The shorter walk that we did goes into the valley and follows the stream up to Le Sel, whereas the longer route keeps to high ground for much of the walk. Leave the car park and head up through the village towards the fossil museum on a small road that follows the Rieuberlou stream west.
We only saw one car on this road as we walked uphill through the valley. A little beautiful the road turns north there was a track leading down to the stream, this made a lovely picnic spot, even if we did leave the bread in the car! Soon you will see a track that turns right and uphill. Take this track as it zigzags up the hill to the summit of Le Sel, a small tree covered domed hilltop.
There are lots of chestnut trees here and the views are wonderful as you reach the top. When you reach a junction, turn right onto the wide track that slowly wides its way down to the hamlet of La Mausse. (This part of the walk is also marked with a dark blue marker for the longer walk). The views here are quite extensive, you can see all the way down to the coast and have wonderful views of the tranquil valley below.
The hills here are very green and covered with arbouses trees "l'arbre a fraises", holm oak and chestnuts. The valleys are a patchwork of vineyards spread out like a quilt. A glorious landscape. Now once you reach La Mausse take the little path to your right past the vegetable gardens and down through vineyards.
We found lots of wonderful blackberries on this part of the walk. Here the route is marked with nether colour marker but you will come out at a post for the Circuit de Mas Blanc. Finally turn left onto the little road and head back into the village.
You could combine the walk with a visit to the wine cave or the fossil museum or I believe the restaurant in Berlou is very good. Enjoy
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