The 4,000 steps and return via Aire de Côte

From Valleraugue, take the famous 4000-step trail that climbs up to the Mont-Aigoual observatory.
To complete the loop, follow theGR®6for a long descent through the forest towards Aire de Côte, before finishing with a crossing of the chestnut grove above the hamlet of Berthezène.

Technical sheet

118098
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 25.99 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 11h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 1,276 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 1,282 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,564 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 349 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the village hall on the outskirts of the village, along the RD 986 on the left, about 250 m after the Tourist Office.

(S/E) Walk down the RD 986 for about 100 metres towards the village, then cross the Hérault river. Take Rue des Barrys on the right until you reach a small square behind the church.
Climb the stairs on the left, then turn left onto a small road. Next, take the small stairs on the right to reach Chemin du Magnel, which overlooks the village from the 4,000-step viewpoint.

(1) At the 4000 Steps viewpoint, take the steep path heading north-west. This marked trail passes through different vegetation zones: heath, "steppe" on the ridge, beech trees, conifers, etc. After passing through the forest, you will arrive at a ridge where you will need to use your hands a few times, but this is not particularly difficult apart from the steep slope. Once you have crossed the ridge, cross the Fageole and climb up the Valat of the same name on the right bank. Then cross the stream over a low stone wall to arrive a few minutes later at a track near the Hort de Dieu.

(2) After a few metres, leave the track and take the path on the right through the woods, which climbs northwards.

(3) When the path reaches a bend at the edge of the RD 269, cross the road to reach the summit (observatory) and admire the 360° view from the orientation table.

(4) Begin the descent along the path on the north side of the mountain, heading east. Return to the RD 269 at the same bend as on the way up. Cross the road, walk a few steps along the track and take the path on the right. It goes around the small peak (elevation 1536) to the south.

(5) Follow the track downhill to the right heading north, then turn south-east.

(6) After two hairpin bends, leave the track and continue right on a wide path descending east.

(7) At a hairpin bend, turn right towards the south-east onto the marked trail.

(8) Leave the path on the left and continue straight ahead to join the track that leads to Aire de Côte, keeping heading northeast.

(9) At Aire de Côte, take theRD10D road on the right, heading south-east, for about 1.2 km.

(10) Leave the road and follow theGR®6on the right.

(11) Under the Col du Pas, descend to the right towards the south-west.

(12) When you reach a road, cross it and take a concrete track for a few metres, then turn right onto another track.

(13) After three hairpin bends, you will reach the hamlet of Berthezène, which you cross via a small road.

(14) Cross the bridge over the Clarou to join the RD10 and follow it south-east to Valleraugue.

(15) In Valleraugue, pass the church and continue straight ahead to rejoin the RD 986 after crossing the Hérault river. Follow the departmental road on the right to return to the car park 500 m higher up (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 362 m - Foyer Rural car park - Hérault (fleuve)
  2. 1 : km 0.56 - alt. 385 m - Belvédère des 4000 marches
  3. 2 : km 7.04 - alt. 1,343 m - Path on the right, in the undergrowth.
  4. 3 : km 7.99 - alt. 1,501 m - Junction with the RD269
  5. 4 : km 8.9 - alt. 1,559 m - Mont Aigoual (observatory and orientation table) - Mont Aigoual
  6. 5 : km 10.13 - alt. 1,489 m - Trépaloup front
  7. 6 : km 11.2 - alt. 1,401 m - path on the right
  8. 7 : km 12.08 - alt. 1,280 m - Path heading south-east
  9. 8 : km 14.03 - alt. 1,061 m - Junction with horse trail
  10. 9 : km 16.45 - alt. 1,086 m - Côte D 10d area - Near the source of the - Tarnon (rivière)
  11. 10 : km 17.88 - alt. 1,013 m - GR6 on the right
  12. 11 : km 19.51 - alt. 850 m - Turn right towards the south-west.
  13. 12 : km 21.66 - alt. 609 m - Crossing the D10
  14. 13 : km 23.39 - alt. 425 m - Berthezène
  15. 14 : km 23.85 - alt. 393 m - Bridge
  16. 15 : km 25.42 - alt. 353 m - Valleraugue
  17. S/E : km 25.99 - alt. 362 m - Foyer Rural car park - Hérault (fleuve)

Practical information

Allow around 2½ to 3 hours to reach the summit from the Belvédère des 4000 marches.

Be careful, it can be very cold and windy at the summit... even if it was very hot during the climb. There is a small tap with fresh water at the foot of the observatory in a sentry box.

In the nearby area

360° panoramic view at the summit (old orientation table).
The landscape changes throughout the day.

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 130 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 12231426

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very beautiful, challenging hike that requires good physical condition and sturdy footwear. Beautiful views and few people on the trail on the day of the hike and at Mont Aigoual.

