Le Plateau de La Palud

A hike that combines superb views of the surrounding mountains with the discovery of Ubraye and Le Touyet, with their beautiful stone houses set on slopes, and the Palud plateau.

Descend the climb from St Martin to the marker indicating Le Touyet (white-red markings). Follow a small rocky path that gradually rises through a forest of pines and oaks. After about 400m, the path joins the road. Follow it for 50m, then at a cairn, pick up the path which then rises steeply, passing a pretty metal cross. Admire the view of the Picogu summit on the left, and the Touyet hamlet on the right. The path passes under the houses and comes out onto the road again. Follow the road, cross the bridge and continue to the small houses of Touyet Haut. Take the asphalt track which rises to the right, until you see a road sign (prohibited for vehicles over 3.5 tons), then the dirt track to the left. It descends into the Bernarde ravine. A small ford allows you to cross the stream. Head uphill to reach the pretty Palud plateau at 1250m altitude. Follow the yellow signposts towards Ubraye until you reach the signpost indicating Serre d'Embelet, at 1230m altitude. Return to the GR4 (red and white markings) and descend towards Ubraye. The trail passes through a beautiful forest of boxwood, pine and a few broadleaf trees. There are occasional small limestone steps, and it offers a lovely view of the Charita summit and the village of Ubraye. Cross back over the Bernarde stream before heading up a dirt track beneath the village houses.