La Combe Railroad

Flora

Geology

History and architecture

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This short hike through the sunny Haute Combe du Sasse offers families a chance to explore a wild corner of the mountain range, all while staying close to the village of Bayons. After a stretch along a trail, the hike—which has minimal elevation gain—winds through a “gineste” (bushland) near the old Combe railway line. The return trip, back on the trail, follows the Sasse River.

Description

From Bayons (875 m), head east along the street that winds its way between the houses. At the fork, turn left. Soon after passing the last houses, walk past the war memorial and join Route D 1.
Continue along the road ahead; it turns into a dirt track.
At the Soubeyrache ford (900 m), take the trail on the right and cross the Sasse via a footbridge. The trail becomes rocky as it winds through a large “gineste” (former pasture overgrown with broom). At the pass, the landscape becomes marly. At the foot of the Tête de Bresse, the trail becomes less rocky.
At the junction with the Grande Cabane trail, turn left and head downhill. Pass by the animal watering holes and go through the gate, closing it behind you.
At the intersection with the Combe trail (1,010 m), turn left to follow it back to the Soubeyrache ford and the starting point in Bayons.

Departure : Center of the village, Bayons
Arrival : Center of the village, Bayons
Towns crossed : Bayons