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bichouck34
bichouck34

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A classic hike in the Aigoual massif, which requires a good level of fitness if you want to complete the full loop via the side area.
For those with less stamina, the return trip to the observatory should be sufficient (16 km round trip).
Please note that suitable footwear is required as the terrain is very uneven.

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User 20863117

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A perfectly marked trail with beautiful scenery alternating between forests and pastures. Along the way, you can enjoy magnificent views of the various valleys surrounding Mont Aigoual. The first 8 km are steep, up to the summit of Aigoual, and are suitable for experienced hikers. The rest is mainly downhill. It took me 7½ hours, and I'm not an experienced hiker.

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bs13
bs13

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

We did it as a 4-person reconnaissance in April 2025.
Mont Aigual was magnificent, and what's more, it was done in good weather. The 4000-mark hike has to be earned, so you need to be in very good physical shape (it's like cycling Mont Ventoux).
The Cévennes are always beautiful, but in good weather it's even better.
Once you reach the summit, there are plenty of walks you can do with your family: it's more accessible to hikers.

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sberthu
sberthu

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very nice walk. Short stride with frequent photo stops: 4h17
On a sunny autumn day, it's really magnificent. The scenery is really worth it.
Quite a few people at the observatory.
Quite busy on the way up, but deserted on the way down.
Useful info: there are toilets with taps at the observatory, so there's no need to take too much water.

On the other hand, the route to get there, and in particular the proposed parking, is quite impossible, except perhaps for a motorbike!
The village offers plenty of parking at its entrance, which is much more practical.

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Adèle34770
Adèle34770

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Beautiful walk

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papadid
papadid
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A really committed ride: we were in the rain (10 mm) and in the fog.
The climb was the cardio part: 1200m of ascent in 3hrs 15mins, followed by a 3/4 hour rest in the warmth of the restaurant at the summit of Mont Aigoual.
A total of 8.5 hours of walking, including 3/4 hour rest for the DJN for 25km. My thighs were really heating up!
It's a shame about the viewpoints, which should be magnificent: they were all blocked in by fog!

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Ma Mie
Ma Mie

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A superb ride indeed. Lots of people (hikers and trailers) up to the Aigoual. The descent was quieter.
We were lucky enough to have an idyllic day to enjoy these panoramas and see all the way to the sea.

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berarde
berarde

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A fine hike, with few people, especially on the descent, despite the pleasant weather on this day.

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FIGEROU
FIGEROU

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The ascent of the 4000 steps is very classic and very beautiful. The return via Aire de Côte is wilder (less crowded), but also longer.

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Les chéris d'amour
Les chéris d'amour

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Super nice hike, beautiful path and magnificent scenery, I recommend it!

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FabienneRH
FabienneRH

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

The ascent to Mont Aigoual is very popular, but not the return via Aire de Côte, probably because it's much longer. All the people we met were making the return trip via the same route.
2 changes to make: It says to start above the stadium at Valleraugues. At the tourist office, we were told that it was better to park in the car parks near the river and walk up to the stadium. There isn't much room up there and it's annoying if all the hikers park there.
On the descent via Aire de côte, there's a mistake: at number 11, it says "Sous le Col du Pas, descendre sur la droite direction Sud-Ouest". But don't go as far as the Col du Pas. You need to take the path towards Valleraugues, but it's precisely the one that doesn't go over the Col du Pas.
Another path leads to Valleraugues via the Col du Pas, but it's not the one marked on the itinerary for this hike.
Otherwise, it's a beautiful walk... Especially the climb up to Mont Aigoual and part of the descent. A bit long at the end...

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Maud.
Maud.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A superb hike that lets you enjoy the Cévennes. Of course, the 8 km are uphill, but 80% of the time we're in the undergrowth, lulled by the waterfalls. Not many people for us on this May weekend. Arriving at Mont Aigoual, we can have a bite to eat to recharge our batteries, but don't forget to bring warm clothes as the temperature is not the same at the summit. Then to finish this beautiful loop, the descent is gradual and allows you to see other landscapes as well by passing over the ridges. I recommend this beautiful hike, which is said to take 11 hours, but you can expect to walk for 7 to 8 hours, depending on your pace. The Viso rando guidebook is very detailed. Thank you very much!

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forchat
forchat

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Hello, this is one of the region's not-to-be-missed hikes. It takes about 3 hours to climb, and about thirty people met during that time. Ideal conditions for this long loop, with lots of different scenery all day long over the 25km. It's still a demanding ride.

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Charles N
Charles N

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very nice hike, especially with sunshine and a clear view once you reach the top. The scenery is magnificent in spring. The descent over the ridges is also very pleasant and less difficult than the ascent. A must for the region!

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