From the car park, retrace your steps to the road, turn right a few metres further on then take the road on your left towards the mountain.
Follow this road that climbs gently through the pine forest along a fence on the right. (1) In view of the Domaine des Pujols, take the path on your left (note the presence of hives - signs) and climb the footpath to get back on the FFC mountain biking route.
(2) Keep right and, after a few metres, take the small path that starts on your right (FFC mountain bike route No. 2 markings). Get to the top of the hill and you will find on your right an old dry stone shepherd’s hut.
(3) The path descends to a fork, turn right on the downhill path in the Combe de l'Abeille, the only slightly steep section (if you are with children, caution). The descent into the valley is across a small scree. Take the time to look to your right, with views of La Roche Percée. The trail runs through the valley with a vineyard in the background with a view of the Ayrolle pond. You are in the estate of Domaine du Château de Bel-Évêque.
Cross the vineyard and (4) you will find the Sentier des Goules (the Goules Trail), go left to reach the car park for the marked trail. From there, follow the yellow markings of the path, you will walk along the shore of the pond of Ayrolle then (5) up along the ridge named "Barre de l’Évêque”. One last descent is slippery because of the rocks and the trail is at the level of the Campignol Pond.
(6) When the marked mountain bike trail (facing the vineyards of Domaine des Pujols) turns right, leave the track to take a small path lined with tamarisk trees on the left. The trail skirts around the bottom the winery.
Attention: Depending on the season and the amount of rain, the trail can be muddy and slippery. You then come back to the road you took in the beginning.
A good walk.
L'Ile Saint Martin and the Goules Trail
Travel across this ancient island with magnificent views of the ponds of Narbonne. A family-friendly hike in the scrubland and pine forests.
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 8.91 km -
Calculated time: 2h 50 -
Difficulty: Easy -
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Return to departure point: Yes -
Vertical gain: + 86 m -
Vertical drop: - 88 m -
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Highest point: 69 m -
Lowest point: -1 m
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District: Gruissan (11430) -
Start/End: N 43.11079° / E 3.065784° -
IGN map(s): Ref. 2546OT -
Description
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 3 m
- 1 : km 0.9 - alt. 14 m
- 2 : km 1.27 - alt. 39 m
- 3 : km 2.61 - alt. 58 m
- 4 : km 3.1 - alt. 26 m
- 5 : km 5.77 - alt. 21 m
- 6 : km 6.92 - alt. 10 m
- S/E : km 8.91 - alt. 3 m
Useful Information
Bring water, especially when the weather is warm.
Take care on the last few metres as you will be walking along the edge of the ponds and the path can be waterlogged - walk on plants or go through the Domaine de Mas Pujol.
To park in Gruissan, head in the direction of Salins of the island of Saint Martin then at the crossing after the bridge over the canal turn right towards Mandirac; after a few kilometres you will see an orange metal bridge on your right a little towards inland, where you can park without problems.
The Chateau Bel-Évêque estate owned by a tall blonde actor with one black shoe, Pierre Richard.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
Gruissan, seaside resort, to see the other side of the island, the salt production from the Ile Saint Martin which started industrial operations in Roman times.
Reviews and comments
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.