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The hike starts at a place called La Rivière. There is a small car park here, which is often full... If so, there are a few spaces along the roadside.
(S/E) Set off to the right of Bois d'Azole, following theGR®7signs (white and red horizontal lines). Follow these signs until you cross a small stream, the Ruisseau des Mollières.
(1) On the other side of the stream, continue along theGR®7uphill until you reach the crossroads. Turn left, continue to the main road and cross carefully.
(2) Continue straight ahead on theGR®7, passing the Mollières cross. Walk along the edge of the forest, staying on theGR®7.
(3) At the five-way junction, stay on the path furthest to the right. On your left, there is a small lake overgrown with reeds. Do not turn left here! The end of this path is blocked.
(4) At the next crossroads, take the sharp left turn. Continue, still following theGR® markings, to the Matagrin Tower.
The tower is 1,004 metres above sea level and you can climb to the top (beware of steep stairs) to admire the 360° panorama!
(5) Cross the small plain at the foot of the tower, then descend and turn left at the next junction. Continue to the Croix de Monsieur Jean, turn right and join the tarmac road.
(6) Follow it to the village of Violay. Don't worry, you'll soon find the dirt tracks again!
(7) At Col de la Croix Casard, turn left to head towards the village via the D1, but be careful as this is a dangerous road. Continue along the main road until you reach the roundabout at the bottom of the small animal park.
(8) Take the road opposite towards the furniture shop, then stay on this road. At the next fork, stay on the left-hand road and continue to Fontbonne.
(9) Turn left to cross the locality, then leave the road and take the path on the right. Continue to the Fontbonne stream and cross it.
(10) Turn right uphill, then turn left at the first crossroads. The path is not very well used, so you will probably have to climb over or go around a few fallen trees.
(11) After passing the riding school, turn left towards Croix de Signy.
(12) Dangerous crossing of the D60. Turn left and immediately take the path on the right that enters the Bois d'Azole.
(13) At the crossroads at the top, take the descent on your right and join the river (S/E).
We couldn't do this hike because we couldn't find the trail opposite the furniture shop in Violay. Even taking the road didn't help.
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