolness. There is an information board at Malbosc with a picnic table.
One downside: a 1.6 km stretch of tarmac to finish (easy as it’s a quiet road). The rest of the walk is on well-maintained paths.
Thank you for mapping out this lovely walk.

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Elise7
Elise7

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk; the first section with the stone steps is magnificent.

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jcarlier
jcarlier

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant, peaceful walk with a variety of scenery.

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