Paros

Description

A mosaic of valley and plateau, and forest and pastureland for your enjoyment ! The downhill section gives you panoramic views over the valley of Ispagnac and Quézac. The climb among the pine trees takes you into wooded countryside favoured by many birds and grazed by local flocks of sheep. From the car park, walk downhill on the road for 150 m, then turn left to follow the left bank of the overgrown dry riverbed. At first, the path is sunk between boxwood hedges and low walls, then it rises slightly and crosses to the right bank of the gully (section shared with the GRP Tour du Sauveterre trail). It gradually goes down into the Ispagnac valley. At mid-slope, at a crossroads, take the path that goes back up to the plateau and the hamlet of Mas André. The path climbs gradually to reach a forestry track, onto which you turn right for 70 m. Then take the path on the left that goes uphill to Mas André. Turn left onto the tarred road, then take the old track (a small draille or drovers’ road to the left of the road) to Mas André. At Mas André, turn right, then right again at the ruins. Go uphill on the large path and fork right at the crest towards the pine plantation. The path goes over a plain with cultivated parcels of land and then heath. You reach a track at the foot of Mont Chabrié (the hill on the right). Fork left, take the track for about 400 m and take the path on the right. This former path where the rock goes down to the hamlet of Paros. The path comes out in the centre of the hamlet between the ferradou (ox-shoeing stocks) and the bread oven. Continue downhill. At the iron cross, take the path on the right to reach the road. Turn left to get back to the car park.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

• Make sure your equipment is appropriate for the day's weather conditions. Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Take enough water, wear good shoes and put on a hat. Please close all gates and barriers after yourself.

Getting there

Start: Paros (Ispagnac), Ispagnac (48).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/40291-Paros). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 417 m, Parc national des Cévennes