From Aleyrac to Serre de Forillon

This walk follows wide forest tracks, leading to a viewpoint offering a 180° panorama of the Valdaine plain below, which is partly agricultural and partly wooded. A short circular route adds variety to the round trip.

Details

61898078
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.99 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 561 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 551 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,572 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,109 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

On the D9 from Labégude de Mazenc, just before Aleyrac, take the small road on the left – a slight hairpin bend signposted ‘Domaine de Grangeneuve’. Coming from the south, take the first small road on the right just below Aleyrac. About fifty metres further on, a sort of roundabout offers parking spaces.

(S/E) Head north, continuing along the road you’ve just come along. Leave the Chemin de Grangeneuve on your right and carry on straight ahead. Go round two barriers on the side, staying on the main path, until you reach the La Grande Pigne (404 m) signpost at a crossroads.

(1) Carry on straight ahead along the main path, ignoring the paths branching off to the left and right. Begin a steep climb followed by a change of slope. You will reach the La Plaine du Loup signpost (440 m) at a crossroads.

(2) Continue straight on, uphill, until you reach the ‘Les Monges – Serre de Forillon’ signpost (460 m) at a crossroads.

(3) Follow the small path leading off to the left, heading due west, to reach the viewpoint.

(4) Turn back towards La Plaine du Loup at the crossroads you passed on the way there.

(2) Turn right and follow the track for a few metres. Ignore the smallGRP® Tour de Pays path, then head down to the left, straight ahead along a track towards Grand Contour. Much further on, after a hairpin bend to the left, then another to the right, at thethird hairpin bend to the right, continue straight ahead along a path and you’ll soon spot the Grand Contour signpost (alt. 320 m) on the right.

(5) Ignore the path heading uphill and turn right to continue on roughly level ground along the well-maintained path, which gradually climbs through the woodland and returns to the La Grande Pigne signpost at the original junction.

(1) Carry on straight ahead, retracing the path you took at the start in the opposite direction to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,388 ft - Parking is available at a roundabout
  2. 1 : mi 0.98 - alt. 1,332 ft - La Grande Pigne signpost. Junction of the circular route
  3. 2 : mi 1.85 - alt. 1,467 ft - La Plaine du Loup signpost. Return to the viewpoint
  4. 3 : mi 2.07 - alt. 1,516 ft - Les Monges signpost – Serre de Forillon
  5. 4 : mi 2.2 - alt. 1,572 ft - Viewpoint
  6. 5 : mi 3.59 - alt. 1,148 ft - Grand Contour signpost
  7. S/E : mi 4.99 - alt. 1,388 ft - Parking is available at a roundabout

Notes

In late August 2024, a flock of sheep was grazing to the left of the waypoint (1) on the outward journey. A Patou guard dog was observed. At least one signpost indicated that walking with dogs was prohibited. Electrified fences are in place; these do not obstruct the path and also protect walkers. These are likely to be seasonal installations.

There are stony sections on the steep ascent. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

Early in the morning, this walk is very shaded in summer and can be tackled even in hot weather.

Worth a visit

There are some very old chestnut trees on the way out, on the left-hand side before the landmark (1).

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
3.8 / 5
KidOrel
KidOrel

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An easy and very pleasant walk, especially in the cool of the morning. The route description is excellent: concise, precise and accurate. The signposting along the route is also very good. A wealth of flora, and wonderful scents guaranteed. A real treat!

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fandemaubec
fandemaubec

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Fairly easy hike; no very long climbs; superb view halfway along the route

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tcheuma
tcheuma

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A long, monotonous trail. Only the small path leading to the viewpoint and another one starting from point 5 broke up the monotony a little. Fortunately, as macro photography enthusiasts, we found plenty of flowers to photograph.

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boninmi
boninmi

Good evening, herveg07,

There are trail markers and signposts all along the route.
In any case, this gentleman does not appear to have the authority to restrict access, although we should try not to upset any local residents.

Kind regards.

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herveg07
herveg07

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

An easy walk despite the rather stony path, as mentioned.
The viewpoint at the end is worth a look, but the walk itself is a bit monotonous. Best done on a hybrid or gravel bike rather than on foot, or perhaps in the snow…
Towards the end of the route, we came across a man accompanied by two (small) rather aggressive dogs, who himself declared hostilely that he was ‘on his own property’ – is this really private land, given that the route is signposted and there are no signs indicating private property?

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