N°12 The Castles circuit

The area displays a rich architectural heritage with several castles scattered all along this biking tour. You start from the Fontaine squareAnd then follow the D999 towards Saint-Affrique for 300 m. Now take the second road to your right (D3) and after 600m turn left onto a small road, then cycle along a trail which runs uphill, firstly among plots of land enclosed with low walls, then through woodland. At the bottom of the hill, you can enjoy the view of Laumière castleAnd then ride to your right uphill for 1 km and pass close to a well and a cross.Take the D3 to your right for 50 m, then get on to the trail which slopes up to the left. A beautiful view opens up and on the horizon is the Bouloc relay mast the top of which is over 1000 m above sea level. Bellow, you can see, the castle of the Mas Rougier hidden among oak treesThe route leads to the hamlet of TierguesWhere you can end your tour by taking one of the mountain biking circuits n° 1-2-3 or 4. Circuit n° 12 heads due north and runs under the road via the oviduct (tunnel that allows ewe flocks to cross a road safely), thus reaches the farm of the CaussanelBy a pleasant and shady track. Cycle up the road for approximately 500 m, and then take the trail to your right that follows the crest line up to the D31Cycle across the road cautiously and head towards the farm of des Axous. 1 km further on, take the turning to the right along a trail lined with high oaks and which turns into in a stony path. Cycle downhill along this tricky path which will lead you right below the castle of Saint-Rome de Cernon, and then to the village centre.