Forest and hamlets at the start of Cistrières

The village of Cistrières can be reached via the D19 road from Brioude to La Chaise-Dieu. Parking is easy in the church square, where you will also find the town hall and a fountain.

(S/E) Join the D19 and turn right for about 100 metres.

(1) Turn right and follow Chemin du Lavoir. Walk past the cemetery and continue to the water treatment plant.

(2) Turn right and follow the path through the woods until you reach a crossroads with two paths on either side.

(3) Ignore both and continue straight ahead to join the D201.

(4) Turn left, pass by the Astiers farm and follow the sunken path to Montrecoux.

(5) Turn right and rejoin the D201. Cross it carefully and take the small road opposite leading to Rochefolle.

(6) Take the track on the left, pass the buildings and continue to the junction with a wider path.

(7) Turn left, cross the bridge that marks the confluence of the Lamandie and Senouire streams and head towards the hamlet of Lachaux. Go straight through the hamlet and turn left at the last houses to continue along the path that leads to a T-junction further on.

(8) Turn left, cross the bridge over the Senouire and join the D19.

(9) Cross it very carefully, first turn left then right, to join the Route de Charlette Haute. Leave this road at the three-way junction, turn left and continue until you reach a crossroads after making a 90° left turn.

(10) Turn right, rejoin the tarmac road and continue on the left to return to the D19, towards Cistrières. Turn right and follow the road carefullyto return to the church square (S/E).

(S/E) Refreshments are available at the fountain square. The fountain water is drinkable. The spring that feeds it comes from the Lamandie Forest.

Visit the village. Old craftsmen's shops bear witness to the activity of the past.