Les Orgues de Taussac- L'Horte.

Les Orgues de Taussac- L'Horte. 3H.30/ 8.5km. Yellow markers. This is a super walk with great views. It takes in 3 small hamlets, woods, rock views from the Orgues, vineyards and the lovely oratoire. The walk starts at the mairie in L'Horte, just north of Lamalou-les-bains. Next to mairie you will see a signpost for the walk and your first yellow marker taking you under the small arched tunnel to cross the road behind. Here you pick up a wide track beside the white cross. This track winds up past chestnut trees to a lovely oratoire which makes a wonderful spot for a first stop and a coffee. Here you can look over the vineyards and enjoy the before valley views and up to the forests of the north of the Caroux. The oratoire has a lovely history about a very special lady who worked hard to save many lives during the conflicts of WW2. It's a very special spot of peace and serenity and a great place to get out of the rain, wind or sun, whichever season you chosen to make you walk. Continue up the hill from here on the wide track until you reach a smaller path on your right up through the little oaks. This path soon reaches a wider track, where you turn right and quickly reach the road at the col. Cross the road and take the track to the right, still following the yellow markers. Continue on this path through the trees and rocks to reach a small cross. At this point there are two possible routes. The first and longest is to continue to the left down to Taussac, passing the lovely church and continuing through the pretty village to the road. Turn right and right again to follow a little road up to a small path leading through the trees. The path turns right again up some small steps to climb steeply, reaching a rocky terrace. Turn right up these rocks and enjoy the spectator views in all directions. It's magical up here, jumping from rock to rock like a mouflon snapping pictures and exclaiming its loveliness. Now the time comes when you have to leave and return to the world below us. Keep left down this little path enjoying yet more wonderful views. Soon the track widens and comes out on a small tarmac road, turn left here and right at the vineyard, keeping to the track around its edge. At this point you will return to the cross once again so if you want a shorter walk and this will take about an hours loop off your walk and save you quite a bit of climbing, make this your return point. Go down the small path, it's quite rocky here. It will soon cross a small road and continue down a rocky path to reach the road. At the road cross over to your right and down the tiny path to reach the little hamlet of La Bourbouille. Turn right and head up a concrete track past the houses and under the rocky curve. The track keeps left and then takes a left down a small stoney path back to L'Horte.