Below the Palastre via the Sylvo-pastorale des Bayles

To reach the Richards car park, take the D481 on leaving Pont du Fossé. Les Richards is clearly signposted, as are the small car park and signs along the road.

(S/E) Start by heading down towards the few houses at Les Richards, passing behind the first cluster of houses. Look out for the red and white markings of the GR®50.

(1) After the last houses, go round a new building on the right, then follow the GR® markings and signposts. Take a few hairpin bends to rejoin the GR® below the meadow. Follow the GR®, crossing the Torrent des Bonnets, then the Brudou a little further down.

(2) Leave the GR® to the right and take a path on the right-hand side that climbs steeply towards Le Palastre via Les Hautes Bonnes. Join the Route Sylvo-pastorale des Bayles, a wide and very pleasant track.

(3) Carry on to the right along this track, which crosses the mountain pastures. Remember to close the gates to the enclosures properly. Take in the view of the valley and the River Autanne opposite.

(4) Ford the Brudou and carry on along this track heading south-east to return to the car park (S/E).

There aren’t really any drinking water points on the route, but there are plenty of springs amongst the pastures.