Le boucle d'Orb, Bedarieux

Le boucle d'Orb, Bedarieux. 9km, 2h. Blue. This is a super walk along the river but was rather too hot today at 34c. It was market day in Bedarieux so parking in town was busy. There are two walkers car parks on route and another car park next to the camping car area by the river. We parked here and walked past the open air swimming pool (which looked rather inviting on our return), then on to the picnic area, just past the very pretty park. We stopped for a coffee hear by the river and then walked up the little road following the blue markers to the right. Continue along this road keeping near to the river. There is a nice spot near a weir for a picnic on a small beach along this section.The little road finally becomes a path near to the river under the trees. The path continues in the open and arrives at the new road beside the new bridge (you don't need to go onto the road, as the route turns right and under the road). Here you enter a small parking area for walkers and a sign for the chapel. Go through the Private land signs next to the water treatment building, there is a small opening next to the gate. This is an official walk it is on an old footpath, so don't worry. Walk on the track to the left of the corn and sunflower fields, where you will reach a large new barn. Now turn left up some steps to a small concrete path below the new road. This path soon reaches the lovely old 11th century chapel. This is a great place for a picnic, shady and with seating in the wall all the way around. The walk continues left under the road and up to the woods, making a circuit back to town. We returned the same way along the river and will look forward to finishing the walk on a cooler day.