Submersible bridges and Serre du Cocu

Large car park opposite the church in Gravières.

(S/E) Head towards the church. Just after it, take a path leading down to the right (marked in yellow). At the T-junction, take the path on the left towards the cemetery. At the end of this, turn right to reach the D113. Cross it to continue opposite and take the first street on the left.
You will reach a crossroads.

(1) Continue straight ahead (clearly marked in yellow) and head down towards the Chassezac.
A little further down, take a path on the right (yellow arrow on a stone on the ground) to reach La Pontière. Then cross the river via the small bridge.
Go to the right of the old bridge pier to reach a rocky outcrop. Cross it diagonally to the left towards a rectangular signpost where you will find the GR®4.

(2) Follow it to the right through the woodland until you eventually come out onto the D413. Keep to the right to reach the foot of the church.

(3) Turn right to climb up to the church, go round it and reach the crossroads via the other road.

(3) Cross the D413 to take the path opposite and you’ll immediately reach a Fork in the road. Turn right (it feels like you’re entering a private property) and follow the path (Chemin de la Planète) which runs alongside the wall. You’ll eventually reach a small road which you follow to the right until you reach a T-junction.

(4) Take the road on the left (Chemin de la Basse Rivière).
After about 500 m, take a path on the right to head down towards the Chassezac. Cross the submersible bridge on the left and continue along the small road (GR®4), which you will follow for a while.
Just after the hairpin bend to the left, turn right onto the GR®. After about 400 m, look out for a path on the left.

(5) Leave the small road and take this path (well signposted at the start). At the Fork in the road, keep to the right and continue on the GR® until you reach a small road.
Follow it for a few metres to the left to enter the hamlet of Les Maisons and reach a wayside cross on the left.

(6) Turn right onto a path (still the GR®4): signposted La Côte du Pont. Reach a slightly wider track and follow it to the right.
A little further on, it turns left. About 200 m further on, you’ll reach a fork.

(7) Leave the GR® which heads off to the left. Continue straight on (signposted Les Vans 2 km), cross a small road and reach the Chemin de la Jeanne. Follow it to the left.
At the first crossroads, keep to the right (Chemin des Armas Hauts). Continue downhill to reach a T-junction.
Take the Route de Champfagou on the right. After about 300 m, the road curves to the left before reaching the D113.

(8) Cross it and continue straight ahead on the hard shoulder to join the D901 opposite the campsite. Cross over and continue straight ahead up the Pradal (and it’s a steep climb!). Reach a junction, cross the small road to take the path opposite and arrive opposite a power line.

(9) Take the hairpin bend to the right and climb towards a reservoir.
Continue along the right path (it’s vaguely signposted) on a gentle climb heading west.
Magnificent view to the left and an information board.
Further on, the path turns southwards. Cross a track and reach a T-junction.

(10) Take the path on the right (signposted; towards Croix de Bancillon) to reach the Alauzas farm. Just past the farm, turn right then immediately left (towards Croix de Bancillon). At the Fork in the road, head towards Bosc opposite. Now follow the yellow markings.
A wild and difficult path (downhill) eventually joins a small road. Follow it for a few metres to the left, then turn right through the woods. Join the small road again and follow it downhill to the D901. Follow it to the left until the first right-hand bend (signpost at two junctions).

(11) Then turn left onto the path that climbs to rejoin the main road. Cross it to take the small road opposite, heading towards Le Bosc for about 400 m.

(12) Just before reaching the hamlet, take the wide path on the right (signposted: towards Chazalette). Heading roughly eastwards, reach the hamlet: Les Garidels. Follow the small road to the left and, just before the houses, take the path on the left (it is well signposted). A lovely stretch through the houses.
A little further down, turn left, cross a first stream (ford), then a second one which is often dry before reaching a small road.

(13) Follow it to the right and you’ll soon reach a Fork in the road.
Take the small road on the left (Chemin du Champbarbier) and, at the first bend, leave it to take a path on the right. Cross a road, continue straight on and you’ll come to a wall.

(14) Head towards the house on the right. A gate (make sure to close it properly) and a flight of steps lead to the D313.
Follow it to the left. At the Fork in the road, turn left towards Gravières Bourg to reach the large car park opposite the church (S/E).

Good shoes and walking stick(s) are essential.