Gelos - Boucle du chemin Paillassa

From the car park return to the RD285. Cross and follow the road to the right, passing the small modern chapel on the left. Leave Chemin Capdebarthe on the left and behind the house on the bend, take a wide grassy path which rises on the left (prohibited to vehicles). Path in stony and wet undergrowth. After a good climb, arrive at the Bonnemaison farm on the left (Beware of dogs!). Continue opposite on the path which rises gently in the wood for 1.3 km then in the open, with a clear view of the foothills and the Pyrenees.

Take the asphalted road on the left which goes up and leave the one which goes down on the right. Pass in front of a farm then vineyards, before joining the RD285, at the Croix de Bellegarde.

Cross carefully and enjoy the superb view of the Ossau valley and the Pyrenees. Go up opposite the Paillassa path for 400m. Arrive at the crossroads between Chemin Paillassa and Chemin d'Aliou, the highest point of the walk (cleaning containers). Then turn right, north, for 2 km, a gently sloping path in the pretty wood of Gelos. Halfway, you can admire the Château de "Tout-y-croît" on the left, a private property dating from the 16th century.

150m after the farm, turn right on a narrow stony path which descends steeply into the undergrowth, towards the stream of Las Bartouilles. Ford it and pass near the school of the Hameau de Gelos. Take the Chemin de Chatieu on the right and the car park will be on the right.