Montcelet route

An easy, short walk through woods, farmland and pastures, ideal for families.
Climb the tower to enjoy a 360° panorama, with views of the Céréalier, the Livradois, and the peaks of Usson and Nonette.
As you climb the tower, you will discover the remains of the ancient fortress and the villages it protected.

Details

n°1239598

Creation:
24 Jun 2018

Last update:
26 Jul 2021

Last review:
03 Nov 2025

Activity: Walking
Distance: 4.45 km
Average duration: 1h 45
Difficulty: Easy
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 173 m
Descent: - 173 m
Highest point: 729 m
Lowest point: 556 m

Country: France
Area: Massif central
District: Vichel (63340)
Start/End: N 45.428049° / E 3.242603°
IGN map(s): Ref. 2533E, 2633O
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Description of the walk

Park near the church in Vichel.

(S/E) Pass in front of the town hall and turn right onto Chemin de la Chaux. After the farm, two signs indicate Montcelet (to the right or left).

(1) Turn left. Follow the yellow markings, climb onto a plateau and continue through the undergrowth.
In the undergrowth, two signs indicate Montcelet.

(2) Turn right, heading uphill towards the tower.

(3) To descend, retrace your steps and follow the easiest path on the right. Once you have found the path, turn right (yellow and red markings).

(4) At the junction with the^GR® de pays, do not turn left, but continue along the path that goes around Montcelet. This will take you back to the junction you passed on the way up.

(1) Continue straight on to the church in the village of Vichel (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 556 m - Vichel church (car park)
1 : km 0.34 - alt. 595 m - Crossroads of the circular near the farm
2 : km 1.2 - alt. 654 m - Montcelet sign
3 : km 1.55 - alt. 725 m - The ruined tower
4 : km 2.42 - alt. 655 m - Junction with GR de Pays
S/E : km 4.45 - alt. 556 m - Vichel church (car park)

Notes

A picnic table is available below the summit.
Orientation table at the summit

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5

Based on 8 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5

Route interest
4.6 / 5

André 33

03 Nov 2025 at 16:33 3600

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike with magnificent views of the Auvergne mountain ranges.
We went there at the end of October and didn't meet a soul.

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moustic43

17 Sep 2025 at 17:23 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

a lovely, peaceful walk to the tower, where there is a beautiful view

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SMC 63

02 Jan 2023 at 18:19 3600

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 02, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Be careful not to take the first road on the left after the farm, but rather the second one, otherwise you will arrive at the closed gate of the quarry and be forced to turn back.
Otherwise, the 360° view is magnificent. I highly recommend it.

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Bougnat63

26 Jul 2021 at 11:38 7200

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 25, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

The climb to the summit of Montcelet is a little steep but not dangerous. There is a picnic area with a table a few metres before the summit, which is a bonus. The route alternates between woodland and open terrain. A short walk suitable for families.

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CHRIS001

25 May 2020 at 14:52 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 23, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very well marked route; difficult climb to the summit, but the view is exceptional.
I recommend it.

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Clonemo

05 Mar 2020 at 20:15 3600

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 29, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

An easy walk with magnificent views; the orientation tables are a welcome addition.

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bcg243

28 Oct 2019 at 11:21 3600 • Edited: 28 Oct 2019 at 11:21 3600

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 27, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Easy and pleasant hike, but bring walking sticks for the two climbs.

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midelsuc

29 Sep 2019 at 20:33 7200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Very beautiful walk (parish specific to Brittany)

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Author

pierre5205
47 Walks

Visorando member

District: Charbonnier-les-Mines (63340)

Machine-translated walk - Original version

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