Espeluche's "eight-shape"

This walk from Espeluche is a discovery of the surroundings: lavender fields running alongside small roads and forest paths.

From the tennis stadium parking lot, take the footbridge over the Citelles stream.
Turn right to reach the junction with Route Départementale 126. Cross this road and follow it for a few metres on the right, before turning left into Chemin de Lalo.

Take the first path on the left, Chemin de Romaret, and follow it for about 1.2 km. At the crossroads with two tracks at an electricity pole, turn right onto a dirt track that leads to the top of the RD126 hill.

Cross the dual carriageway carefully to follow the road opposite, which becomes a footpath. Leave the first start of the path on the right. Continue past the water reservoir.

At the crossroads, turn left to follow a stony path alongside the quarries. This joins the D126 road again. Immediately turn right to take a dirt and gravel path that climbs steadily.

Leave the first two on the right, and take the third. Follow it all the way to a wide forest track. Take it to the right, skirt a small edge and find the small dirt path on the left which leads to the northern edge of this edge.

At the crossroads, leave the paths leading up to the forest on the right and continue straight ahead at the cairn. Follow this country path through the vegetation and enjoy the view of the Château de Rochefort-en-Valaine in the distance. The path also runs alongside a lavender field.

Take a wider forest track to the right, which climbs slightly and joins the Chemin de la Série forest track. Turn left for a few metres to join the pipeline track and the signpost. Follow the signs for "Grel" on the right.

Follow the gravel track downhill, past the house (private) and continue on a country lane. At the crossroads, follow the fence to the right and pick up a small road in the middle of the village.

At the intersection with Chemin du Gât, follow it to the right, along the garden plots, and after about 300 m, pick up the footbridge on the left. Return to the starting point.