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(S/E) Leave the central car park in Nivolas-Vermelle, along the D1085, heading east along Avenue du Square. Pass between the church and a village hall and head towards an imposing building.
(1) This is the town hall. Pass it on the right and take Rue du Stade. Go straight across the crossroads, ignoring the Chemin de Quinsonnas on your right, and continue up Rue du Stade. When you reach the sign indicating the end of the built-up area, a yellow marker indicates that you should turn right. Follow the signs: this is Chemin des Vignes, which climbs steadily. When you reach a hamlet, you will find yourself back on tarmac.
(2) You will come to a sign for "La Vignolle - alt. 387 m" and turn right. Very quickly, turn right again and then immediately left onto Chemin des Renardières (you will see yellow markings). Soon after, turn left onto Chemin de la Commande, which leads to a small road. Turn right towards Quinsonnas. On the left-hand side of the road, there is a footpath that has been specially created for you, so feel free to use it. You will see the eponymous château overlooking you on your left. You will arrive in the village and take the first alley on your left.
(3) You will arrive at the majestic wrought iron gate that closes off the entrance to the estate. Look carefully, there is something very surprising. When you have found the surprising thing, turn around and go back to the first crossroads. Turn left to cross the village.
(4) At the end of the village, you will see a sign for "Quinsonnas - alt. 423 m". Turn left towards Fichaillon. When you reach some tall silos on the left, continue straight ahead on a dirt track (there is a sign for "RandoFocus"). When you reach a fork (there is a solitary tree further on, on the left), turn right. You will arrive at the old house of Fichaillon: it is a shame that the choice of window frames is so out of place.
(5) You will see the sign for "Fichaillon - alt. 419 m". Descend to the right towards Nivolas. Cross the bridge over the Verneicu stream.
(6) You will see the sign for "Les Jacines - alt. 391 m". Turn right towards Nivolas onto a dirt track which can be very muddy at certain times of year. You will descend the charming Verneicu valley for quite some time. At a fork, stay in the valley by turning right.
(7) After quite a long time, you will come out onto a wide track. You will see the sign for "Verneicu - alt. 349 m". Head downhill to the right towards Nivolas. At a priority marker, follow the yellow markings which indicate that you should turn right. Go around a factory to reach the main road. A sign warns you of a "dangerous crossing": it is there for a reason. Although you are on the edge of a built-up area, traffic moves quickly but visibility is good.
(8) Cross the main road, keeping to the right. Very quickly, turn left onto Chemin des Bottes, which climbs towards the hillside. When it ends in a house courtyard, take the path that climbs to the left. Then ignore a path that descends to the right.
(9) You will come out onto a small road. You will see the sign "Les Bottes - alt. 371 m". Go down to the right towards Vermelle. You will see the church of Vermelle opposite, slightly to the left.
(10) You will see a sign for "Vermelle - alt. 355 m". You can make a round trip to the left, towards the church. It's not far. However, on the day I passed by, even the enclosure was locked. Once you have done this, if you wish, go down the wooden staircase in front of you. Your path leads to a paved road. Go down on the left, passing the shared gardens. Cross the Agny on a bridge (not a ford as indicated on the IGN map). Immediately afterwards, turn left, then right to return to the D1085. Cross the road and go left to return to your starting point (S/E).
The description is excellent: there is no risk of getting lost on this very pleasant route.
Visorando Member
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