Pas de Broc and Merdanson peaks loop from Durrieu

Coming from Louvie-Juzon or Mifaget, leave the D35 at La Mouletine (altitude 360 m) and continue towards Pé de Hourat and Durrieu until you reach a crossroads at altitude 516 m, where there is space for a few cars to park.

(S/E) From the car park, head south-east for 230 m.

(1) Continue straight ahead along the same track.

(2) After a sharp left-hand bend in the track, leave the return path on your right. Continue along the track.

(3) Leave the track and climb up a path on the right, fairly steeply for 2 km, to the Col de Nabails.

(4) Turn right. A break is welcome at the pass or at the nearby hut. Go round the hut then turn right, heading south-west. Continue for 1.4 km to the Col de Pan. A second short break is possible.

(5) Continue to the left and reach the Pic du Pas de Broc, at an altitude of 1,371 metres. Enjoy the scenery and recharge your batteries.

(6) Then return to the Col de Pan.

(5) Climb straight up the slope opposite towards the summit of Pic de Merdanson, at an altitude of 1,540 metres. This is the final serious climb of the hike. Follow the ridge as closely as possible — often off-trail— or slightly to its right. If the weather is fine, this is an ideal spot for a picnic.

(7) From the summit, continue due south and take a small gully, which is steep but safe. Take care, however, and be extra cautious if there is snow or mud.

(8) At an altitude of around 1,450 m, continue gently to the right towards the west along a slight incline.

(9) Continue straight ahead, passing four or five fountains in succession.

(10) At a Y-junction, head down to the right due north, occasionally looking for the zigzagging path.

(11) At the circular bend, turn sharply right onto a good path. Cross Le Béez, and continue due north until you rejoin the track taken on the way out.

(2) Turn left and head down the path in the opposite direction to the outward journey until you reach the starting point (S/E).
End of the hike. A few stretches can help you recover more quickly from the day’s exertions.

Please note: depending on the time of year or following heavy rain, the paths on the descent may be very muddy and barely passable.

At point (9), it is possible to climb Pic Durban: allow for a 250 m climb and a good hour and a half’s extra walking. The path is visible on the OpenStreetMap hiking map.