Country:
District:
Stage 1 - Barbeyron - Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes
(S/E) From the old Saint-Laurent-des-Combes railway station (stone building), go up the road past the old railway shed.
(1) Cross the level crossing on the right towards Château Belcier. In front of Château Belcier, cross the road (D245) and follow it on the right. After 200 metres, turn left to cross the vineyards, following the hiking trail markings to the small church of Saint-Laurent-des-Combes. Please note that some of the hiking trail markers are hidden by vegetation.
(2) At the end of the church square, take the path downhill. You will pass a small wash house carved into the rock and a quarry (closed by a gate). The path continues along the vineyards.
(3) The path forks to the right (steep climb) in the middle of the trees. After the climb, continue along the path that winds between the vineyards. At the next intersection, follow the road to the left and continue at the next bend to the right. You will see Château Mondot and the water tower next to it.
Stage 2 - Descent to Saint-Émilion
As you climb back up towards Château Mondot, take the road that branches off to the left towards Saint-Émilion. You will begin to enjoy beautiful views of the valley.
(4) At Pavie Nord, leave the road and take the path that goes straight ahead through the vineyards. The path at the edge of the vineyards offers beautiful views of the Saint-Émilion region.
(5) The tree-lined path continues along the edge of the cliff to Château Pavie-Macquin. From the château, descend to the left towards the Chemin de Gongaban via a gravel lane built into the slope. Turn left onto the path lined with fig trees, which leads to Saint-Émilion. Pass the Château la Clotte estate to reach the Place du Grand Vinetier in front of the Porte Brunet.
Stage 3 - Château Soutard
(6) From the Porte Brunet, continue along the road opposite, marked by a "no entry except for residents" sign. The road runs alongside the Tour de La Clotte. Leave it quickly and take the path on the left onto the "Circuit de la Juridiction de Saint-Émilion" hiking trail. At the end of the path, you will come to a road opposite Château Vilmorine. Take this road on the right and continue straight ahead until you reach the junction with the D243E1. Cross the D243E1 and then the D243 and continue straight ahead, following the shaded driveway of Château Soutard. After another junction, you will arrive at the château.
(7) Go around it on the right and leave the estate via the path opposite the entrance to the castle grounds, which leads to the D243.
Stage 4 - Around Sarpe
Cross the road, walk along the vineyards on your left for 200 metres, then turn right onto the path between the vineyards. Château Haut Sarpe is in front of you. You will end up below the château.
(8) Go up to the right, following the road. Then turn left to cross the hamlet of Sarpe, passing in front of Château Sarpe. At the end of the hamlet, turn left towards Pelletan. The road leads to Château Brun. In front of the château, turn right onto the D243 and continue for about 100 metres.
(9) Turn left onto Chemin de Grave.
Stage 5 - Saint-Christophe-des Bardes
The path takes you around the vineyards of Château le Cause. When you reach the departmental road, turn right towards Saint-Christophe-des Bardes. Follow the road to the village, pass the church and take the road on the left that leads to Château Fontbrauge.
(10) At the three-way junction, follow the road on the left.
Stage 6 - Château Laroque
As you approach Château Fontbrauge, take the road on the right before it. Continue straight ahead, crossing the D243 and turning left and right to take the shaded gravel lane to Château Laroque.
(11) Drive along the right-hand side of the château, then turn left onto a path towards Les Moulins de Laroque, which crosses and runs alongside the quarries (be careful not to lean over, as it is dangerous). You can walk down into the quarry via a gentle slope to see how far it goes. However, be careful not to venture too far without a torch and exercise extreme caution.
(12) Continue along the path that leads to Route Lapière Ouest. Take the road on the left and pass the neo-classical Château Guillemot.
(13) Follow the road, which winds downhill and joins the Peyrelongue road.
(14) Turn right and continue straight ahead until you reach the railway line. Cross it and immediately turn right to return to the old station (S/E).
!!!
.
Visorando member
Easy 
Tourist office
Difficult 
Local authority
