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. End 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, hare's ears and lots of soles too.
The smells were wonderful the views stupendous. We picniced at the little picnic area just below the castle, it's nice and cool under the shade there, although most of the walk had some shade. We really loved this walk today.
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