Depart from Lasalle, the village where Alphonse Daudet lived, which has developed along the only street there, which lies parallel to the river. Converted to Protestantism at an early date, Lasalle and Mont Liron were centres for preachers who held the first Assemblies of the Desert there from January 1686. To visit: the Vieux Pont (Old Bridge) over the Salendrinque, the spinning mills and the semi-circular Temple.
At the entrance to the village, take the D57 towards Thoiras.
As you follow the bends in the river, you will pass in front of the castles of Calviac and, then, Malérargues (this served as a training school for the Resistance and, today, is the centre used by Roy Hart, who offers voice training courses).
Just after Thoiras, take the D258 on the right towards Vabres.
If you continue for one more kilometre, it is possible to reach the Pont de Salindre, where the Salendrinque flows into the Gardon de St Jean. Just after the bridge, there is a former silk mill dating from 1856, with typical large bay windows and a horseshoe staircase.
Return to the Vabres road. On the left, the Massif of the Grande Pallières is home to many dolmens and there is also an ancient silver, lead and zinc mine. After having passed the small village of Vabres (12th century church), follow signs to the Col de Bane until you reach St Félix de Pallière (chapel and castle).
Take the same D21 road and continue towards Monoblet. Octagonal temple (1848). Site chosen for the relaunch of silkworm farming in 1972. In the hamlet of Montèzes, the first Synod of the Desert was held, following the repression of the Camisards in 1715. Return to the village centre and follow the road to Colognac. As you pass the Col de Rédarès, you will pass through a forest of chestnut trees.
Before you arrive at the village, you will see the old restored mill of the Mouleyrette. After visiting Colognac, which continues to observe the tradition of transhumance, and where is still possible to see several flocks of sheep, return to Lasalle by the D153. Every year, a transhumance festival is held in Valleraugue on the second weekend of June.
In the village of St Bonnet de la Salendrinque, visit Castellas, the picturesque and well restored 12th century castle which is open to the public (04 66 85 44 60).
*Hilltop villages*
Soudorgues: after crossing Lasalle, take the D39 road to the centre of the village of Soudorgues, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view over the Emerald Valley. At the entrance, the association, "La Pensée sauvage" and the Biotope cooperative offer you the opportunity to discover the world of mountain medicinal plants (botanical garden, footpath, exhibitions, guides...). Soudorgues, an important hiking centre, also offers a large choice of footpaths.
Descend to the hamlet of Les Horts and follow the D153d on the left (a superb view towards Mont Liron) until you reach Ste Croix de Caderle: walk through the village until you reach the small Romanesque chapel, destroyed in the 16th century and restored in the 18th century, the only remaining vestige of the former priory. There is also a magnificent viewpoint and an orientation table here. As you climb back down to Lasalle, you will see Solier castle on your right.
