The Mas del Rieu Forest via the hillside paths

Parking available at Place de la République in Entraygues-sur-Truyère. liO bus stop: Entraygues-sur-Truyère Centre – see ‘Practical Information’ section.

(S/E) From Place de la République, head towards Rue du Dr Versepuech and turn right onto Rue du Faubourg de Truyère. As you approach the banks of the Truyère, you’ll see the Passage du Teinturier on your right.

(1) Carry on straight ahead to enjoy a superb view of the Pont de Truyère: there’s an information board, benches and a table along the riverbank.
Then retrace your steps back to the Passage du Teinturier.

(1) Take the passage. When you reach Avenue du Pont de Truyère, cross it and then continue left for about 80 metres. When you reach number 37 on the street, take the cobbled path on the right, which leads out onto Avenue de Verdun. Turn right, go straight on to the roundabout and continue left for about a hundred metres, until you reach the entrance to the care home.

(2) Take the path on the left which climbs up behind the care home. Cross Avenue du Tignac and rejoin the path opposite. When you reach the road, head left for about thirty metres, then turn right up into the housing estate to reach a small road called Chemin de Lavernhes. Cross the road and continue along the path to reach Route de Seveyrac.

(3) Follow the road to the left for about 400 m. When the road begins to curve to the left, look out for a path branching off to the right.

(4) Take this path and follow it to a small road (Chemin des Noisetiers) which leads straight to the junction of Route de Séveyrac and a forest track.

(5) Cross over and head down to the right onto the forest track for a long stretch through the fir forest, generally heading east. You’ll reach a junction with another forest track.

(6) Turn right onto this new track, which bends right a few dozen metres further on and climbs gently until it reaches the edge of the woodland at Peyrebrune. Continue down the small tarmac road to rejoin the Route de Séveyrac once more.

(7) Turn right, pass Serpatiès and then, after about a hundred metres, turn left towards a few houses. Continue along a narrow path which leads you to a hairpin bend on Avenue de San Mary. Continue downhill to the left for about a hundred metres.

(8) Take the path leading down to the left. When you reach the tarmac again, turn right, heading north, until you reach the start of a hairpin bend to the right. Don’t miss the path leading down to your left. You’ll come out onto a small clearing; opposite, take the Sentier du Cabernet to reach Clos Saint-Georges. Then turn left onto Rue des Coteaux to reach the cemetery wall; turn right to reach the Chapelle Saint-Georges.

(9) Turn left to go round the cemetery via the Chemin de la Crouzette, which leads onto the D42. Turn sharply right to follow the D42 for about a hundred metres, then turn left onto the Sentier des Coteaux, which winds downwards to the Ruisseau d’Estampes. Take care, as it’s a steep descent. Once at the bottom, turn right to reach the Quai du Lot
When you reach the road, head right for a few dozen metres to join the Quai du Lot at the Notre-Dame du Pontet Chapel.

(10) Turn right to follow the Quai du Lot towards the old town. At the end of the quay, by a small car park, take the alley opposite which leads to Place Albert Castnié. Continue straight on along Rue Droite to reach Place de la République (S/E).

You’ll find all the amenities you need in Entraygues-sur-Truyère. There are plenty of lodges, hotels, restaurants and bars. All the shops you need, as well as doctors and a pharmacy. Parking is available at Place de la République or Faubourg de Truyère. The ‘Centre’ stop is served by bus route 212 from Espalion, connecting with route 201 to Rodez.

Take the time to visit the old town with its half-timbered houses. You’ll be surprised by some real little gems as you wander through the cantous (narrow alleyways). Admire the castle and the Truyère Bridge!