La croix de Mousson

The immense chestnut cross is visible from all the hamlets of Vesseaux. It stands proudly on its limestone promontory, on the foothills of the volcanic massif of Coiron, calling to it all walkers wishing to enjoy the magnificent panorama of the Cévennes. The view extends to the Northeast over 180°, from Mont Lozère to the Col de l'Escrinet. Further on, the route switches to the South-East slope and offers beautiful views of the volcanic massif of Coiron, its bocage and its belt of black cliffs, remains of ancient basalt flows. On these ridges remain traces of occupation from the Late Neolithic and the Copper Age (3500 to 2500 years BC) such as the menhirs of Peyregrosse and the dolmen of l'Houme. The remains of the latter are located at the edge of the path.

Description
→From the hiking junction signpost LE PEYROU (located at the entrance to the sports and leisure area parking lot), follow the paved road known as Chemin de Champ Long towards Chemin de l'Houme. Further up, the pavement ends. Continue on the track which climbs in switchbacks for just over 1 km to reach the junction signpost for Chemin de l'Houme, located at a hairpin bend.
→Post CHEMIN DE L'HOUME: leave the track to go up the steep path towards "Le Grad" until you reach the Mousson cross.
→At the crossroads, enjoy the panoramic views of the Cévennes mountains to your heart's content (caution: uneven terrain, keep an eye on your children!). Then take the path that runs along the ridge through the moorland, crosses a small pass, and descends to a crossroads. Leave the path to the left and continue straight ahead down to reach the "Le Grad" crossroads.
→Le Grad signpost: take the flat path to the right towards "Chemin de l'Houme". The forest path has openings offering views of the Coiron plateau and the perched village of St Laurent-sous-Coiron. At each intersection, continue straight ahead on the wider path. At the edge of the woods, at the wide, flat crossroads before the descent, notice a large oak tree on the left, marking the remains of the Houme dolmen.
→Then take the track that descends towards Vesseaux. Go down to the "Chemin de l'Houme" crossroads at the first hairpin bend and continue downhill along the outward path to return to your starting point.