Wine-tasting walk in Saint-Geniès-de-Malgoirès

Start from the co-operative winery car park.

(S/E) With your back to the co-operative winery, turn right onto the road running alongside the railway line. At the next three-way junction, veer to the right and continue to the next junction.

(1) Turn sharply right and head towards Saint-Geniès-de-Malgoirès via Rue Chemin de Pissevin.

(2) Cross the bridge opposite over the Esquielle, then turn left straight away onto Quai de l’Agau. Keep as close as possible to the river and, when the road makes a 90° right-hand bend, near a well on your left, turn onto the path on the left just after it and enter a park. Admire the tall trees and the ruins of an old watermill.

(3) After crossing Parc Barral, turn right and follow Rue Alexandre Fléming to the end. First turn right then left, and take the street that passes in front of the secondary school and then the Rivière-Marze care home.

(4) At the four-way junction, continue straight ahead along the path that curves slightly to the left, and join the D12 near a bridge on your right.

(5) Cross carefully and follow the grassy path a few metres further on to the left. This path runs diagonally and follows the edge of the vineyards on your right. Continue straight on until you reach a track suitable for vehicles.

(6) Turn right and you’ll reach a cross-path near a bridge on your right.

(7) Turn left onto the white path. There is a magnificent lime tree by the side of the path. Continue along the tarmac road until you reach a five-way junction. Carry on straight ahead to the left until you reach the end of the vineyards. At the junction, turn right, walk past the shopping area and note the tower of an old windmill in a car park on your left. Ignore the entrance to it and carry on straight ahead. At the three-way junction, turn left and head for the bridge over the Esquielle.

(8) Carry on along the road until you reach a four-way junction by a Martinenque cherry tree. This old tree never ceases to amaze with its resilience. People think it’s dead every winter. And yet, it blooms again in spring.

(9) Carry on straight ahead; at the next junction, turn left and rejoin the route you have already taken.

(1) Carry on to the right and head for the co-operative winery (S/E).

(6) You can turn left to return more quickly.

In winter, you may come across flocks guarded by sheepdogs. Even though the farmer takes every precaution, please remain cautious!