Hamlets, the ridge of the Louyre Valley and the castle at Lamonzie-Montastruc

The meeting point is opposite the Town Hall, situated on the D21, by the walking route information board (which indicates your location near the church = incorrectly positioned). Vehicles can park there easily.

Yellow markings

(S/E) At the start, as you pass the Town Hall, head towards the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption and continue straight on for about 200 m through the village.

(1) At the Fork in the road, follow the road uphill (Voie Romaine) to the right and pass the cemetery. The tarmacd uphill section ends at Lescot Castle, situated on the left.

(2) The road gives way to a track that runs along the ridge overlooking the Louyre Valley and continues through the woods. Caution! Make sure you spot the sign for Eyssal, marked on a signpost on the left 3.3 km from the start, as it is positioned facing away from the direction of travel. There are letterboxes on the right-hand side.

(3) Turn left towards the hamlet of Eyssal. Cross the site following the track and join the D21, Route de Vergt.

(4) Turn left onto this road, continue for 100 m, then cross it with care. At the next junction, turn right towards the hamlet of Monsacou, then after 300 m, turn right again. At the Fork in the road at the foot of the hamlet, turn right, follow the road and pass a white industrial shed.

(5) 20 metres after this, at No. 1075, follow the forest track to the right. At the Fork in the road you come to shortly afterwards, keep to the right and head towards a livestock farm. Walk past the cattle pen and head for the shed on the right 50 metres further on.

(6) Turn right immediately after the shed, continue for 100 m and turn left onto the path between the meadows to reach a road at the top of the hill.

(7) Carry on straight ahead along the grassy path towards a yellow marker 50 m away (no signpost at the road). At the entrance to the woods, follow the path on the right until you reach the next road.

(8) Continue straight ahead, passing the hunters’ “launch boxes” (two sites) and carry on to the next junction. This junction is a common point for two routes.

(9) Turn left. Caution! Do not miss the yellow marker at the next Fork in the road, which is accompanied by a blue sign indicating a left turn. Follow this route down towards the village of Lamonzie-Monstastruc. Cross the road at the 117-metre mark and continue straight ahead until you reach the Route de Maillol. Continue along the road for a few hundred metres.

(10) At the yellow marker, with the rear of Montastruc Castle in view, follow the path on the left to the foot of the castle, then turn right and rejoin the Route de Maillol. Turn left towards the D21. Cross it carefully and, on the village side, turn right, following the path alongside the boules court. Head towards the small wooden bridge over the Louyre, then head towards the market hall, cross the metal footbridge and, to the right of the buildings, head towards the town hall (S/E).

(S/E) The market hall provides shelter in the event of bad weather or a place to eat in a pleasant setting.

(S/E) Toilets are available at the boules court between the church and the D21.

(S/E) The village of Lamonzie-Montastruc, having been beautifully renovated, offers a wealth of points of interest and is well worth a thorough visit, including the Church of Notre-Dame (12th century) and Bellegarde Castle (13th century).

(3) Visit to the hamlet of Eyssal. Farm produce on sale at the farm, Impasse d’Eyssal.

(4) A visit to the hamlet of Monsacou.

(10) Montastruc Castle (8th century).