The Blanot circular route via Mont Saint-Romain

Park in the car park in the village of Blanot.

(S/E) Walk past the wash house and the fountain to take Rue Charles on the left, which passes near Saint-Martin Church. Continue left onto Chemin du Couvent, towards the town hall. Turn right uphill towards the Caves.

(1) Take Chemin de Mazelet on the left towards Fougnières. Ignore the first path branching off to the left at the bottom of the vineyard and take the second one. Follow it up to the road. Cross the road and take the path opposite, Rue aux Loups.

(2) At Roussot, follow signs for Vivier to the left. Route marked in green on a white background. At the next junction, continue following the same markings along the middle path, which descends slightly before climbing back up through the common land.

(3) At the junction, continue down the path to the left towards Nouville. Turn right into the woods 120 m further on, still following the same markings, which shortly afterwards descend to the left into the Combe Nivernais (take care in wet weather, as the descent can be slippery). Climb slightly to the right up to a clearing. Follow the path through the brambles, then carefully descend a steep, unprotected slope. Stay on the path marked in green on a white background, watching out for hidden roots, until you reach bluemarkings on a white background

(4) Turn right. At the fork shortly afterwards,leave the blue-on-white markings and head right. Stay on this wide path until you meet the blue-on-white markings again at a junction.

(5) Take the path on the left and climb towards Mont Saint-Romain.

(6) When you reach Chemin Faîtral, leave the blue markings and follow the GR®76A (red and white) to the right as far as Col de la Croix.

(7) Cross the D446 and continue on the GR®76A opposite.

(8) At the junction, head down to the right, still on the GR®. At the next junction, about 150 m further on, head lefttowards the Col des 4 Vents.

(9)Leave the GR® at L’Épinasse and head down to the right towards Blanot. You will then reach the village (S/E) via a short detour past the priory and the Romanesque church, where you should be sure to visit the three Merovingian tombs and the renovated communal oven, which is still in regular use today.

Not suitable for those with a fear of heights along this route.

You must wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water in hot weather.
Toilets are available at the car park.

Refreshments available at the Coing community café on certain days.
Goat’s and cow’s milk cheeses at the Ferme de Blanot on opening days.
A 24/7 charcuterie vending machine is available at the Ferme du Mont Rouge.
Organic market garden produce on sale on Fridays from 5pm (Le Coing is always open on that evening).

The Blanot caves.
Mont Saint-Romain.
The Merovingian tombs.
The Priory.
Saint-Martin Church.
The bread oven.
The wash house (1830) and its fountain.