Rosières and the Étang de la Plaine

This walk is an opportunity to discover the natural and historical heritage around the village of Rosières, particularly the Étang de la Plaine lake.

This hike was created for the ECHO project, which ended on 1 October 2023. It is still possible to do the hike to discover the heritage.

⚠️ 13 October 2025: GPS strongly recommended for this hike.

Details

34486028
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.26 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 192 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 193 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 802 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 657 m

Photos

Description of the walk

From Yssingeaux, take the D103 towards Retournac. Halfway along, turn left onto the D421 at Malataverne, then continue on the D7 to Rosières. Start the route at the cemetery, very close to the Calvaire du Champ Clos.

(S/E) Head towards Rosières, going down the street to the first intersection.

(1) Take the road furthest to the right, Chemin de la Galoche, and continue to the next crossroads.

(2) Follow Chemin de la Galoche, taking the path that starts to the left of the primary school. Cross a stream and pass some houses. You will come to an intersection immediately after the last house on the right.

(3) Take the small path uphill, then continue straight on the road to a place called Chiriac.

(4) Cross the locality, turning left until you reach an intersection after passing the first two crossroads. Take Route de la Plaine on the right, uphill. Pass under a power line to reach the plateau.

(5) Turn left towards the Étang de la Plaine.

(6) Once at the pond, walk around it clockwise.

(6) Once you have completed the circuit, turn left onto the access road to return to Route de la Plaine via the same route.

(5) Go straight ahead at the intersection and follow the only path available until you return to Chiriac.

(7) Once you reach Chiriac, continue along Chemin de l'Homme de Pierre, then turn left twice in the village to leave via Chemin de Rajeau. Continue along the track that extends the path to the road at Croix de Jalore.

(8) Turn right onto the road, then keep right at the next intersection to exit the road. Keep left at the next intersection and continue straight on to the cemetery (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 695 m - Cemetery
  2. 1 : km 0.29 - alt. 670 m - The Galoche Trail
  3. 2 : km 0.52 - alt. 666 m - Primary school
  4. 3 : km 0.88 - alt. 657 m - Intersection
  5. 4 : km 1.25 - alt. 700 m - Entrance to Chiriac
  6. 5 : km 2.27 - alt. 789 m - Fork in the circular
  7. 6 : km 2.6 - alt. 793 m - Étang de la Plaine
  8. 7 : km 4.86 - alt. 724 m - Chiriac
  9. 8 : km 6.17 - alt. 762 m - Croix de Jalore
  10. S/E : km 7.26 - alt. 695 m - Cemetery

Notes

This route, which is accessible to everyone, experienced walkers and beginners alike, still requires good walking shoes to ensure comfort and prevent potential injuries.
Throughout the route, woods and forests provide shade for rest stops.
In the village of Rosières, bars and bakeries will allow you to replenish your water supplies.
https://www.musee.patrimoine.lepuyenvela...

Worth a visit

(S/E) Calvaire du Champ Clos

(1) Not far from Rosières, you can walk along the old Galoche railway line, which was in operation between 1890 and 1952.
Along the way, you will see many examples of architectural heritage, including a magnificent calvary, the Calvaire de Champ Clos.

Reviews and comments

3.7 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
3.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.5 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
User 27850167
• Edited:

Overall rating : 2.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

It would be a good idea to review the description of this hike. It lacks detail if we are doing this walk without a GPS. Stop thinking that everyone uses apps or GPS devices. The Étang de la Plaine site is well worth a visit!

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ladesiderienne
ladesiderienne
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant route in the hills above Rosières with beautiful views of the knolls. With the GPS app, there's no need to worry about finding your way. We did this hike in October, so unfortunately we weren't able to see the artwork. The climb up to the lake was a bit tough because it was on a tarmac road and the temperatures were very high for the season...

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