Fondry des Chiens – Limestone gorges near Nismes

The calcareous grasslands around the Roche Trouée and Fondry des Chiens make an almost Provençal impression, especially in spring and summer. Sheep and goats, which keep the landscape open, underline the feeling of walking through a Mediterranean landscape. The area, with its limestone cliffs and rare heat-loving plants and animals, is of particular biological and geological interest. From the hills and the western lookout rock there are great views of the surroundings. The second part of the hike offers a nice mix of hilly forest and open land. First through fields, then through the forest, the path leads to a striking viewpoint. From the Falkenfels (La Roche aux Faucons) the view sweeps far to the east, towards Olloy, before the path descends towards the river. The path follows the river landscape of the Viroin until shortly before Dourbes, which is enthroned with its ruins on steep rock, before returning to the starting point via a wooded ridge.