Circular route from Francs to Tayac via Saint-Cibard

Park in the car park by the church in the village of Francs.

(S/E) Head towards the centre, then take the road that descends to the right before the castle. You will come to a T-junction.

(1) Turn left, then right a few metres further on; before reaching the hamlet, turn right to join the road. Turn left twice to enter Péroutet and, at the bend where the road forks into a Y-junction, turn right

(2) Turn right towards Moragou to reach another T-junction.

(3) Leave the road and take the path on the left that runs alongside the woods; follow the path, cross a small road and enter the woods.

(4) Turn right, leave the woods, then join the D119 road. Keep it in front of you for a few metres, then leave it to take the path straight ahead until you reach another road.

(5) Turn left onto the road and continue straight on until you reach the D21 at the foot of Puyfromage.

(6) Cross the D21, head up towards the castle, and admire the beautiful view and the large dovecote. Walk between the buildings.

(7) After a small water reservoir on your right, turn right onto the path leading downhill. Follow this path north-eastwards, enter the small wood and walk alongside a pond until you reach the road.

(8) Turn right towards Tayac church, then keep to the right to reach Francs. When you reach the top of the hill, take a detour to admire the castle’s entrance courtyard. Head to the church car park (S/E).

Very Important:
The route may cross or follow other marked trails: unless otherwise stated, please ignore these.
All landmarks mentioned in the description (localities, castle names, as well as power lines, bridges, etc.) are shown on the corresponding 1:25,000 IGN map but are not always included on the reduced-scale map. It is strongly recommended that you either obtain the map in question (see below) or use the app on a smartphone, which will also allow you to be geolocated at all times and thus track your movements accurately.
Please adhere strictly to the Visorando Charter.
We very often cross private property; this is the only way to continue on such routes.
The use of walking poles can prove very useful and reassuring; as well as providing stability, they help distribute the strain.

Château Puyfromage: a family-owned estate situated on a hilltop, built in 1574 near a perfectly preserved 11th-century keep and a royal dovecote. Magnificent views.
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Tayac Church__: the building, constructed in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, was altered in the 16th century.
It has a nave with three bays and a chancel consisting of a short bay covered by a barrel vault and ending in a semi-circular apse with a cul-de-four vault. Only the chancel has retained its Romanesque appearance.
The cornice of the apse is decorated with carved modillions, five of which are figurative. This apse is supported from the outside by large buttresses added at a later date, as are the bell tower situated on the first bay of the nave and the door which opens beneath three pointed arches. (source: Wikipedia).

Château de Francs: overlooking the surrounding countryside, this castle is a true witness to the history of France. It bears witness to English rule over the region until 1453 and the Battle of Castillon. Vines were planted as early as the 17th century. But it was not until 1986 that this sleeping beauty was reawakened, spurred on by ambitious and enterprising new owners. This is the story of the rebirth of an estate that produces a delightful and flavourful wine, much like the gems of the Right Bank.