Distance: 18 km
Duration (average) : 04h
Level: Medium
Elevation: 878 D +
Departure: HOUSES
White and red GR
From the village of Maisons, a short climb to the Col de Ferréol (428m) to stretch your legs, then climb Mont Tauch through the national forest to its plateau, passing close to the Tour des Géographes (878m). The panorama is exceptional on the Corbières, the Mediterranean Sea and the chain of the Pyrenees. The descent then begins towards Padern, dominated by the ruins of its castle locking the valleys of Verdouble and Torgan.

Walking

TOUR OF THE TAUCH MOUNTAIN – STAGE 1/4

Your itinerary

HOUSES

IGN map reference (s): IGN 2447 West Tuchan

1

Step 1

From the village of Maisons, take the D 123 in the direction of Padern and go down the path to the lake, stay on the white and red marked path which goes to its left, cross the Gournet stream, pass in front of the sheepfold, come out on the D 123 to the left of the bridge, walk about 50 m on the road and climb the path to the right (combe du Gournet), towards the Col de Ferréol (432 m).
2

Step 2

Take the D 39 on the right for a few meters then the track above the road to Maisons, going up due south towards the Lemercier pass. At the pass, orient yourself to pass under the LHT.
3

Step 3

After a climb, enter the state forest of Maisons on the right. The path rises for a hundred meters and then descends, ignoring the path to Maisons on the right and walking under holm oaks. The narrow and rocky path follows the cliff. Further on it climbs in laces, (pay attention to the markings) to arrive near the Roc de la Cabanette on Mount Tauch, its relief is cracked and swept by the wind, but it offers a magnificent 360° panorama (Canigou, Ariège , Corbières, coast).
4

Step 4

From the summit, turn left to join the track that follows the ridge. Ignore the wind farm. Turn right leaving the watchtower (DFCI) and follow the track to the Tour des Géographes (878 m). (Possibility of following a small path on the left to discover after 100 m, at the foot of the tower of the Geographers or Enseigne (878 m) (to see: bronze plaque from 1870, landmark of the meridian arc). Return to his steps to find the trail.)
5

Step 5

Turn left to begin the descent to Padern. After 100 m, continue along the small road which goes down to Tuchan. Take the second track on the right for about 400 m. (Panorama: Possibility of gaining an orientation table 200 m to the left.)
6

Step 6

Continue on the track. After a bend, walk on the left bank of a beautiful valley, leaving a path on the left. Pass under the Pech des Fayssettes and tumble down a path into a small ravine. Follow the bottom of the valley for about 250 m, then go up on the right bank of the valley by a path. Reach a ledge (469 m), then a crossroads.
7

Step 7

Begin the descent to Padern for 2,7 km, staying on the main track. At the cemetery, use a path on the left which leads to a road; follow it to the right. Ignore a footbridge, then cross the Verdouble to reach Padern and the Cathar Trail which leads to Quéribus and Peyrepertuse.

Be careful, the fire risk is often high, especially in summer, and can lead to flower bed closures. Find out before you go consulting the fire risk map for outdoor activities.
Fires strictly prohibited. Do not smoke and never throw cigarette butts in nature. Fires are numerous and catastrophic in our region. In the event of a fire or accident: give alert 18 or 112 from a cell phone.
Protect yourself from the sun and take enough water with you.
Avoid picking flowers and plants. Take all your trash. Close fences and keep dogs on a leash in pasture areas, villages and protected areas.

Mountain bike routes: the routes are often shared with hikers or other users (cars, tractors, etc.). Be careful and always anticipate that a pedestrian may be present around a bend to have time to brake if necessary. Pedestrians have priority in principle, slow down at crossings or stop if the configuration of the terrain requires you to do so.
Thank you and happy hiking!

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