Gelos - Boucle du chemin Paillassa
Description
Varied route that evolves on forest paths and small ridge roads, with unobstructed views of the surrounding hillsides and the Pyrenees chain.
The path runs along the woods and passes near the castle of Tout-y-Croît.
Departure from the car park: 11, chemin de Chatieu - Gelos
Yellow Pedestrian Marking
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Departure - School car park
From the car park return to the RD285. Cross and follow the road to the right, passing the small modern chapel on the left. Leave Chemin Capdebarthe on the left and behind the house on the bend, take a wide grassy path which rises on the left (prohibited to vehicles). Path in stony and wet undergrowth. After a good climb, arrive at the Bonnemaison farm on the left (Beware of dogs!). Continue opposite on the path which rises gently in the wood for 1.3 km then in the open, with a clear view of the foothills and the Pyrenees.
The Cross of Bellegarde
Take the asphalted road on the left which goes up and leave the one which goes down on the right. Pass in front of a farm then vineyards, before joining the RD285, at the Croix de Bellegarde.
Castle of Tout-y-Croît
Cross carefully and enjoy the superb view of the Ossau valley and the Pyrenees. Go up opposite the Paillassa path for 400m. Arrive at the crossroads between Chemin Paillassa and Chemin d'Aliou, the highest point of the walk (cleaning containers). Then turn right, north, for 2 km, a gently sloping path in the pretty wood of Gelos. Halfway, you can admire the Château de "Tout-y-croît" on the left, a private property dating from the 16th century.
Back to the car park
150m after the farm, turn right on a narrow stony path which descends steeply into the undergrowth, towards the stream of Las Bartouilles. Ford it and pass near the school of the Hameau de Gelos. Take the Chemin de Chatieu on the right and the car park will be on the right.
Points of interest
A. Pyrenees view
B. Tout-y-Croît Castle
In 1566, the Queen of Navarre Jeanne d'Albret donated this estate, house, barn and land to M. de Casaux, her doctor. She made it "the Noble House of Tout-y-Croît". She had wanted to make this property an example for Béarn, which is poorer than Navarre. Having grown up at the court of France and of her uncle François I, Jeanne d'Albret was an enlightened queen who intended to bring to her kingdom the best techniques, in particular in the breeding of cattle and the cultivation of vines: the Jurançon being exported to England. The queen, admiring this beautiful domain, would have said, when she saw a little violet, "But everything grows there on this earth" (tout-y-croît). This private property has kept its agricultural vocation.
Additional information
Balisage
Yellow
Randonnée
Typologie de l'itinéraire
Loop
Thèmes
Natural
Contact
Fixed telephone : +33 5 59 27 27 08
Web site (URL) : www.rando-pau.com
e-mail : contactrandos@tourismepau.fr
