The Tiergues dolmen

The Caylus rock which used to be the bedrock of a feudal castle and the Tiergues dolmen, an outstanding megalith are the two symbols of this excursion in the heart the Saint-Affrique countryside.1 Start from the Painlevé square and follow the D 993 for 100m, then take the left turn under the porch and follow the stone pathway. Carry on along the road on the right hand side, up to the start of the bend, then walk straight on along the path in front of you and then follow a larger track that takes you back onto the road.2 Take the right turn onto the stone pathway that runs around the base of Caylus rock. Take the path towards the NE which slopes gently upwards and overlooks the D 993 which is to your right.3 Take the left track that runs in the valley parallel to the D 50. The walk is a shady path alongside the ravine and the Nougayrolles brook.  Leave the farm trail to your right that ascends towards the crest and the path to your left which leads towards Crassous. After the sheepfold the path gets wider and reaches a junction.4 Take the path that slopes up through woodland and ends at a plateau, nearby the Tiergues dolmen. Walk on the right side of the D 250 alongside the road, and then carry on along a sheep path until you reach the village of Tiergues. Take the road to the right along the graveyard and then walk through the village.5 When you pass the last houses and reach the calvary cross, take the path opposite which is lined with low walls and hedges. Follow a long “bouissière” (a path lined with box trees) which ends at the crest of the hill where you can enjoy a nice view over Saint-Affrique and the Caylus rock. Carry on along the crest through pasture lands and groves, then go through a cedar plantation, and eventually walk down towards the Caylus rock passing a cliff to your right.3 From here, follow the route you took back to your starting point.