The Matelbine Tower from Monze

From the village of Monze, looking south-west, you cannot miss the ruins of the Matelbine Tower, perched on its wooded promontory. Through vineyards and pine woods, this hike first leads to a small lake with a picnic area before continuing on to the tower. Finally, the return to Monze offers unobstructed views of the Bretonne valley, where vineyards and cypress hedges create a beautiful scene.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.19 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 182 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 175 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 280 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 146 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park (flood zone, as indicated by a sign) on the banks of the Ruisseau de la Bretonne. Motorhomes are permitted.

Markings:GR® White and Red +PR® Yellow

(S/E) Follow the small tarmac road north-west, pass the remarkable Roman bridge and continue for about 200 metres.

No markings

(1) Leave theGR® andPR® (theGR®36route on the IGN map is incorrect here) and take a wide, gently sloping stony path on the right.

(2) Where this path leads to a vineyard and seems to come to a dead end, turn right onto a much narrower path. This path crosses several difficult passages where the trail is reduced to a deep rut that is sometimes difficult to negotiate (to be avoided at all costs in heavy rain) before joining a dirt track at a hairpin bend.

Markings:GR® White and Red +PR® Yellow

(3) Turn left, keep left at the fork that follows, then continue along this almost flat track through a fairly sparse pine forest with beautiful views on the right. Ignore the various paths branching off to the left and right and continue to a triangular crossroads. Cut left via a small grassy shortcut to reach, about twenty metres further on, an asphalt road that has seen better days.

YellowPR® markings

(4) Leave theGR® trail on your left and turn right. Pass the access road to a small farm building on your left and you will reach a fork in the road about 200 metres further on.
Turn left slightly uphill, following the sign for "Au Tour de Matelbine - Le Lac" (Au Tour in two words on the sign in question!). Leave a vineyard path on your left and, at the fork that appears shortly afterwards, follow either the right or left branch (the two rejoin a little further on). Ignore another path on the right and continue along the hillside to the small lake (more of a large pond).

(5) Take the opportunity to stop for a break or a picnic, as the site is very pleasant and has several tables in the shade. Then continue along the route through the broom and pine trees until you reach a three-way crossroads.

(6) Take the left-hand path (not shown on the IGN map but clearly visible on the ground and signposted) following the sign for "Au Tour de Matelbine - Monze -1h30". The path, which is wide at the start, quickly narrows to a narrow track that winds its way through a magnificent pine forest to a fork.

(7) Turn right and walk about 60 metres to reach the Matelbine Tower, standing proudly (or at least what remains of it) on its promontory. Access to the tower itself is prohibited (fence) due to the possibility of falling rocks. Retrace your steps.

(7) Turn right onto the path, pass a ruin on your right, then, after going down and up a few log steps, you will come to a much wider grassy path. Turn right, keep right at the next fork, then veer left to cross a meadow lined with beautiful pine trees on your right.
About 50 metres after the end of the meadow, leave the wide path and take a narrow path on the right (cairn + yellowPR® markings) which cuts across the bend. Continue to the road.

White and redGR® markings + yellowPR® markings

(8) Follow this road to the right, go around two hairpin bends and continue between the vineyards. Enjoy the view to the right (south-east) of the gently rolling countryside planted with vineyards, where a few cypress hedges give the whole area a Tuscan feel.

(1) Continue straight ahead to the car park at the start (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 146 m - Parking at the edge of La Bretonne.
  2. 1 : km 0.21 - alt. 153 m - Leave the road - on the right
  3. 2 : km 0.64 - alt. 178 m - Entrance to vineyard - narrow path on the right
  4. 3 : km 1.17 - alt. 225 m - Dirt track - on the left
  5. 4 : km 2.42 - alt. 235 m - Road - on the right
  6. 5 : km 3.57 - alt. 261 m - The lake - picnic area
  7. 6 : km 4.6 - alt. 280 m - Crossroads - left
  8. 7 : km 5.12 - alt. 221 m - Fork towards the Matelbine Tower
  9. 8 : km 5.97 - alt. 210 m - Road - on the right
  10. S/E : km 7.19 - alt. 146 m - Parking at the edge of La Bretonne.

Notes

A fire ravaged some wooded areas in 2019 and unfortunately changed the landscape. Some slopes were burned, but the vegetation is growing back. Similarly, the markings have suffered and disappeared in places.
This hike will be more interesting in a few years' time when nature has reclaimed its rights.

Some sections are relatively difficult.

1/ Between (2) and (3): progress is difficult because the path is sometimes extremely narrow and ravined. This section becomes impassable in heavy rain.

Alternative route suggested by VR Monchemin to avoid this section.

From (S/E), cross the old bridge, come out onto the clock square and turn left. Go up the street, pass near the church (on the right above) and take the small tarmac road parallel to the D3. When you reach the intersection of these two roads, turn left, cross the small bridge over the Bretonne and then turn right, following the yellow markings along the stream. Then turn left to climb steeply into the pine trees (this section is not shown on the IGN map but is clearly marked on OSM Trails) and, once at the top, turn left. Admire a pretty dolmen and a beautiful view of the village as you pass. Continue to (3) and resume the route described.

