Chapelle Saint-Étienne from Monistrol-d'Allier

From Monistrol-d'Allier, take the road to Fontannes, Freycenet and park before reaching the first hamlet, at a cross, an intersection with a path and the "Freycinet" signpost.

(S/E) Take the path on the right just after the signpost. Ignore all the paths branching off to the right or left, some of which are simply entrances to meadows, while others are marked with yellow and/or red crosses (mountain biking). You will come to a small road (marked^GR®® red and white) at a crossroads.

^GR®®470red and white markings

(1) Follow the road to the left.

(2) Ignore a road on the left and reach the hamlet of Douchanez.

(3) Cross the hamlet and continue along the path that extends the road. You will arrive at an intersection with a yellow sign indicating the Chapelle Saint-Étienne on the right.

Off the^GR®® trail

(4) Follow this path for a round trip. At a fork, keep left and continue climbing to the chapel (closed but with a beautiful view). Descend back to the^GR®®.

^GR®® red and white markings

(4) Follow it to the right, ignoring a path on the left almost immediately (which is not shown on the map). After a steep descent, the path levels out again. Continue, ignoring a path on the right.

(5) At a fork, continue downhill to the right.

(6) Further on, ignore a path on the right in a left-hand bend. Continue to the hamlet of Fontannes.

(7) At the entrance to the hamlet, continue along the street that extends the path, and note an old spring, which is unfortunately neglected. Continue along the street to cross the hamlet. Pass in front of a wash house at the exit of the hamlet. At the next fork in the road, keep to the right.

(8) Pass a beautiful wash house at the entrance to the hamlet of Freycenet. Cross this hamlet (note a fountain on the left) and continue along the small road to find the cross and the "Freycinet" signpost (S/E).

This hike is of moderate difficulty, requiring standard hiking equipment.

A longer alternative, which corresponds to the photo album:
At (1), take the^GR®® southwards, crossing the Ravin de la Gazelle, to the Château de la Beaume, a beautiful little castle farm that is still in use. Return via the reverse route at (1) and continue the hike. Allow about 5 km there and back.

Discover more hikes in this area with a description or the Visorando app here

Some photos here

Some information about the Saint-Étienne Chapel here

The hamlets with their traditional houses and farms, fountains and wash houses.