Country:
City:
Caution: this hike should not be attempted in foggy conditions and requires a good sense of direction. The markings are very old and not always visible, especially when crossing the plateau and in the pastures.
The IGN map does not show the paths, making it very difficult to map out the exact route.
(S/E) From Place du Plot (hiking information sign) in the centre of Saint-Pons, at the fork, follow the road climbing to the left. Ignore two crossroads on the left. When you reach another fork, turn right at a right angle. Continue along this small road.
(1) At the next three-way junction, turn left and pass in front of a house. The road gives way to an uphill path and reaches a junction a little further up. Take the path on the right, go through the gate (close it behind you) and head north, following the signposts (clearly visible on this section). The climb to the plateau and the Plaine du Regard is easy, crossing chestnut groves and beautiful basalt flows from the Coiron massif (there are a few information panels about volcanic activity). Head towards the mast at the Plaine du Regard.
(2) Turn right, heading north towards Berzème. Continue along the path lined with box trees, cross a first area marked "Sources de Costasses", continue and cross a second area marked "Sources de la Loubatière". Continue, then cross a pasture area and reach a small tarmac road.
(3) Follow it to the right until the next crossroads (signpost for Brasse-Nègre). Turn left towards Berzème, onto this small road running alongside the fields of Brasse-Nègre.
(4) At the next junction marked by the signpost for Faugère, turn left towards the south-west, towards Saint-Pons. A wide path crosses the pastures. Look out for the few markings on the stones or possibly on the trees; a few ribbons on the trees make it easier to find.
Be very careful: this path then turns sharply to the right (markings are present but not very visible on the trees), descends slightly, crosses a cow pasture (feeding troughs are clearly visible), continues straight ahead and runs along the edge of the plateau, offering a magnificent view of the Montbrun cliffs and the Ardèche mountains.
The path then turns slightly to the left and overlooks rocky outcrops. There are a few markers and ribbons.
(5) Reach a small cairn and a signpost indicating the path on the right, which descends into a rocky outcrop towards Roche Chérie. Begin the descent, which is sometimes a little steep, between the box trees. Reach an area of grass (the signposts are on the rocks). At this point, the path forms a small, inconspicuous fork. Keep to the right, heading west. Continue without difficulty along this path leading to Roche Chérie.
Cross the hamlet and continue to the next three-way junction (no signposts).
(6) Follow the road straight downhill. Cross the hamlet of Baribes. Continue to the next signpost for La Peyre (signs are now visible and recent).
(7) At this signpost, climb left across the fields, then between fences heading south-east. You will reach another signpost.
(8) Continue straight ahead until you reach the paved road leading to Saint-Pons. At Le Mas, turn right, then left. At the crossroads, turn right, then at the fork in front of the school, follow Rue de Blaviac on the left. Then take the first street on the left, Rue de la Prison, and continue straight ahead on Rue Vacheresse. Then turn right onto Rue du Barry and take the first left onto Rue du Moulin to return to Place du Plot (S/E).
Visorando Member
Easy 
Tourist office
