The arches of Saint-Pierre

Description

A very unusual site awaits in this Scots pine forest ! Erosion has sculpted the rock into strange shapes and opened up arches, under which are rock shelters, a large square with a hoodoo (fairy chimney) and a cave tomb, where around 3,500 BC audacious trepanning was carried out. From the parking area at the crossroads of the roads to La Viale and Le Truel, take the sandy path, close the gate and continue for 400 m. - Leave the path for a small path on the right that runs alongside a fence. It follows an old track bordered by low walls. - Turn downhill on the right, pass between two rocks and immediately take the path on the right (stepped section). - Turn left and immediately right. The path goes uphill, including on stairs. - Take, on your right, the steep descent. Then turn left and continue to go downhill towards the arches. - Pass under the first arch, then under the second arch on your left. Go uphill on the path that heads to the right, then to the left, to reach Point 4. Go right to get back to Point 3. - Turn left and go uphill to La Baumelle cave, which you cross to the left. Continue uphill until you reach the road. Head right, pass between two new houses, and turn right onto the road to return to the village of Saint-Pierre des Tripiers. - At the crossroads, take the road on the right, towards Le Truel. After 150 m, at the cross, turn left to return to the hamlet of La Viale. In the hamlet, take the road on the right to return to your starting-point.

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, 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 sturdy shoes and put on a hat. Please close all gates and barriers behind you.

Getting there

Start: Croisement route de La Viale, Saint-Pierre-des-Tripiers (48).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/73599-Les-arcs-de-Saint-Pierre). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 167 m, Parc national des Cévennes