Circular loop in the Forêt de la Pyramide

Despite the short distance, this circular route is quite challenging: there are significant elevation changes and steep gradients. The reward: superb panoramic views and vantage points!
Caution! A steep section at (8)

Details

n°25012650

Creation:
07 Aug 2022

Last update:
13 Aug 2022

Last review:
yesterday

Activity: Walking
Distance: 5.37 mi
Average duration: 3h 30
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 1,204 ft
Descent: - 1,214 ft
Highest point: 2,904 ft
Lowest point: 1,795 ft

Country: France
Areas: Massif central, Beaujolais
City: Lamure-sur-Azergues (69870)
Start/End: N 46.059024° / E 4.537486°
IGN map(s): Ref. 2930ET
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Description of the walk

Plenty of parking available at the Col de la Croix Montmain.

(S/E) From this pass, head north-east along the Route du Bois Dider and immediately take the path on the right. Follow it downhill for 1.5 km until you reach the Montmain signpost (elevation 554).

(1) Continue towards Vaux-en-Beaujolais and Sibertot for a few metres, then take the correct track on the right. Follow this track to the Sibernot signpost (elevation 591).

(2) Turn right towards the Croix Desplaces. Cross the road and continue along the steeply ascending path opposite.

(3) At the Fork in the road (elevation 743), continue to the left. Further on, you’ll reach the^GR® 76; follow it to the right until you reach the Croix Desplaces signpost (elevation 804).

(4) Turn onto the path on the left, towards Lamure-sur-Azergues, and follow this path until you reach a crossroads.

(5) Then take the first path on the right and carry on until you reach the foot of the summit of the Pyramide (elevation 888).

(6) Take the path branching off to the right to reach the summit and enjoy a superb panoramic view. Return to the path below via the same route.

(6) Head right until you reach a junction a few metres further on.

(7) Turn left, then turn right. Continue to the next junction (elevation 795) and turn right until you reach another fork.

(8) Take care: the start of a path leading down to the left is difficult to spot.
Descend a very steep slope for 200 m. Caution! This section is dangerous and is only suitable for experienced walkers. You will then reach a track; follow it to the right for about 500 m.

(9) Take the path leading down to the left towards the Fontaine des Trois Notaires, then return via the same route along the track.

(9) Turn left and head for the Col de la Croix Montmain (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,418 ft - Col de la Croix Montmain
1 : mi 0.91 - alt. 1,821 ft - Montmain
2 : mi 1.76 - alt. 1,936 ft - Sibertot
3 : mi 2.34 - alt. 2,441 ft - Fork
4 : mi 2.81 - alt. 2,625 ft - La Croix Desplaces
5 : mi 3.19 - alt. 2,703 ft - Crossroads
6 : mi 3.51 - alt. 2,844 ft - Junction. Return to the summit
7 : mi 3.75 - alt. 2,831 ft - Path to the left.
8 : mi 4.2 - alt. 2,635 ft - The path to the left is not very visible.
9 : mi 4.64 - alt. 2,402 ft - Junction. Return route to Fontaine des Trois Notaires.
S/E : mi 5.37 - alt. 2,418 ft - Col de la Croix Montmain

Worth a visit

Alternative route at wp(3): take the path branching off to the right to reach the Croix Desplace (4) directly via a less steep and shorter route.

Another option to avoid the tricky section: at waypoint (7), take the path on the right which joins the^GR® 76 and follow it to the left to return directly to the starting point (S/E).

It is, of course, possible to do this route in the opposite direction, but I would advise against it as the section between waypoints (3) and (2) (1 km) is stony, very steep and would therefore be dangerous to descend.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5

Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5

Route interest
4.8 / 5

User 27824106

yesterday at 14:24 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An interesting route, quite challenging in places but with some lovely views.
Most of it runs through woodland, which is lovely when it’s very hot.
For my part, I did it early in the morning whilst it was still ‘cool’.

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AquaBlue

05 Oct 2024 at 17:25 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A brilliant walk – the view is stunning. We carried on to complete a circular route via La Croix. Some really lovely views, with fir trees. Thank you 😊

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laurent Cat

02 Oct 2023 at 12:17 7200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A really lovely walk.
It takes you through woodland and up to an altitude of 800 metres, with some lovely views.
The climb between points 2 and 3 is quite steep, but that’s part of the charm of this route – when it goes uphill, it means you’re in for some lovely views
The descent between points 8 and 9 is indeed tricky; you really have to brace your thighs…
This route through the Beaujolais is absolutely lovely; you hardly come across anyone, apart from the odd goat or sheep.

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reidid1

26 Jun 2023 at 16:05 7200

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
In warm weather, the route is pleasant as it is often shaded. The most difficult section is the climb up to ‘Sibertot’ (point 3) towards the Croix Desplaces, with a gradient of 24 per cent – in other words, climbing straight up a vineyard-covered hillside. The hill is rounded and cultivated. Fir trees block the panoramic view towards the Alps – though it was too misty that day – whilst the view towards the Beaujolais region was unobstructed. A small oak tree served as a parasol for our picnic.
The descent must be tackled with care. At elevation 795, we missed the Fork in the road and ended up on the path below, which took us back to the starting point. The ‘Fontaine des 3 Notaires’ is well shaded and has a table for a break. It’s a ‘dam’ across a stream where you can cool off by kneeling down. Another 200 metres.
It’s a shame there’s no ‘Montmain’ sign at the start of the path on the edge of the pine forest, where it meets the Route de la Croix Rosier. The car park is being used as a timber storage area, so you’ll need to cross the RD44 to reach the path.

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