Les Trois Thermes, Lamalou-les_Bains. A beautiful walk in the Orb Valley. Languedoc.

The Three Spas. 7 km / 2 H . Mostly marked - blue and then red/white. Easy but the first part is uphill. A walk from Lamalou-les-Bains through the woods and up the hill with beautiful views of the Caroux before returning via le-Poujol-sur-Orb. The walk has lots of interest with a 12th century chapel, vineyards and 2 little towns to visit of have lunch in on the way if you want to.

Park at the Voie vert parking beside the old station in Lamalou (above St Pierre-de-Rhedes). Start walking towards Poujols sur orb. On your left you will see the lovely old 12th century church of St Pierre de Rhedes, it's worth going and having a look at it before the walk.

After 100m you will come to a small path on your right, marked blue. The little path climbs through woodland of chestnut and pine (Usclade) and then joins the GR7, red/white markers. Turn left here on this rock path. The path continues to climb with some views through the trees of Lamalou. You will then come to the intersection of the Three Spas. Turn right and then left as you pass the green water tank. Leave the GR and turn right almost straight away at the next junction. The track descends slightly to reach a stream (Borie) and then it rises again.

Ignore the small grassy track that descends to the left and continue up until you come to a crossroads where you take the path on your left (GR signs, red/white) again. This little path runs beside a little stone track but you can use either path.

 It goes downhill for about 1 km (ignore any smaller tracks on either side of the path) before joining a small concrete road that winds its way past pretty vineyards and newly restored chestnut terraces. ( you will pass a sweet little shrine and iron cross with a bench on the way) .The views of the Caroux and the Orb valley are lovely here.

 The little road comes out in the Poujol-sur-orb near its pretty church. (You can visit the little town if you wish and have lunch). Turn left at a small parking area and about 400m down the small road you will see some steps leading to the Voie vert, go down these (they are opposite the old Poujol station) and turn left. 

Walk to Lamalou les Bains now, which is about 1.5 km down the greenway.

This is a lovely walk with lots of contrasts, it was a lovely little find and we really enjoyed the beautiful scenery and lovely history on the walk.