2/ Between (7) and (8): the path is very narrow in places and several sections are particularly steep. There is little visibility to the right or left.

There are no drinking water points on the route. Bring enough water with you.

Given the terrain, good hiking boots and walking sticks are recommended.

Worth a visit

Between (S/E) and (1) on the way there and between (8) and (S/E) on the way back, don't miss the small information boards that are strategically placed. These explain the various stages of vine development and also provide information on places to visit nearby: Montagne d'Alaric, Tour Mabelpine, etc.

Monze

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.2 / 5
Based on 13 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.2 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.1 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
ZITROERAILC
ZITROERAILC

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

We were very disappointed that we couldn't find the start of the route! So we did the hike backwards, going straight from No. 1 to No. 8, and on the way back straight from No. 4 to No. 8 to get back to No. 1...
It's a shame because we found this hike very beautiful, despite the gloomy weather that day.

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Fred sax
Fred sax

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Not too difficult a route. Some sections are in dry streams. Otherwise, the landscape is quite beautiful. It's a shame the forest burned down.

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cgiaco
cgiaco

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb walk but no shade. A few minor difficulties but nothing more. The route is well signposted (yellow) and easy to follow.

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colomies
colomies

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The hike is very beautiful, despite the fact that the area suffered a fire two years ago. As a result, the description is not entirely accurate: there is no longer a pine forest, particularly between the lake and the tower.
The description should be amended to reflect this.

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vivi 31
vivi 31

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant route, with the tower and vineyards ablaze with autumn colours.
We didn't start from Monze, but from the dirt track between points (2) and (3), setting off from Montirat to add a little distance via the GR 36 trail.
Just take a good look at the left side of the path at point (6) as the sign is a bit broken.

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danri11
danri11

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Since the fire a few years ago, many trees near the Tower have been burned and cut down, causing a slight deviation of a few metres from the route. Everything else is perfect. I find Katherine's explanations very harsh... I hike a lot and quickly translate the writings according to reality.

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Katherine
Katherine

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 27, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Since the poster was written, there has been a terrible fire (August 2019) and we walked among and beside blackened fir tree trunks. We no longer walk 'among broom and pine trees' (no. 5); no more 'magnificent pine forest' (no. 8). The vegetation is recovering, but we will have to wait a while longer...
Many of the signposts have disappeared as a result of the fire.
The level is said to be 'easy'. We would say 'moderate'. We found the 'several awkward passages' between 2 and 3 more than awkward. And someone who suffers from vertigo would not like them at all. At 7, the 'few log steps' no longer exist and the slope is very steep.
Despite these problems, we were very happy with our little day's hike.

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Babou et Chris
Babou et Chris

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

This route is very good. Unfortunately, a fire has ravaged part of the forest and many trees are still charred (rather depressing). In addition, the route in the start area (zones 1 to 3) and finish area does not match the initial description (the signposted path is impassable). And the area near the tower is overgrown with brambles.

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ksagro1968
ksagro1968

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 10, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Nice route, but between points 1 and 3, the suggested trail passes through waterways that are likely to be impassable after heavy rain.
This section can be replaced by a marked trail (GR) from Monze that runs along the river and passes by the dolmen.
In addition, a short detour via Montcal (299 m) offers a beautiful view of Monze and the valley.

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damicival
damicival

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Excellent guidebook. A very pleasant walk for the whole family, with no particular difficulties, despite a short tricky section in wet weather (indicated in the guidebook). Unfortunately, this walk bears witness to the irresponsible behaviour of certain idiots or reckless individuals who caused the fire that ravaged the region last year. The undergrowth is slowly reappearing, but the beautiful pine forests have been permanently damaged. The area around the small lake has been miraculously preserved and the shaded tables provide a very pleasant picnic spot.

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BABA11
BABA11

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 24, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

A pleasant short hike, but not particularly interesting in terms of scenery. Be careful of hunters during hunting season!

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monchemin
monchemin

To avoid the tricky section between 1 and 3
Park in the designated area; cross the old bridge; come out onto Place de l'Horloge, turn left; go up the street; pass by the church (on your right above); turn left and take the small tarmac road parallel to the D3 located on the right above. When you reach the intersection of these two roads, turn left, cross the small bridge over the Bretonne and follow the yellow markings along the stream. Climb up through the pine trees (steep). When you reach the top, turn left; there is a pretty dolmen to see and a beautiful view of the village. The path rejoins point 3; follow the route description again.

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SEGUY_MIC
SEGUY_MIC

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 11, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Very good, but less suitable in wet weather. Some sections are very muddy and weigh down walking boots. But nothing insurmountable. Several beautiful panoramic views and rich natural surroundings. Accurate route description, which compensates for the absence of certain paths on the IGN map. Visorando on smartphone is perfect.

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Michel007
Michel007

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

There is not enough description of the route. There are many grassy paths and they are not easy to find. A little more detail would have made this route easier to follow. It's a shame, because the views and the interest of this route remain strong.

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