RLS Day Hike 4: Chasserades to Le Bleymard

Reflections and images from my travels

RLS Day Hike 4: Chasserades to Le Bleymard

July 23, 2015

Chasserades to Le Bleymard. Fourth day of the hike. This was going to be another relatively short hike of only 15 km with a starting elevation of 1175 m climbing up to a maximum elevation of 1413 m at the Forestry Monument and then descending into Le Bleymard at 1068 m.

You may remember the interesting clouds I had commented on yesterday. I was sure we were going to get rain during the hike day yesterday but it never materialized. That is, until about two in the morning, when there was loud thunder and a downpour that would’ve made Noah take notice. I was quite happy the rain occurred during the night as next morning the weather was much cooler. All hikers from this location had to depart by no later than 9 AM because one leg of the Tour de France was coming by this actual village on its way towards La Bastide and the roads would be completely blocked by the local policemen. I was happy to get an early start but that said actually missed seeing the actual cyclists on the Tour de France. Perhaps next time!

I had a very nice breakfast and wished my French co-hikers all the best. They were actually traveling the same trail I was traveling but I preferred to get a head start to enjoy the hike on my own. There was actually a lineup at the small grocery store as I went to pick up my sandwich. I had to wait in line as the grocer insisted that it be made fresh which was fine by me.

Just after departing Chasserades, there was quite a descent from the village and then the splendid industrial work of art that is the Mirandol viaduct came into sight. Certainly worthy of a picture.

The next stretch was a very pleasant walk on a track through the beautiful and extensive Goulet Forest [which extends over 1250 hectares and varies between 850 and 1416 m altitude] and eventually past the ruins of Serremejan [which means “spring”]. The trail then gradually descended alongside the River Lot which was arguably the day’s highlight. I think it is really stretching it to call it a river.

I then passed through Les Alpiers and enjoyed the final descent to La Bleymard. My gosh! I was getting quicker and got into town by 12:15 PM. Thankfully my room at the La Remise was available. I grabbed my packed lunch and enjoyed it by a local park. I then walked into town to explore the very interesting architecture as well as the local church.

What an easy day and enjoyable afternoon. This allowed me to catch up on some blogging notes, picture processing and relaxing!