(S/E) Departure from Place d'Archail. Take the road that climbs next to the church. A sign on the square indicates Pas d'Archail, and the route is entirely marked in yellow (PR®).
(1) At the fork in the tarmac road, turn right. Then continue along the tarmac road until it ends. It becomes a forest track.
(2) The path crosses a track. It continues straight ahead, slightly to the right, and becomes a small footpath.
(3) The path crosses the track again; continue following the yellow markings. The trail continues to wind through the undergrowth. The trail crosses several scree slopes. Then the trail exits the valley on the right and becomes less steep. You will then arrive at Pas d'Archail (altitude 1667).
(4) At this crossroads, the path to the Sommet de Couard branches off to the right, heading due west through an area with slightly less dense vegetation. Large switchbacks allow you to climb up to the Sommet de Couard.
(5) At the summit, there is a beautiful 360° view. Descend to Pas d'Archail via the same route.
(4) The climb to the summit of Cucuyon is visible, first to the northeast. Before tackling the final climb, continue north to ascend Cucuyon via its eastern flank. It is less steep, and there are no nettle patches!
(6) From the summit, there is a beautiful view of the ridge line that you will follow to Col de la Cine (also marked in yellow). Descend via the eastern flank and continue towards the first high point (altitude 1791). The high points are often marked by a post with yellow markings. Continue along the Crête du Pré de l'Evêque (altitude 1740). Stay on the top of the ridge line.
(7) Descend to a low point at Pas du Buis, then climb back up along a cliff.
(8) Descend due east to Baisse de Claret, then climb back up to the Sommet de Cluchemet. The climb is tough, becoming even steeper towards the end with a few sections where you may need to use your hands.
(9) The descent from Sommet de Cluchemet is even steeper. The trail heads slightly northeast without crossing the small rocky outcrops for the moment, staying on the eastern flank. Then continue northeast.
There are a few yellow markings to help you find the trail. The path is very stony, but scree slopes make the descent easier and easier on your knees. The vegetation becomes denser, then head due east, aiming for the Col de la Cine.
(10) From the pass, turn left onto the track heading north for about 80 metres. Follow a path that then veers slightly to the left (yellow markings) until you come to a new track.
(11) Follow the track to the left (yellow markings).
(12) At an altitude of 1364 m, continue on the track on the left.
(13) At the fork, turn right. At this point, the view opens up: you are no longer in the undergrowth.
(14) Quite quickly, after about 150 m, the path leaves the track and takes a path on the right that descends sharply.
(15) Turn right to take the track that descends.
(16) Continue straight ahead on the path.
(17) Cross a gully on wooden logs. The path is rutted, so take care before the log bridge. The path follows the yellow markings. You will come to a track that you descend to the left.
(18) A path branches off to the right, allowing you to leave the track, which it crosses. Follow the yellow markings on the left to Draix. Cross the village, then leave the road and take another tarmac road on the left.
(19) After turning left onto the tarmac road for 100 metres, a path branches off to the right (still marked with yellow markings) and leads to a track which you follow to the left.
(20) Leave the track and take a path that will lead you to Archail (S/E).
