Route details
Description
This trail is marked in yellow PR type (yellow paint markers + yellow ENS signage plates on wooden posts).
You can of course use the gpx track, the map or the description provided. In addition, you can find explanatory panels produced by the Aveyron Department on the subject of Sensitive Natural Areas all along the route.
Your itinerary
Stage 1: Departure from the Castel mill
From the Castel mill, take the small bridge that crosses the "Le Dassou" stream. At the first intersection, take the path on your left, which passes above the football stadium. Along the way, you'll find a sign introducing you to local orchids. Continue on your way to the center of the village of La Rouquette.
Upon arrival in the town center of La Rouquette, the town hall is on your left. Continue forward; the church will be in front of you.
Step 2: Bourg de La Rouquette
This 13th-century church commemorates the pilgrims' journey to Santiago de Compostela with the sculpted shell on its canopy pillar. Turn left, take this street between the town hall and the church, and cross the bridge over the Assou stream to continue your journey and explore the architectural heritage. Contemporary buildings sit harmoniously alongside older buildings, such as the castle tower overlooking the village center and a well-preserved washhouse.
Step 3: Towards the Côte Folle and the viewpoint over the village of La Rouquette
Leave the washhouse on the left and continue along this street; the spring/resurgence will be on your right. Continue along this same street. At the end, turn right. A few meters further on, take the path that climbs and goes off to your left. This steep, stony path is called the Côte Folie. After a right turn, still climbing, there is a beautiful view of La Rouquette on the right. Go up, turn left, and continue climbing, following the trail along the stony path to a stone barn at the edge of the path on the right.
Step 4: Walk in the forest
At the barn, take the path on the left and continue straight ahead. Cross through woods. Dry stone walls and huts. Never take the paths that branch off to your right. Walk for about 1 km. The path will begin to descend with a first path on your left. It's a shortcut but is very steep. Don't take it, but the one opposite. The path turns left. Continue until you reach an intersection with another path.
Step 5: Return to the start
Do not take the one that goes up on the left, take the one that goes down on the right to the crossroads. At this intersection, do not turn left (towards La Rouquette) but go straight for 30 meters (towards Calcomier). Before crossing the Assou stream, turn left and follow the stream on its left bank. Reach the recreation area, turn right, cross two small bridges. Go back up along the Assou on its right bank, crossing a wetland (wooden footbridges) and reach the mill car park.
