Mandailles – Le Fau

(S) From the main road through the village, turn left after the river, then immediately right onto a small street that curves to the left. Continue along the path at the end of the street.
The^GR® follows the hillside, slightly above the Jordanne valley, and comes to a small road.

(1) Follow it straight on for about 100 m, then, at the next junction, take the road on the left leading towards Saint-Julien-de-Jordanne. Then turn right onto the D246 without crossing the bridge.

(2) Turn right towards Lavaissière, leaving the D246. The small road climbs towards the hamlet, then turns into a track and follows the contour line.

(3) When you reach a building, ignore the grassy path branching off to the right and carry on straight ahead until you reach the access track to the burons of La Reveilladie.

(4) Turn right onto the road for about sixty metres, then leave it to take a path on the right which heads north into a steep-sided valley and crosses the Aubusson stream (cattle gate). Follow the signposting carefully and do not take the paths that climb to the right before the stream.
The track winds along the hillside then turns southwards to reach a reservoir on a ridge offering a fine view.

(5) At the reservoir, the route heads north-west and climbs the ridge, dominated by the Puy de Bassierou. It enters the woods, passes a fountain and continues, after a wide bend, to the pass at an altitude of 1,332 metres.

(6) Turn right (north) to climb the grassy slope beneath the Puy de Bassierou, which you will skirt to the west.
The path coming from La Vacherie de Legal joins the^GR® about 400 m beyond the pass.
After skirting the Puy, you’ll spot the ruins of a buron on the slope opposite (a lovely spot for a picnic).
Continue along this ridge, which becomes steeper, and go round the small peak of Cabrespine to the south. The ^GR® then climbs up the ridge itself, which is very open, and reaches a pass after turning left.

(7) Carry on straight ahead to make the obvious ascent to Puy Chavaroche (very large cairn).

Enjoy the splendid view, then carry on on the other side of the summit along the GR® to the Col de Redondet.

(8) Take in the splendid view, then continue on the other side of the summit along the GR® to the Col de Redondet.

(9) Do not follow the^GR® to the right towards Puy Mary, but turn left onto the broad ridge heading towards Roche Taillade and Roc d’Hozières.

(10) At the bottom of the descent (altitude 1554), veer left beneath the Roche Taillade, which you skirt along the side. You can also probably climb up into the large, clearly visible hollow between the Roche Taillade and the Roc d’Hozières: there is a fairly obvious path which joins the^GR® further on^.

Cross the shoulder of the Roche Taillade and, from there, head northwards up the side of a fairly steep slope.

(11) Below the Roc d’Hozières, the^GR® turns broadly westwards and descends the vast cirque. When the slope levels off, you pass the ruins of Chavaspre; the path then enters the forest and, near a waterfall, joins a track. Follow it steadily downhill to the barrier blocking access to motor vehicles. This descent may seem a little long before you reach the hamlet of La Bastide.

(12) Head straight on and carry on straight ahead to the village of Le Fau (E).

Shelter before Cabrespine.
Water on the ascent below the Puy de Basseriou, then on the descent from the Roc d’Hozières.
Please note: these ridges are very exposed to thunderstorms.

(7) Alternative route: the path on the right leads back down towards Mandailles. Those wishing to shorten the stage can climb directly from Mandailles to this pass.