Montfranc Circular Loop

Park in the hamlet.

(S/E) Follow the road towards Saintoux and, on leaving the village, take the track branching off to the left and walk for about fifty metres. Keep left at the fork to discover the “Travail” a few steps further down the slope.

(1) Retrace your steps and, facing the trough, take the path uphill to the left. Ignore the path on the right and continue climbing gently as the path winds its way up to a height of 809 m. On the right is a larch plantation and on the left, a recently created field on the site of a former plantation (you can still make out the ridges).
The path descends and crosses a Douglas fir plantation.

(2) At the inverted three-way junction, turn left as if retracing your steps. Follow the track which climbs back up through the plantation, then emerges onto an open, recently replanted area from where you’ll have a fine view to the left of Le Montfranc and, further ahead opposite, of Le Noncelier. To the right rises Puy Chaud, the highest point in the commune (832 m). Head downhill to join the RD26A1.

(3) Turn left and continue along the road to the junction with the RD26, go straight on for 100 m and, at the bend, take the track that climbs up to the left. This track climbs towards a plantation and leads onto a path.

(4) Turn left to head back towards Montfranc.

(5) When you reach the RD26, cross it carefully and follow the road towards Montfranc. On arriving in Montfranc, take a moment to admire a beautiful property on the right with ironwork made from cart wheels and other accessories.
In the hamlet, after cooling off at the wash house, set back from the road, discover a few beautiful houses, including a very old one, then return to the car park (S/E).

(1) As mentioned in the introduction, one of the highlights is the authentic cattle-shoeing station. The station is a device used to restrain the cows whilst their hooves are being shod. The one at Montfranc is in perfect condition.