Pech Cardou from Rennes-les-Bains

Start from the village of Rennes-les-Bains in the car park near the town hall.

(S/E) Head south to join the Chemin des Fangalots, then turn left and come out onto Grand Rue de la Mairie, opposite the town hall. Turn left again.

(1) Cross a small shaded square on the right towards the church. Turn left onto Rue de l’Église, cross the bridge over the Sals and head to the right.

(2) Immediately climb the steps on the left and take the footpath.

(3) At the top, turn right and walk past the medical centre.

(4) Cross the road and continue straight ahead.

(5) Turn left, then take two left turns in succession to follow the Fajole geological trail, which runs partly through woodland. Reach the plateau and continue along the road in the same direction until you reach the junction marked by a wash house.

(6) Turn right until you reach a picnic area.

(7) Turn slightly left onto the path, which then becomes a narrow track. You will reach a T-junction.

(8) Keep left and reach a three-way junction.

(9) Turn slightly left, heading north-west, and continue to the summit of Pech Cardou: the IGN route is incorrect on this final section.

(10) Turn back towards the wash house.

(6) Turn right towards Montferrand, which you cross.

(11) On leaving the hamlet, turn left: you will see a small stone cross. Descend along a path through the woods, then come out onto a DFCI track. Follow it to the right for about a hundred metres.

(12) Turn onto the path on the left: signposted “Rennes-les-Bains”. Arrive in the village at the Route de Montferrand, follow it to the right and cross the bridge over the Sals.

(13) Head down to the right to reach the riverbank.

(14) Continue straight ahead, negotiate the bend to the left at the river bend, then cross the river and head to the natural hot springs.

(15) Turn back.

(14) Continue to the right, come out onto Grand Rue des Thermes and follow it towards the village to reach the bridge.

(13) Do not cross the bridge but turn right along the Sals. Return to Grand Rue des Thermes, turn left towards the town hall. Once there, turn right then right again to return to the starting car park (S/E).

If you are setting off alone, let a friend or family member know your route and how long you expect to be away.
Walking shoes, walking poles, GPS, map of the hike with the route.
Bring enough water and snacks (dried fruit, cereal bars).
Depending on the season: hat, gloves, warm clothing, cap, sunglasses, sun cream.

No water sources.
Good walking shoes.

Visit to the village.
Nearby, the village of Rennes-le-Château with its legend, its church with its curious holy water font and the home of Abbé Saunière.
Arques Castle and its museum.