Ethnobotanical trail in Ségala: "Al travers"

Châtaignier Conservatory car park.

(S/E) Behind the Conservatoire, cross the road and take the path leading down to a road.

(1) Turn right, follow the road back up to the crossroads and turn left towards La Poujade.

(2) At the farm, take the dirt track on the right and follow it to the large signpost.

(3) Take the path on the right and head down to La Valette Basse, following the signposts (keep to the right on the descent, white arrow on an orange background). You will reach a road.

(4) Cross the road and take the small, steep path opposite, then follow the road to the right to La Valette Basse.

(5) Turn into the second lane on the right, then take the path towards Mirabel. Continue straight on to follow the Sentier de la Messe to Mirabel.

(6) Head towards the church, then turn right behind it towards Prévinquières. After climbing the steps, you’ll reach a large bend at Bois Grand.

(7) Turn right towards Regardet.

(8) In the hamlet, turn right towards the hamlet of Lac and its cross.

(9) Turn left, heading due north, onto the farm track and head for the Conservatoire du Châtaignier (S/E).

The Chestnut Tree Conservatory also offers guided tours of this trail. For further information, call 05 65 64 47 29.

- Wear sturdy footwear.
- Bring some food and drink.
- Hikers follow the route at their own risk. They remain responsible for any accidents they may suffer and for any damage they may cause to others (forest fires, damage to property, pollution, etc.).
- Stay on the marked trails and do not take shortcuts. If the route has been altered, follow the new signposting.
- Be considerate. We are not the only ones using the paths; be mindful of others.
- Take your rubbish away with you. Leave no trace of your visit; do not throw anything on the ground; carry a rubbish bag.
- Keep your dog on a lead, particularly near homes or livestock.
- Close gates and fences behind you, and walk around crops. We should respect the work of those who shape and preserve our environment.
- Observe the rules in certain areas.
- Do not light fires. Areas that are covered (forests) or too exposed (scrubland, dry heathland, etc.) can catch fire very quickly.
- Do not drink water from streams. Clear water does not necessarily mean it is safe to drink.
- Check hunting seasons; some routes may be dangerous.

All along the trail you will discover visual remains, bearing witness to human history and practices. The environment, by turns wild and man-made, lends itself to exploratory activities and helps you understand both human-induced and natural phenomena. This trail offers an overview of a landscape where humans and nature coexist.