Couard and Cucuyon peaks and Col de la Cine

Variation (extension) of the route leading to the peaks of Couard and Cucuyon, but allowing you to walk along a magnificent ridge line and make a circular route. Many thanks to the hiker I met on the descent from the summit of Couard who made this brilliant suggestion.

Details

3624749
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 21.87 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 8 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,672 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,670 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,980 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 859 m

Description of the walk

(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).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 956 m - Place d'Archail
  2. 1 : km 0.14 - alt. 966 m - Fork behind the church
  3. 2 : km 2.22 - alt. 1,229 m - Path opposite
  4. 3 : km 2.49 - alt. 1,299 m - Crossing the track
  5. 4 : km 4.62 - alt. 1,667 m - Pas d'Archail (1667m)
  6. 5 : km 6.52 - alt. 1,980 m - Summit - Pic de Couard (1988m)
  7. 6 : km 9.27 - alt. 1,878 m - Sommet de Cucuyon (1886m)
  8. 7 : km 10.91 - alt. 1,732 m - High point of the Pré de l'Evêque
  9. 8 : km 11.66 - alt. 1,734 m - High point before the Baisse de Claret
  10. 9 : km 12.21 - alt. 1,755 m - Sommet du Cluchemet (1765m)
  11. 10 : km 12.85 - alt. 1,507 m - Col de la Cine (1505m)
  12. 11 : km 13.26 - alt. 1,404 m - Track that descends to the left
  13. 12 : km 13.86 - alt. 1,356 m - Take the track on the left.
  14. 13 : km 15.95 - alt. 1,338 m - Exit from the undergrowth
  15. 14 : km 16.11 - alt. 1,325 m - Leave the track and take a path on the right.
  16. 15 : km 16.32 - alt. 1,277 m - Descend the track to the right.
  17. 16 : km 16.57 - alt. 1,225 m - Junction: take the path opposite.
  18. 17 : km 17.01 - alt. 1,156 m - Crossing over logs
  19. 18 : km 18.15 - alt. 1,040 m - Leave the track and take a path on the right.
  20. 19 : km 19.74 - alt. 859 m - Leave the road and turn left.
  21. 20 : km 20.76 - alt. 974 m - Leave the track and take a path on the right.
  22. S/E : km 21.87 - alt. 955 m - Place d'Archail

Notes

Water source at Pas d'Archail (4).

Caution: wear sturdy footwear, especially for the descent of Cluchemet.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
ThomasTrail
ThomasTrail

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 12, 2025
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 hike, which truly offers magnificent views. I would like to emphasise how VERTIGOUS the Cluchemet is. I am prone to vertigo but I can usually control it. I set out on this route knowing what to expect from the comments, but REALLY, the Cluchemet is a ridge and the ascent and descent are very steep with a drop on either side.
To tackle this route, you need to be in good physical condition and not be afraid of heights, especially, as you will have understood, on the Cluchemet. The section between the Pas d'Archail and the Col de la Sine is a series of ascents and descents, sometimes on technical terrain where it is difficult to move quickly, particularly on the Cucuyon ascent, which is also steep with a visible overhang.

The rest of the route does not present any particular difficulties.

AVOID ON WINDY DAYS

Thanks to the author for this beautiful route!

Thomas

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Claraazimut
Claraazimut

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I did this hike with my dog in 9½ hours, including breaks.
It's not very busy and offers beautiful views! Be careful at the top of Cucuyon because the climb is steep and there are no nice switchbacks to get there. Once you've passed the shady part of the forest, the rest of the hike is in full sun. You'll find a drinking fountain in Draix.

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Yannou04
Yannou04
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A hike with very few tourists and beautiful scenery; the ridges are very pleasant to walk along.
The summit of Cluchemet is difficult to access because you have to proceed on sight and, above all, there are many rusty stakes and nets! The descent is also very steep and slippery. I recommend good footwear.

When you arrive at Col de la Cine, I advise against taking the path at first! (You have to cut through the woods, which is very dangerous).

PS: It took me 8½ hours at a very fast pace, so allow 10-12 hours if you take your time.

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viso5555
viso5555

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 07, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb circular route, thank you! It also took me 11 hours. Excellent description. Beware of vicious dogs let loose in Archail in the evening.

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Babou83
Babou83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful panorama with very clear weather

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bert1965
bert1965

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 16, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Be careful when descending from the summit of Cluchemet. The descent is steep and may be unsuitable for those prone to vertigo. The yellow markers are quite far apart.

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