The three balls from Rieussec

Park in the car park of the Espace Barreau hall (multi-purpose hall).

(S/E) Facing the church, take the track leading off to the left. Cross the ford 150 metres on (it may be under water after heavy rain). Continue up the track.

(1) 700 metres from the start, leave the track and head up the path on the right, between heath and chestnut groves.

(2) At the junction of several tracks, take the one that continues straight ahead, heading north/north-east. Further on, cross a vast meadow, turning left to join a wide forest track. Continue along the track that branches off to the right.

(3) Just before reaching the junction with a forest track, take the path on the right that climbs and, further on, joins the “Route Forestière des Trois Boules”; follow it straight ahead (east).A few gaps in the trees offer views of the Somail and Espinouse massifs.

(4) After the cistern, take the path that climbs to the right (pass through a “gate”). At the highest point, enjoy the view of the Caroux and the Pardailhan before heading back down.

(5) Youcan climb the “Serre Grande” hill on the right to enjoy a lovely view. Otherwise, continue to the left

(6) Join the Passa Meridia (a route that crosses the entire Hérault department) and follow it for 1.5 km to the Col de Lalo.

(7) At the pass, ignore the track heading off to the right and, a few metres further on, take a path leading down alongside a stream. Follow the markings carefully until you reach a track again.

(8) Follow this track to the left to return to the starting point.There is aford just before you reach the car park (it may be under water after heavy rain) (S/E) .

Picnic tables right next to the car park.

There are two fords which may be under water after heavy rain. The first is at the start and the second is right at the end, so you can check from the car park at the start to be absolutely sure.

The bell tower at Rieussec is quite distinctive. It is crowned by a colourful statue of the Virgin Mary, which makes the church easily recognisable from a distance and serves as a landmark in the landscape. Built in 1852 to stabilise the vault, it dominates an interior where ancient statues and listed artefacts, such as the 1749 bell that rang out during the Revolution, stand side by side.