The Gallo-Roman bridge over the Sanguèze

Car park at the Fleurancellerie Chapel.

(S/E) Walk down the road towards the stream and follow it along a sunken path. Climb up to the plateau and follow the path straight on until you reach a fork, where you should take the left-hand path – this will be your route back.

(1) Carry on straight ahead, then turn left for 150 metres and then right until you reach the D308 road, which you cross. Take the path on your left running parallel to the road; when you reach a field, turn 90° to the right, following the edge of the field.

Turn right at the vineyard. Wind your way through the vines (markings on the ground on stones); at the end, turn left onto the path, then right at the end of the plot on the left, and left again at the junction.

(2) After 50 m, turn right between two rows of vines towards the woodland, follow the edge of the woodland and go down a flight of steps.

(3) Turn left onto a path that climbs straight ahead for about 300 m, then turn right, walking alongside a vineyard on your left until you reach a hedge. Take a small passage on the left into a descending sunken path, walk behind the houses and arrive at the bridge over the road.

(4) Turn left before the bridge via a flight of steps (a tricky section) and walk alongside the River Sanguèze, past the Gallo-Roman bridge. Continue north-east.

(5) Turn left onto the uphill path to reach, straight ahead, the junction from the outward journey.

(3) Carry on straight towards the village along the tarmac road, turn left into Rue d’Anjou, then right after No. 42 between two buildings to rejoin the path from the outward journey.

(1) Turn left and follow the path back in the opposite direction as far as the chapel (S/E).

Wear sturdy shoes and take water with you in hot weather.
There is a tricky section with steep steps, particularly in wet weather.

The Fleurancellerie Chapel was built in gratitude for the protection of a smuggler who narrowly escaped death at the hands of the gabelous (customs officers under the Ancien Régime who collected salt tax).
The Gallo-Roman bridge at La Ducherie, once crossed by a Roman road (^{1st century} , Middle Ages), spans the Sanguèze. It is said that during the Hundred Years’ War, a terrible battle took place on the banks of a small river. Filled with blood, the river burst its banks. It has been known as ‘la Sanguèze’ ever since.
Make the most of the winegrowers’ cellars to sample their wines in moderation and visit their estates.
A 14 km route ‘in the footsteps of the gabelous’ starting and finishing at the same point.