Tree trail - Big loop

The Groupe de Passionnés de Nature de Vallabrix (G.P.N.) invites you to discover trees and shrubs, learn about their characteristics and enjoy the beauty of nature, always with respect for the environment.

Start: Town Hall parking lot, Vallabrix

You're in the Mairie, Foyer, Isabelle Autissier School parking lot.
Leave the parking lot by the road below the school, and admire the very large oak trees in the park on your left.
When you reach the road, go straight ahead towards the Cave Coopérative - be very careful when crossing it!
Drive past the old cellar on your right:
Le Grenadier n°4 and Le Néflier n°5.
Continue straight ahead, past the public garden with the communal compost bins and :
Le Cèdre n°30.
Continue along the Chemin du Grand Planas to the cross (Croix du Clos d'Ozon).
Head straight down the steep slope, and don't miss on your right:
L'Arbousier n°36.
The road continues over the Alzon. A little further on, on your left:
Le Platane n°3.
Continue along this road for a few dozen meters, then turn right at the top of the hill, along the vineyard.
Further on, you'll pass a mazet on your left. The path forms a large S: you're almost at the end of the vineyard, in an unwooded nook on your right. You can't miss the magnificent :
Oak n°1.
Continue for about 30 m; the path turns right. At the end, on the tarmac, take the road down.
Before you cross the Alzon, turn left:
L'Aulne (or Verne) n°31.
As soon as you have crossed the Alzon, turn left:
Le Noisetier n°23.
Continue, then turn left up the grey clay path. On this urchin path (fossils on the ground), you'll find on the left:
Le Genêt n°27.
Continue left; near the Madonna, you'll find on your left:
Phoenician Juniper n°32.
Turn left down the path, then join the road. Turn right, and on your right:
Le Frêne n°19.
Continue to the crossroads and keep going straight downhill towards Alzon. You will pass :
Le Laurier-sauce n°21.
A little further on, before the right-hand bend, you'll find :
Le Sureau n°33.
You arrive at the Alzon: on your left,
Le Peuplier n°18,
and almost opposite, on your right:
L'Ailante n°26.
Next to the latter, take the path leading uphill; on your left :
L'If n°22.
Continue until you reach the road (take care) and turn right into Rue du Porche.
At the bottom of this street, turn right, then left into rue des Remparts, until you reach a dead end:
Le Tilleul n°16.
At the very end, you'll come to a beautiful wash-house.
Return, then turn right onto Condamines, and right again towards La Capelle-et-Masmolène.
Near the Vallabrix sign, turn right:
Le Micocoulier n°14.
Continue, then take the path on the left near the hydrant.
After the Y-shaped fork, turn right:
L'Olivier n°25.
Go straight on; left:
Le Pin n°6.
At the corner of a wall, turn right:
Amelanchier n°35.
As you continue, you'll come across several wild almond trees, including :
L'Amandier n°28 (beware, bitter almonds).
Further on, the ridge path offers a fine view of the River Alzon below, and is home to several nesting boxes.
Continue straight on to the Croix de Lussan.
Cross the road with care and take the uphill path opposite.
At the side of the road, you'll find :
Le Noyer n°2.
Depending on the season, wild orchids can sometimes be seen on the way up.
Further up, on the right:
Le Poirier n°17.
Continue along this road: on the flat, left-hand side, you'll find the best view of the village of Vallabrix.
Against the water tower, take a break on the bench and observe :
Nerprun n°11.
Continue straight ahead to pass by :
Le Cade n°12.
A little further on, the path becomes a footpath. On your left, you'll see :
Fusain n°10 and Hawthorn n°34, then Robinier n°29.
Still on this path, on your left, in a small grove, you'll find :
Le Châtaignier n°13.
Before the riding school, turn right. Continue to the crossroads, then turn left: on your right is :
L'Orme n°24.
Proceed to the next intersection and turn right. A few dozen metres further on, on your right, you'll see :
Le Figuier n°20, then left, at the end of the castle wall:
Le Févier n°9.
Continue up the chemin des Jardins to reach the public garden.
In front of you are :
Cypress n°7 and Maple negundo n°8.
On your right, the XIIᵉ century church; in front, you'll find:
Mulberry n°15.

Opposite the church, take the street back to the parking lot - it's already the end of the loop.