The ladder path
8 points of interest
Eboulis du Combalou - Xavier Waerzeggers 
GeologyThe Combalou scree
The Combalou scree is an impressive rock formation, created by the many tectonic movements that shaped the limestone plateau. These piles of stones are the result of successive collapses and landslides that have shaped the landscape over the centuries. The rocks in this area reflect the region’s geological activity, where erosion has sculpted unique landscapes.
Le Plateau du Combalou - Roquefort Tourisme GeologyThe Combalou Plateau
The Combalou Plateau is a spectacular geological site located in the heart of the Roquefort region. Formed around 150 million years ago, when a shallow sea covered the area, this vast limestone landscape was shaped over time by layers of sediment.
Today, the Combalou is best known for its natural caves, which are essential to the production of Roquefort cheese. Crossed by natural fissures called “fleurines,” the plateau benefits from constant natural ventilation that maintains stable temperature and humidity levels. These unique conditions create the perfect environment for the aging of the famous Roquefort cheese.
Jasse du Combalou - Virginie Govignon 
AgropastoralismJasse du Combalou
Jasses were buildings designed to shelter sheep during the summer season. Fairly well preserved, the Jasse du Combalou is organized over two levels. On the ground floor, two sheep pens, one of which is vaulted, housed the animals. Upstairs, a large barn was used to store hay for feeding the flocks during the winter months. Perfectly adapted to life in the highlands and the needs of pastoralism, this type of building provides an important testimony to rural life on the Causses.
Aphyllanthes de Montpellier - Roquefort Tourisme 
FloraThe Montpellier Aphyllanthes
The Montpellier Aphyllanthes, also known as the “blue carnation of Montpellier,” is an emblematic plant of the Mediterranean garrigue. Perfectly adapted to dry soils, it blooms from April to June, brightening the landscape with its delicate light-blue flowers, which are highly appreciated by bees. Without leaves to limit water loss, it stands out with its long green stems, well suited to arid climates. In the past, its roots were used to make brushes, highlighting its place in local heritage.
Xavier Waerzeggers GeologySaut de Bailhol
Le Saut de Bailhol, often – though incorrectly – referred to as a sotch* because of its hollowed shape, is in fact the rockfall detachment niche of the scree slopes visible further down. But, as is often the case in oral tradition, spectacle takes precedence over geology: legend has it that a man named Bailhol performed a true "swan dive" here, throwing himself from the 80-metre-high cliff. In any case, it is important not to confuse this site with a genuine caussenard sotch.
*Sotch : a closed depression of karstic origin, characteristic of the limestone plateaus (causses). Filled with runoff sediments or terra rossa, it is particularly fertile and hosts most cereal crops. When its outline is rounded, it is known as a doline.
Chapelle Saint-Pierre - Roquefort Tourisme 
History and heritageSaint-Pierre Rock and Chapel
Saint-Pierre Chapel, dating from the 11th century, crowns the rock of the same name and was once the chapel of the now-vanished medieval castle. With its semi-dome choir, rounded arch, and narrow nave, this modest yet elegant building stands as a tribute to the craftsmanship of past builders. Steeped in history, the site invites contemplation and bears witness to the long-standing human presence in the area.
Table d'orientation de Roquefort - Virginie Govignon 
PanoramaThe Orientation Table
Located on the Saint-Pierre Rock, this orientation table offers a breathtaking panoramic view over Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, the Lévézou Mountains, the Larzac Plateau, and the Soulzon Valley. This viewpoint allows visitors to better understand the landscape and geography of the region while enjoying its natural beauty. An ideal spot to capture memories and soak in the grandeur of the area.
Les Quilles des Baragnaudes - Roquefort Tourisme GeologyQuilles des Baragnaudes
The Quilles des Baragnaudes are striking vertical monoliths, formed by natural fissuring and collapses during the Jurassic period. Their silhouettes dominate the edge of the Combalou Plateau, the result of intense geological activity combined with cycles of glaciation and warming. This site, also named after the historic district of Roquefort, is a geological marvel – perfect for marveling at the forces of nature and time.
Description
- From the Tourist Office carpark, walk across the road near the bus stop and walk up the rising path running alongside the graveyard. When the path meets the tarmacked road, turn right then first left following the hairpin bend. 300 m further on, take the fork to the left up to a drinking water fountain.
- Take the small path that slopes up to the right towards the Combalou plateau.
- At the base of the scree, first walk uphill to your right, then scale across it.
- Once you get across the scree, carry on along a marked path that joins a track through box trees following the contour line.
- When you arrive at the far end of the Combalou, walk uphill until you reach the pierced rock and take the metal staircase.
- When you get to the plateau, head East in the direction of the relay masts, once you have reached them, carry on to your right for 200 m and at the hairpin bend fork to the left on the path that leads to the jasse (sheepfold).
- Walk between the Jasse and the edge of the plateau, keep on walking along the plateau and take a trail through the pinewood. Start walking downhill until you reach the Aiguières pass.
Head towards Roquefort and carry straight on past the “Sotch de Balhols” (large geological fault) and walk down to the Saint-Pierre chapel (a flight of steps to the left gives access to a viewpoint indicator). Once you’ve enjoyed the view, descend the steps, and then go to your left down the Créance street and then up the Baragnaudes street which rises up onto the opposite side towards the Quille des Baragnaudes which are impressive vertical monoliths. Walk past the Quilles, then along the cliff and climb down the steps. - At the bottom of the steps, take the right and immediately after turn to the left to pass under a porch to get back to the avenue de Lauras that will lead you to the Tourist Office from where you started your hike.
- Departure : Tourist Office
- Arrival : Tourist Office
- Towns crossed : Roquefort-sur-Soulzon
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Information desks
Avenue de Lauras, 12250 Roquefort/Soulzon
Situated in the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park, the cheese village of Roquefort stretches on the hillside over the famous scree of the Combalou Rock, in southern Larzac. The village is at an elevation of 630 m and has 700 inhabitants.
OPENING PERIODS:
The Tourist Office is open all year round:
- In July and August, Monday to Saturday: 9.30 to 18.30, Sunday: 10.00 to 17.00.
- April, May, June, September, October; Monday to Saturday: 9.30 to 12.15 & 13.00 to 17.30, closed on Sunday.
- January, February, November, December; Monday to Friday: 9.30 to 12.15 & 13.00 to 17.00, closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Transport
Travel by bus or train: https://lio.laregion.fr/
Carpooling : BlaBlaCar, Rézo Pouce, Mobicoop, Idvroom, LaRoueVerte, Roulez malin
Access and parking
Parking :
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