From the maison de la vigne in Tournemire to St Jean d’Alcas
This hike links the amphitheatres of Tournemire and Saint-Paul-des-Fonts, which are both geological treasures and havens for biodiversity. An unforgettable entrance to the Hospitaller country!This leg follows all the GR71C or its alternativeFrom the maison de la vigne, ford the Brias brook, walk along the disused football pitchGet back to the trail that goes to your left towards the back of the amphitheatre. The trail rises progressively before turning into a track that reaches the top of the Tournemire amphitheatre. Walk close to the edge, around the amphitheatre to get to the Grépounac Cross and enjoy the beautiful view over the frontal Causses and the Combalou rock of Roquefort.From the cross, head towards the south-east to reach the D23, take this road for 700 m, and then follow the trail on the right that leads to the Viala du Pas de Jaux tower (notice the superb lavogne).From the Viala tower, the hiking trail takes the road leading to the Mas Baldy for 200 m. At the cross, turn off the road and take left a wide logging road. Before the first major trail intersection, take right a path, leave a lavogne to the right and carry on the grassy path towards the Mas Baldy. Keep going on the small road of la Fage for 800 m.In a curve, take right a path which runs throughout a pastureland and joins a sunken path lined up with box trees. The path leads to the edges of the beautiful amphitheatre of St Paul des Fonts.Walk downhill along a stony path zigzagging on the slopes, cross a brook and carry on towards the village centre.In the village of St Paul des Fonts, turn off the GR71C that ascends the plateau to the left and follow the alternative route towards St Jean d’Alcas. Walk along the Annou brook and soon after the village exit, leave the departmental road and take a small road to the right. Cross the railway line (Béziers to Millau) and, just after take right a trail. Keep going on this main trail up to the D 93.When reaching the D 93, do not cross the road, but take the path to the left. Cross the road a bit further on and follow a sunken path to reach St Jean d’Alcas.
21 km
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max. 823 m
min. 501 m
593 m
-544 m
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Altimetric profile | ||||
Storyguides nearby
Lodgings nearby
Starting point
The Tournemire cirque
Situated in the southwest of the Larzac Causse, the Tournemire Cirque...Read more
6 informations complémentaires
Departure
Car par of the Maison du plésiosaure.
Arrival
Saint-Jean d'Alcas
Ambiance
Prepare to be dazzled by this exquisite get away! Discover the many breathtaking views during your walking through wild and majestic crescent shaped cliffs and your striding across the Knights Hospitallers Larzac overlooked by the Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux attic-tower. The Cistercian fort of Saint-Jean d’Alcas which is situated at the end of the circuit awaits you. This circuit is the second leg of the path that runs throughout the pays du Roquefort.
Access
From Clermont-Ferrand and Montpellier, via the A 75, exit 48, then take the D2009 towards l'Hospitalet, then the D23 towards Tournemire.From Millau or Saint-Affrique, join the D999 and in Lauras take the D23 towards Roquefort / Tournemire
Advised parking
Car par of the Maison du plésiosaure.
Public transport
To get more details click on: site internet de l'Office de Tourisme and on Occitanie TransportsThere is a bus station in St Affrique (lines 202, 2016, 2018) and a railway station in Tournemire (regional line).