Saint Michel de Mercairol. A delightful walk starting from
Les Aires in the Orb valley and walking up to the light chapel and castle ruins
though a beautiful lush valley and back down through chestnut and holme oak
woodland. 6.5km / 2h with yellow markers on the decent.
Leave the car park on
the D160 at Les Aires and walk up through the streets of this pretty little
village past the church and then keep right where you will see a few yellow
markers. At the end of the western side side of the village you will find a
small lane which shortly splits.
Take the right fork and follow this track
which is marked as a cycle route up the hill for some way. After about 3km you
will come to a hairpin bend at the foot of the castle, look carefully for a
small path on your right beside a large standing stone/rock which marks its
entrance.
Now climb to the top of this small path which is quite steep,it will
bring you to a junction marked with yellow markers. Turn right here and it will
take you to a wooden sign for the steps
to the castle and chapel. The little path takes you first to the castle
ruins with amazing views in every direction. From here there is a lovely view
of the Orb valley and it's mountains.
Further up you will come to the little
chapel which you may enter. After one more flight of steps you reach the table
of orientation, with a beautiful panorama of the Caroux and the valley below.
It's a great place for a picnic before taking the steps back down to the small
path below.
Once you reach the wooden sign again turn left and this will take
you to the north gate, You then reach a little picnic area will a small road
leading down, marked yellow. Follow the road through the chestnuts until you
come to a sign for Les Abbes.
Turn right onto this pretty little path through
holme oaks until you reach the village of Les Abbes. Just before the village
take a left once again and this path will lead to Les Aires.
Lots of interest
on this pretty route and many beautiful wild flowers including thyme, orchids
and primroses. The bird song was just so beautiful and the views stupendous.
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