Carlencas, a lovely walk through a fascinating geological area in the languedoc

Carlencas. 2h30. 7.5km. Partly marked red/yellow. Easy. A lovely walk in undulating garrigue and fascinating rock formations. Along the way you pass lots of ancient bauxite quarries among fascinating limestone formations. The views are far reaching over to the Caroux, Avant Monts and the Monts de Orb. Lots of wild flowers too.

Start by parking outside the mairie in the pretty village of Carlencas perched on a hill just off the D908 (it's a few miles from Bedarieux). Turn left in the village and follow the reseau vert (yellow/red markers) towards Fontanilles.

After a short distance you will see a sign on your left to the geological information area (opposite new houses).Follow this little path to the area which has some very interesting information boards and makes a pleasant spot for viewing the lovely scenery too. The path descends back down onto the road where you turn left and continue down the road until you see the path on your right.

Keep following the yellow/red markers down this path to where it join another wider track. Turn right onto the track and continue following the markers for some distance. Keep right at the yellow gaz markers (this is your return route) and continue following the reseau vert which is also marked as a cycle track. 

You will eventually come to a place where the cycle track goes to your left you can take this as we did or continue on the larger track which is easier to follow (if you take the cycle track turn right when it takes a shape left). Here you will see lots of ancient bauxite quarries. These deep red quarries make quite a contrast to the limestone ridges in the distance and the limestone rock formations that are dotted all over this area. 

The small path returns to the main track at the paint ball sign, here you will see a junction. Keep straight on and follow the yellow/red markers, they pass a green water tank at another junction but continue on to the next junction on the reseau vert. At the next junction leave the reseau vert and bare a left onto a track that goes down to a large house (les Deves).

Just past the house turn left where you see a yellow post with a red arrow on it and stay on this track ignoring all tracks to your left or right. You will pass a couple of old ruins along the way and the yellow posts are good way markers too.

The views are lovely as the path rises towards the reseau vert. When you reach the yellow /red marked path once again turn right onto it to retrace your way back to the road. Taking the little path up to the road and a left back into the village. It's a great little route and a very peaceful area.