Faïsses et châtaigniers

From the village of Genestelle, this double-peaked loop explores both sides of the Sandron Valley. From the meadows on the southern slope to the chestnut groves on the opposite side, the use of agricultural land is dictated by exposure and soil, but everywhere the slope has prompted the Cévennes to build dry stone walls to retain the arable land: the Faïsses.

➤ GENESTELLE: Start at the “INFO RANDO” sign, along the D 318 under the tree-lined square. With your back to the houses, turn left onto the D 318 towards St Joseph des Bancs. 200 m further on, find the “Bois de Roumanou” crossroads.

_________________________


➤ BOIS DE ROUMANOU: go down to the right on a track that winds between the meadows to the hamlet of Cadet. Just before the house, dive left by the path that steepens and opens onto a short tarmac road that joins the D 218. A 50 m round trip to the right on this road allows you to admire the old (private) farm of Compustelle, equipped with several watermills and a medieval chimney called Sarrasine. Cross the D 218, go through the fence in the hedge (please close the gate!) and cross the footbridge. The path goes up and opens out at the hamlet of Sandron. Pass between the houses and go up the path that winds between the moors and chestnut groves, to the crossroads of "Christianet".

_________________________


➤ CHRISTIANET: Take the track on the left which, 300 m further on, leaves the cover of chestnut trees and borders meadows and moors on the descent. Very beautiful views of the Sandron valley, the village of Genestelle and the surrounding hamlets attached to the slopes. Leave the track for a path which descends on the left to the hamlet of Peyron. Cross between the houses and 100 m further on by the small road, find the post "Le Peyron".

_________________________


➤ LE PEYRON: Go through the gate and go down the paved (stoned) path to a small road. Follow it to the left, cross the bridge and cross the D 218 to take a path in front of you at the level of the house. At the small road/track, turn left for 20 m then right at the foot of the house onto a path that borders a meadow and climbs in switchbacks to the sheepfold (please close the gates!). Continue on the track that passes under the hamlet of Colombier. In the switchback, take the flat path straight ahead for 50 m then leave it for a path on the right that goes into the valley and joins the road at the "Bois de Roumanou" post.

_________________________


➤ BOIS DE ROUMANOU: return to the starting point via the D 318.