The hamlets of the Jaur, Olargues.

The hamlets of the Jaur. No markings. Just a lovely ramble following little tracks and returning on the voie verte. About 8- 9km. Allow a couple of hours. Parking at Olargues on the bypass road. This parking spot is beside the river Jaur and in itself a glorious location and a favourite swimming spot for locals in the summer. Now turn left and walk a few yards up the road to reach a little track on your right between a couple of houses. This little road winds up the hill beside the stream to Le Cros. Keep right at the first junction, left at the next and left again once you reach where it turns into a newly concreted road up to the hamlet itself. There is lots of cherry blossom up here and watch out for orchids too. Once in the hamlet turn right onto the road, we then kept right on a little track in a pretty dip. Taking the next left uphill path to the road near La Fabregue Haute. We kept right and went past Les Castagnes taking the road down to the beautiful Priere de st Julien. If you turn right here you can visit the priory and rejoin the road further down.This is a nice place for a picnic. Just before the road D908, you will see a little path to your right which will take you up through trees to the voie verte. If you miss this don't worry, a few yards down the main road are some concrete gateposts, take the second track here to rejoin the route. Now you have an easy and very lovely walk down the cycle/walking route back to Olargues. The birdsong was particularly wonderful here, almost like being in an avery. The views on this walk are just gorgeous, a little peace of heaven, up to the Espinouse, Caroux and across to the Avant Monts. Cherry blossom, wildflowers and streams everywhere. Deliciously beautiful, like eating iced buns on a Sunday. If you want to walk the voie verte or enjoy a cycle ride in the area you may like to stay in Olargues. It's such a lovely place. I can recommend this lovely place to stay for either B/B or with a wonderfully cooked evening meal of local ingredients. It's run by a lovely couple. Speaking both English and French and it's right in the centre of the village in one of the lovely little lanes. http://www.olargues.co.uk/