Walk through the valleys of the Mâconnais

The starting point is on the village square in Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux, 30 km from Mâcon. Parking is available on the square, less than 30 m from the starting point.

(S/E) Head towards the RD45 in the direction of Tramayes and Saint-Léger. After about 200 m, turn left onto a dirt track marked with a yellow line. Cross a footbridge, then continue straight on until you reach the cemetery.

(1) Turn slightly right to join a tarmac road. Follow it for 250 m before turning right onto a dirt track, and follow it to the end to reach the hamlet of Écussols.

(2) Continue straight on towards Champ Butin. Carry on straight at the junction until you find a dirt track that climbs steeply to the right, before reaching La Nuirie, a hamlet consisting of a house that appears to be deserted. Continue straight up the climb towards the ridge, about 1 km away, and arrive at a crossroads.

(3) Take in the view, then turn right and immediately left to reach the hamlet of Argaud, in the commune of Matour. Then turn sharply left to leave the hamlet and continue for 100 m until you reach a crossroads.

(4) Head straight on through the woodland. Continue straight down for about 1.5 km to the Grotte Notre-Dame de Lourdes.

(5) Take a moment to admire the grotto before retracing your steps slightly, turning left to reach the hamlet of Les Derniers.

(6) Once you reach the end of the dirt track, turn left onto a tarmac road that runs alongside a wood. Continue to the A-road at the end of the track.

(7) Turn right onto the D211: take care, as there is regular traffic. Continue for about 500 m to reach the hamlet of Almont.

(8) Turn left down the steep slope to enter the hamlet, then turn slightly left onto a dirt track to leave the hamlet and join the RD45.

(9) Cross it to continue along the dirt track and arrive at Les Ramondys. Turn left then right to join the tarmac road, which you should follow for about 300 m until you reach a crossroads.

(10) Turn left, then go straight on along the tarmac road, skirting a wooded area. You will reach a crossroads.

(11) Turn left onto a steeply sloping path. Descend carefully to a footbridge crossing the Grosne, then continue straight on until you reach the RD45.

(12) Cross over, then immediately take the road on the right to reach the hamlet of La Farge.

(13) Turn right, continue straight on at the junction to return to Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux. Then turn left to return to the village square (S/E)..