Durande viewpoint and Siaugues Saint-Romain castle

Start from the village of Siaugues Sainte-Marie. Car park in the village centre, Route de Silcuzin, D55.

(S/E) Take the D590 uphill towards Le Puy-en-Velay, then at the last houses, on leaving the village. At the corner of No. 16, turn right towards Le Vardier, also known as Route du Château, marked in yellow, GR® 40, and follow it to the end, at a high-voltage power line.

(1) Continue along the track opposite. Once you reach the first plateau, a gentle downhill stretch offers a breath of fresh air with a view of your destination ahead. Join a cross-country track. Follow it to the left and reach the next junction.

(2) Leave the tarmac and take the track on the right, still signposted GR® 40. Head straight on at the next fork and, after the climb, you’ll reach a junction with hiking signs.

(3) Take the middle path signposted “alternative route in stormy weather”. The GR® path leading directly up to the summit is too steep for cycling, even when pushing or carrying your bike. Ignore a path branching off to the left and head for the junction with the GR®40.

(4) Continue to the right, towards La Durande. A final steady climb of 800 m, and you’ll reach the summit.

(5) After enjoying the view, turn back and descend via the same track. Those keen on challenging downhill riding can take one of the single tracks starting from the orientation table – these are demanding and technical (not for beginners, you have been warned!) – and will in any case quickly rejoin the route. Follow the same route back as on the way up until you reach the road you left earlier.

(2) Continue straight ahead and, after about 100 m, take the track branching off to the left, below the road. You’ll reach a three-way junction before entering the forest.

(6) Keep left and, at the next fork, turn right. Follow a playful, rolling descent to reach the castle hidden in the forest, which you’ll come upon unexpectedly.

(7) With your back to the castle, take the track that dives to the right. Caution! This section of the descent is technical. Cross the road you took on the way there by making a first turn right then left over a distance of about 20 metres, and follow the path to the tarmac.

(8) Take the road on the right (D55) and follow it to the car park in the village centre (S/E).

The final part of the descent includes a technical section that requires a decent level of mountain biking ability. This can be bypassed by rejoining the forest road taken on the way out.

(S/E) Close to small shops and restaurants.

After your ride, the best place to relax is the Étang du Repose in Farges. You can go trout fishing there, or simply enjoy a freshly caught trout expertly prepared or a delicious steak tartare (information valid in 2026).