Le Bout du Monde from Vinols

After passing through Bellevue, you’ll walk alongside the vineyards and reach a plateau from where you’ll see the Vizézy Gorges and the village of Essertines to your right, and the tower of Old Ecotay and the Cotayet Valley to your left.
You’ll cross the Cotayet and pass through beech woods. Following a steep path, you’ll reach the ‘end of the world’, near the ruins of an old hamlet. Taking a path through the valley, you’ll reach Vinols.

Details

n°4301262

Creation:
06 Nov 2020

Last update:
28 Mar 2024

Last review:
03 Mar 2025

Activity: Walking
Distance: 3.14 mi
Average duration: 1h 50
Difficulty: Easy
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 463 ft
Descent: - 479 ft
Highest point: 2,152 ft
Lowest point: 1,726 ft

Country: France
Areas: Massif central, Monts du Forez
City: Bard
Start/End: N 45.598526° / E 4.036661°
IGN map(s): Ref. 2832O
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Description of the walk

Park at the side of the Leat des Espagnols near the junction with the D113.

(S/E) Cross the D113 and take the road opposite (Montée de Bellevue). Continue through the hamlet.

(1) Once you’ve passed the last houses, the road becomes a dirt track. Continue along this track until you reach Moulin Palais.

(2) Then take the tarmac road on the right for 30 m and, at the cross, turn onto the small road on the left towards another road.

(3) Reach and cross the D113 to take the track opposite, which saves you a bit of the road.
Cross the D113 again and continue straight ahead along the very rough path.

(4) Cross the Cotayet, then head uphill, veering to the left.

(6) Pass the^first path on the right and continue along the flat section; pass a second path marked^PR®2.
Begin the descent by taking the path on the left before Malleval and rejoin the track.
Then head down to the right and continue to Le Cotayet, where you’ll come to a footbridge.

(6) Cross the river and take the path that veers off to the right on level ground towards Vinols to reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,742 ft - Route du Leat des Espagnols
1 : mi 0.31 - alt. 1,886 ft - Bellevue hamlet
2 : mi 1.08 - alt. 2,110 ft - Moulin Palais
3 : mi 1.37 - alt. 2,133 ft - Crossing the D113
4 : mi 1.56 - alt. 2,051 ft - Footbridge over the Cotayet or - Moingt (rivière)
5 : mi 1.87 - alt. 2,126 ft - Junction before Malleval
6 : mi 2.26 - alt. 1,818 ft - Footbridge over the Cotayet
S/E : mi 3.14 - alt. 1,742 ft - Route du Leat des Espagnols

Notes

Follow the^PR®4black markings on a yellow background.
This route was created by the Bard municipal trails committee. You can find all the information at: http://www.bard.fr/fr/information/80782/...

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5

Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5

Ease of following the route
5 / 5

Route interest
4.7 / 5

Mel Melou

03 Mar 2025 at 14:00 3600

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A really lovely walk and easy to do, just as described. I did it with my family, including my 5-year-old daughter, who really enjoyed it. The route is easy to follow. The uphill section is at the start of the walk, which I think is a plus 😊

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RaphMirj

14 May 2024 at 09:49 7200 • Edited: 14 May 2024 at 09:54 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A perfect family walk. You go from pastures to woodland, follow a stream, and the route is well signposted.
The weather was lovely when we did this route, but I reckon some of the downhill sections could be a bit tricky in wet weather.
It’s worth noting that almost all the elevation gain is at the start of the walk.

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Loz42100

04 Sep 2023 at 14:12 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk to enjoy with the family.
When I read the description, I was a bit worried about having to walk a long way along the road, but in the end there are only a few dozen metres on the road. The paths are in very good condition and the slopes are manageable even for children. A good pair of trainers and this walk is perfect for you!!!

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