Rocher du Lion de Balsièges and Fonts route

This route allows you to discover the unusual "Lion" that dominates Balsièges. From its rocky outcrop, it watches over the valley. The hiking trail that runs along the Ravin du Choizal and the slopes of the Causse de Sauveterre will take you to the village of Les Fonts.

Details

2901679
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.38 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 320 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 325 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 908 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 678 m

Photos

Description of the walk

From Mende, take the N88 towards Millau. At Balsièges, take the N106 on the left, then turn right onto the D986 towards Sainte-Énimie. After the bridge over the Bramont, park on the right in the carpool area, opposite the abandoned house.
The start of the hike is to the right of the house.

(S/E) Take the small path on the left, which starts at the edge of the road and winds along the slopes of the causse to the fork.

(1) Turn left and follow the blue markings for about 500 metres to reach the foot of the lion.

(2) After enjoying the site, return to the previous fork.

(1) Follow the path opposite and continue along it, skirting the Ravin du Choizal.

(3) When you reach the large limestone block, cross over to the other side and continue along the path.

(4) When you cross the forest track, take the wide path opposite.

(5) When you reach the track, take a sharp left turn. At the next intersection, turn left to reach the village of Les Fonts below. Cross the village until you reach the stone cross.

(6) Turn left to join the path that follows the bed of the River Bramont to the carpool area (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 683 m - Carpool area. Bramont and Confluence - Lot (rivière)
  2. 1 : km 1 - alt. 839 m - Turn left for a return trip to the Lion.
  3. 2 : km 1.34 - alt. 880 m - Lion de Balsièges
  4. 3 : km 2.47 - alt. 908 m - Turn left towards the other side.
  5. 4 : km 3.93 - alt. 871 m - At the crossroads, take the path opposite.
  6. 5 : km 4.42 - alt. 821 m - Intersection - left hairpin bend
  7. 6 : km 5.42 - alt. 703 m - Stone cross - on the left, running alongside the - Bramont (rivière)
  8. S/E : km 7.38 - alt. 683 m - Carpooling area

Notes

Most of the hike is in the woods, but you should bring water, especially in summer.
The initial climb is relatively steep: pace yourself to reach the Lion rock spur.
The rest of the hike does not present any particular difficulties.
(4) Be careful not to stay on the forest track ; be sure to take the path opposite.

Worth a visit

Rocher du Lion and panoramic view of the Bramont valley.
Small cave along the route.
The village of Les Fonts and its stone houses.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 9 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.1 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
drgre
drgre

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike with many possible variations. Magnificent view at the foot of the lion, which enjoys the sun all afternoon.

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eric76
eric76

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello
I loved this hike! Almost entirely in the woods, alone in the world, in short, a nature break just the way I like it!
Thank you for the idea 👍

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gilles delboeuf
gilles delboeuf

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

At first, and after lunch, the climb seems a little steep, but once you reach the lion, the view is superb.
The rest of the hike through the undergrowth makes me imagine that it must be very pleasant in summer. Towards the end, at Les Fonts, carpets of primroses accompanied us along the edges, which was very nice. Worth doing in any season.

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MichelBnk
MichelBnk

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 19, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely little hike – don't hesitate to stray off the path from time to time to admire the stunning scenery.

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gilles_v4
gilles_v4

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 02, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A new yellow trail makes the route a little tricky, but you'll be fine if you follow the description. Very beautiful woodland.

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Wourgo
Wourgo

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Up to Lion Rock, I can say that the route description is good. But then there are problems with the signposting, which caused us to lose our way and end up walking an extra 5 km due to mistakes.
Disappointed with the signposting.
The different stages should be indicated.
We ended up taking a path where there was a yellow cross at the fork, even though further on the route seemed to be the right one.
In the end, instead of two hours, it took us almost four.

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jerome48
jerome48

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 31, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very nice hike, a bit short (7km) and a bit shady, but apart from that it was nice to climb on the lion's head.

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Philippe1745
Philippe1745

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely forest walk with interesting views. I am satisfied with this route, but in two places the signposting is not clear enough and you are unsure which direction to take, without actually getting lost.

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Muski72
Muski72

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 28, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for this beautiful forest walk with stunning panoramic views. The climb up to the lion may seem daunting, but it is very gradual along a pretty winding path, so you can take it at your own pace. There's no need to worry if you're afraid of heights either: the path along the "ravine" is neither difficult nor vertiginous.
Good to know: there is a lovely picnic spot in the hamlet of Les Fonts, near the playground (signposted, on the left at the top of the village).

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