In the footsteps of Henry IV from Soumoulou

The start and finish are in the centre of the village of Soumoulou. It is convenient to park there, as the square is large.

(S/E) From the market square, head downhill to the left, towards the south, along Rue de la Dévèze (D218), towards the fire station.

(1) Go around the fire station on the right, follow the road downhill (D218) and pass one of Soumoulou's wash houses. Continue down Rue de la Dévèze until you reach the bus shelter, then turn left and continue along Rue de la Dévèze. Leave the village and continue along the RD 218, which turns right.

(2) Cross the bridge over the Ruisseau de l'Ousse and enter Gomer. Pass the small town hall square on your left, continue straight on Rue des Pyrénées and arrive at the primary school.

(3) Turn right onto Rue du Bois. A yellow sign points in this direction to the "Maison pour tous" (community centre). Follow this street for about 4 km to enter the famous woods.

(4) At Impasse des Chevreuils, turn right along the street, enter the woods and arrive at Chemin d'Henri IV.

(5) Take the path on the right. A sign indicates Route des mousquetaires.

(6) After 150 m, after a small clearing, turn right onto a path. Continue downhill through the woods on this path for about 4 km.

(7) Pass the water tower and Haure farm. You will come to a tarmac road, Chemin des Marnières. Continue until you reach a path on the right at number 10 on this road.

(8) Turn right onto this path, which descends into the plain after the houses. Cross a stream
Continue for about 2 km until you reach a small ford.

(9) Shortly after crossing, take the path on the right and continue along the path that turns left and climbs up to a yellow sign.

(10) Continue straight ahead on the newly resurfaced road: Rue des Mattets. Pass a road on your right and continue straight ahead. The road zigzags to the left and then to the right, then runs alongside two ruins on the left.

(11) At the road junction indicating the composting platform, turn left onto Rue des Mattets. Pass a rest area and cross the Ousse stream via the bridge. Continue until you reach a roundabout.

(12) Turn right onto Rue de l'Ousse. Pass a cul-de-sac on the right and a street on the left and arrive at the entrance to the residential area via Rue Beausoleil.

(13) Turn left and continue through the housing estate along the single road until you reach a path on the left.

(14) Take the concrete footpath that goes up on the left, pass between the two parts of the cemetery, and walk along the stadium.

(15) At the sports centre, turn right, then immediately left opposite the dojo. Continue along the right-hand side of the town hall and arrive at Place du Marché (S/E).

The walk is very easy and suitable for everyone.
Although the lower parts of the villages are quiet, you still need to watch out for a few cars.
Be careful on the GR®782, as there are many mountain bikers and hikers.
In the village square of Soumoulou, you will find all the shops you need, as well as automatic public toilets.

Discover one of Soumoulou's two traditional wash houses, cross the peaceful woods and its marked trails (including the "Route des Mousquetaires"), then walk along the Ousse streams and its ruins before returning via the stadium.