While I haven’t actually counted the steps to verify that it is indeed 4000 to the top, I can confirm that this is a solid climb with most of the trail at a steady but manageable incline. The trail ascends through an old chestnut forest, along a mountain ridge with valley views, and back into the forest before reaching the weather station at Mt Aigoual, 1565 meters. At 18.3K up and back and a total ascent of about 1287 meters, it’s a work out. The trail is blazed yellow and easy to follow. There is also the possibility of looping back on the GR (see below) for a trip of 23.7K and total ascent of 1310 meters.
From Le Gard…a pied, #17 le sentier des 4000 marches. Starting point : Valleraugue, 23 kilometers north of Le Vigan along the D999 and D986. Park in the lot next to the Maison de Pays and follow the yellow blazes through the tunnel and across the Confrérie bridge. A sign in front of the church points to the “sentier de 4000 marches”.
To loop, at number 3 on the map follow the GR to the right. There is a pretty picnic spot around the bend, a short distance from the junction.
At number 5, follow the signs back to Valleraugue along the yellow blazed PR.
Hiked September and October, 2012
For links to all the posts in this series see the South of France page.