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Update from the author on 24/08/2025: as the clearing work has been completed around the Pont de l'Enfer, the warning comments have been removed.
The starting point is in front of the town hall in Cerdon (Place de la Vigneronne, near the Vieille Côte restaurant). Depending on the time of year, parking may be relatively limited.
(S/E) Take Rue de Californie through the village, then turn right onto a bridge, then left, then right (Rue du Pied de Moisset).
(1) A few dozen metres further on, follow a path on the left marked by a sign indicating the direction of the Saint-Alban church. The path climbs gently through vineyards (yellow markings). A little further on, cross a small road and continue climbing in the same environment. A little further on, cross asecond road. In a wooded area, the path climbs up to the plateau.
(2) At the intersection with theGR®® de Pays (marked in yellow and red), turn right and continue along the path for about 500 m. Then head towards the ruins of the Church of Saint-Alban, which are clearly visible.
(3) Take the time to view the ruins of the church and the information panels and enjoy the beautiful view of the valley (overlooking Cerdon).
Retrace your steps a little and follow the road opposite towards Coiron for about 500 m.
(4) At the crossroads, turn right onto another path in an increasingly wooded area. Continue straight ahead at thefirst intersection (about 600 m further on) and then at thesecond (about 200 m further on).
(5) At thethird intersection (about 400 m further on) with a double access, take the right-hand path on an unmarked section (you will leave theGR®® de Pays trail).
The correct path climbs very slightly through a fairly wooded area. After crossing two fields, you will come to athird field, but do not enter it (access is blocked): follow a path through the undergrowth on the right, which may be slippery in wet weather. Please note that the route shown on the IGN map is incorrect.
(6) Cross the road (RD11) and take a good path that climbs at first and then continues along a plateau (note that you will find theGR®® de Pays markings again). After passing some buildings, turn right at the intersection and you will arrive at the entrance to the Grottes du Cerdon caves, which are open to the public.
(7) Continue along the path alongside a field until you reach the RD1084 road. Turn right and cross the road quickly (take care when crossing), then take a small road leading to the village of Labalme. At thefirst intersection, go straight ahead.
(8) At thesecond intersection, where you will see a cross, turn left onto Rue du Bessiat. Continue along the road, which slopes slightly uphill, for about 900 metres.
(9) Continue straight ahead at the intersection, then after a slight climb, turn right at thesecond intersection. Shortly afterwards, you will arrive near a house (Le Prélet): head towards it (opening the gate if necessary).
(10) Cross a long meadow that takes you down the Combe de Cugnat, keeping slightly to the left. In a rather pleasant setting, the clearly visible path continues with a moderate slope, which becomes a little steeper towards the end before arriving at the Pont de l'Enfer. I encourage you to spend a few minutes at this site, where the Monument aux Morts du Maquis (War Memorial) stands.
(11) Cross the RD1084 (take care) and turn left into the car park. A little further on, take a path on the right towards Cerdon, as indicated on a sign: this is the Chemin des Maquisards.
You will come to a small road, which you should take on the right to reach the hamlet of La Suisse. Follow Rue de la Suisse until the next intersection on the right, where you should take Rue de Moyriat uphill. Continue to the end of the road and take a short dirt track. Turn left at the fork to quickly reach a paved road (Rue Chapuis) and, a little further on, turn right onto a path leading up to the church of Cerdon (Chemin du Père Collin).
(12) Go around the church on the right, passing under the cemetery. Take a path that climbs and goes around the cemetery, following the signs for the tower and Notre-Dame de Carmier. At thefirst intersection, turn left, then right at thesecond. You will arrive at a ruined medieval tower where you can enjoy the view. Take a path that descends briefly, then turn right to arrive at the Statue of the Virgin of Carmier, where you can admire a view as beautiful as the one you saw earlier.
(13) Retrace your steps, continuing straight ahead at thefirst intersection. At thesecond intersection, find the path you took to get to the church.
(12). Go around the church on the right or left and follow the road downhill. Soon, take another road on the left to reach the main road in Cerdon. Turn left to return to the starting point (S/E).
Visorando member
Difficult 
Easy 
