Saint-Martin-de-Fressengeas Circular Route

From the village of Saint-Jean-de-Côle, head towards the Voie Verte car park by following the ‘flow vélo’ signs for approximately 1 km.

Red markings for the entire circular loop

(S/E) From the Voie Verte car park, head down the road, turn right towards the bridge and cross it.

(1) Immediately after the bridge, on the right, before the access road to a farm, take a path that leads down to the meadow below. Follow this path as it runs alongside the Côle, then climbs up the hill and crosses the meadows.

(2) Continue straight on. At the junction with a road, head straight ahead towards Maizaraud. Walk through the hamlet and up to the top of the hill. After taking in the views of the surrounding countryside (Thiviers to the right, Saint-Martin to the left), the path enters the woodland. Follow it until you reach a tarmac road. Turn left onto this road and continue to a junction.

(3) Opposite the road leading to La Rochette, take a path on the left between some gardens. It enters the woodland, winds its way between two fields, then back into the woodland and joins the shortened circular route (see § Practical information) at a crossroads.

(4) Head off to the right across the meadows. Cross the road and continue downhill to the bottom of the valley. The path crosses the Queue d’Ane via a ford and a footbridge. It then climbs towards the hamlet of La Rebière, where it gives way to a tarmac road.

(5) Cross the road and carry on straight ahead. After the gardens, a new path climbs towards Saint-Martin-de-Fressengeas. At the entrance to the village, turn right onto the road towards the church.

(6) After the town hall square, continue to the crossroads and turn left onto the road towards Bourg Vieux. At the next bend, leave the road and continue straight on along a stony track that descends to a stream. Cross at the ford and head back up into the woods. At the next junction, turn left onto the road, then left again across the fields – about a hundred metres further on – to come out at a crossroads.

(7) Turn left towards Bourg Vieux. In the centre of the village, turn right between the houses and head up to the top of the hill. Follow this ridge path through woods and scrub, which further on begins to descend through meadows.

(8) At the edge of the woods, an orientation board provides a view of the surrounding landscape. Continue downhill to reach the road, then follow it to the right.

(1) Cross the bridge over the Queue d’Àne and follow the road to the car park at Saint-Jean-de-Côle station on the left (S/E).

This walk can be started either from Saint-Jean-de-Cole station, as suggested here, or from the town hall square in Saint-Martin-de-Fressengeas (6)

(2) A shortened route of 1.5 km is suggested by the Amis Chemin association, which maintains these paths. They are extremely well signposted and can be followed without a map or route description! To do this, take the path on the left which joins the circular loop at (4).

The circular route mainly follows country lanes with a few steep, poorly gravelled sections.

Along the route, picnic tables are available at the suggested start/finish points and (6).

Food and drink are available in Saint-Martin.

There are some lovely views of the Périgord countryside from the top of the hills.

In Saint-Martin, the 13th-century church is open during the day.

In Saint-Jean-de-Côle, one of the most beautiful villages in France, visit the 11th-century church, the village square and narrow streets, and the 15th-century bridge. The Château de la Marthonie and the priory are privately owned and are open to visitors on occasion.