Chemin du garde

Flora

Panorama

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This small, undulating loop through a larch grove follows the old paths used to ascend to the mountain pastures in summer.

This loop is aimed at both beginners and experienced trail riders. Your playground: an undulating single track through a larch forest. An old irrigation channel, on the flat, will give you a chance to warm up before winding your way through the forest. This same route was used for years by the "pastres", the local shepherds.
With 80% of the route being in the shade, it's a great option if you're looking for a break from the heat.

1 point of interest

Flora
Mountain cornflower
This species is also known as Centaurea montana. The flowers of the mountain cornflower are melliferous, attracting butterflies and bees. This plant needs cool, moist soil to grow, whence its presence in the Clot la Saume forest. The cut foliage is green and woolly.

Description

From the Les Orres 1650 tourist office, go to the Pitchounets children's club, then follow the road uphill to a small car park. The start can be found at the bottom of the hill.
After a short passage through undergrowth, head up the 4x4 track for a few metres until you turn left onto an old flat channel.
At the end of this channel, begin the climb and pass in front of the Cabane du nain rouge. Keep ascending into the woods.
Here you can enjoy a beautiful unobstructed view of the village. Beware; this is quite a vertiginous route: a handrail accompanies you up the few steps you have to climb.
A bit further on, take several switchbacks as you descend into the forest. A final ascent takes you to a flat single track that leads back to the start of the route.
From this point, the return journey takes the same route as the outward journey.

Departure : Les Orres 1650, Les Orres
Arrival : Les Orres 1650, Les Orres
Towns crossed : Les Orres