« Voyage au pays des mouflons »
At the pass, turn right following the GR markings, a good descent towards Héric and its bridge. At the level of the bar, you will find the yellow markings of the Vialais circuit.
The path climbs north, the Fourcat d'Héric, bathed in sunlight, dominates the valley. At the 750 mark, you arrive at the col du Salis. Be careful not to miss the right turn towards Douch. The path climbs, always exposed to the sun, soon reaching the crest and the Ayrolle pass, the last stop before Douch.
In Douch, it is possible to stop at the mouflon house in season and/or to refill water bottles at the fountain. If you don't need either, you don't need to go down to the houses, you just turn right in the meadow before the bread oven and go up by the yellow PR of the Plateau du Caroux.
Depending on the time you have, you can consider a passage to the orientation table or more directly, to pass by the refuge of Font Salesse. At the refuge, at the exit of the pine forest, about 500m further on, you take the path of the guards on the way down. At this point (dog-shaped rock), you will spot the discreet "Parcours Trail" markings. The descent is long but the path is well restored and offers you constantly changing panoramas. After the Bartouyre pass, you plunge towards the Héric Gorges via the Rochers de la Petite Suisse. The footbridge and the gorge road mark the end of your journey.
1200 D+
18km
06h00
Markings
From the Gorges d'Héric car park to the Col du Bardou
From the Col du bardou to the hamlet of Héric
From the Hamlet of Héric to the Col du Salis, then from Douch and the orientation table
Trail marking from the "caroux dog" to the col de Bartouyre
From the col de Bartouyre to the bridge of sighs
Gorges d'Héric Car Park or Mons Tourist Office
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LET'S PRESERVE OUR SITES
Be an actor of the quality of your hiking sites! A defective sign, a pollution problem, a need for security... Thanks to the Suric@te programme, report any anomaly on the sentinels website sentinelles.sportsdenature.fr
Your report will be processed by the nature sports federations and the general councils in conjunction with the national nature sports resource centre of the Ministry of Sports.
DON'T MAKE FIRES
Fire is a danger for hikers and for nature. Follow the instructions and in the event of fire, call 18 or 112
BE DISCREET
Wild animals are not used to hearing our noises. Keep a low profile to have a chance to see them. Never touch a young animal, its mother will abandon it.
LET'S CARPOOL AND USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Transport is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Car-pooling or public transport is the best way to get to your destination. Stay on the roads open to vehicles and park in the spaces provided.
RESPECT THE PROTECTED AREAS
In France, many remarkable natural areas (national parks, nature reserves, etc.) are protected by regulations. Whether on the coast, in the mountains, in wetlands or elsewhere, these areas welcome hikers. Find out about the regulations before you leave.
LET'S STAY ON THE TRAILS
In nature, only the path is man's territory. Stay on the paths to avoid trampling species. Do not take shortcuts and respect fragile areas.
LET'S CLEAN OUR SOLES
Without knowing it, we can harm biodiversity by bringing seeds or germs from other natural environments into the soil stuck to our soles. Remember to clean the soles of your shoes regularly, especially after a stay abroad.
LET'S CLOSE THE FENCES AND BARRIERS
On your paths, we are always on other people's property.
Please remember to close fences and gates after you leave.
LET'S COLLECT OUR WASTE
The best waste is the waste we do not produce. Choose the products you use. Pick up and take your waste with you. Volunteer to preserve our environment.
KEEP DOGS ON A LEASH
We think of them as friends, wild animals think of them as predators! For everyone's comfort and safety, keep your pets on a leash.
LET'S SHARE THE NATURAL SPACES
Hiking is not the only activity on the trails. Share the natural space with other sports activities and be aware of other users.
LET THE FLOWERS GROW
They are more beautiful in their natural environment than in a bouquet. Don't pull out flowers, buds or young shoots but learn to recognise the fauna and flora in their natural environment.
