Saturday 15 August 2015

Les Cascades de Mauroul. Saint julien

Les Cascades de Mauroul. Saint julien (turn off the D14 from Olargues). Blue markers, graded very easy, We had a 2 year old with us who enjoyed all the little paths and bridges. 1.7km/45 mins, but you can extend the walk a little to take in the beautiful views of the valley too. 

After leaving the D14 and taking the little road down to Mauroul, park in the visitors car park and walk down the little track to the first cascade. There is a view from the top and also from the bottom. Cross the stream at the bottom of the waterfall and your will come to a pool called the marmite de sanglier where you will see the ferns and moss glistening with the dripping water. 

Then go back to the bridge and walk down to the source (a lovely spring of bubbling fresh water coming out of the ground as clear as can be, we had a drink from it, it has an interesting taste; a lot of iron in it but I rather enjoyed it.). New walkways make it very easy to enjoy this lovely walk with young children. It's quite a magical place.

Follow the stream back up to the bridge and cross the second stream. Soon you will come to another beautiful waterfall and then another! Keep going up and if you fancy a side trip, follow the little path to your right that takes you out on a lovely level path with glorious views of the valley, mountains and all the wonderful yellow bloom covered slopes. 

Follow the path back and then rejoin the blue walk past another waterfall and the double cascade du dragon de l'Espinouse. Soon you will come to the edge of the village turn right and go to the top of the village where the path bear left around the the village and then back to the car park. 

The old washing area is very pretty too. It's a most beautiful spot for summer picnics, walks and paddles. Looks like you can join the GR7 by a path a the top of the hamlet for longer walks. The menu for the Auberge there looked good too.

No comments:

Post a Comment