Firstly the water and the forest, then a magnificent view over the Dore valley, between the Forez Mountains and the Livradois Mountains, before reaching Golgoux Castle and, very quickly, an astonishing arboretum!
| Department | Haute-Loire |
|---|---|
| Departure municipality | La Chaise-Dieu |
| Outing type | Hike |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Duration | 3:00 |
| Recommended period | from march to november |
| Environment | Countryside |
| Kilometres | 11 km |
| Altitude upon departure | 1047m |
| Change in altitude | 357m |
From La Chaise-Dieu, follow the Ambert, Vichy road for 1.5 km as far as La Tour Lake where you will find the start of the circuit.
1 - Descend through Maillet Forest along the path that follows the large road.
2 - On the way out of the trees, take the path on the left which leads to the large road, at Surgères, pass under the road and continue on the left towards Folgoux Castle (viewpoint).
3 - In Folgoux, turn right towards the houses, then turn left and continue along a grassy path then a small road through the forest towards Charvols to visit the arboretum.
4 - Depart on the left above the arboretum and continue to the Lavadour. Descend on the right and, after the houses, veer left. Join a road and cross it, and then a second road. On the flat section, turn left towards a third road and follow it on the left for 50 m and then leave it and take the path on the right.
5 - When leaving the forest, continue straight ahead and cross the Senouire ford and make your way to the holiday village. Turn right for 20 m, then veer on to the path on the left and join the large road. Cross it and take the path around the campsite. Cross a stream using the wooden bridge and join the road that arrives back where you started.
