After skirting the heights of the hillside, this route allows you to discover the old gravel pits which have now been returned to nature. This site of the Lakes, classified as a Sensitive Natural Area, presents a great diversity of environments offering a variety of habitats including the bird sanctuary area, hosting among other things a large colony of gray herons. Don't forget your binoculars!
The lakes of Valette have just been classified as a Sensitive Natural Area. The bird reservoir area is home to gray herons, cattle egrets, little egrets, hairy crabeaters... which can be observed provided you are very discreet. The wetland and the meadow are home to a variety of flora and insects that are at home here and invite you to meet them!
When leaving the car park, turn right. Take the road to the left in front of the war memorial (chemin des Crêtes). Leave on the right the coast of the Virgin to continue to climb straight. At the fork at the level of the church which is high up, keep to the left because the road going straight ahead is a dead end. Reach the Terre Blanque crossing.
1. Go right at the intersection then right again to go down the grassy track which is immediately after the motocross field to reach the plain. Ignore the 1st track on the right and continue to the next crossing.
2. Turn right then left approximately 300 m further on to reach the large junction of the Baronne trails.
3. Follow the wide track to the right across fields to the D22. Note at the end of the trail the beautiful 18th century farmhouse with the dovecote facing it. In the left corner is a small lake.
4. Turn left onto the D22 then right onto Chemin de Rouzet.
5. Ignore Chemin des Lacs on the right to continue straight ahead and shortly after turn right on the track that passes behind Lac des Hérons. At the end of the latter, stay to the right to bypass it and continue straight to join the Chemin des Lacs, then turn left on the road. Always stay on this main axis until the D15.
6. Turn right and follow the road carefully, staying well to the side to reach Layrac. At the junction with the D22, turn right twice to find the Place des Érables car park.
