Roc la Tour via Les Éteignères and Wachelot

Access to Roc la Tour is via Thilay, arriving at its base. This hidden geological site in the heart of the forest is magnificent. Whichever way you look at it – from below, or even once you’re on top, facing a magnificent view – this rock is sure to captivate you. It has stood here for millennia. Engraved slates found here prove that it was already a gathering place in prehistoric times. A legend has it that Roc la Tour is none other than the Devil’s handiwork, the result of his wrath. On the way back, you’ll discover the Neuve Fontaine washhouse and an exhibition of the washerwomen’s tools.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.72 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 909 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 896 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,322 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 495 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

The starting point is at Place de l’Église. Parking is available on the square, in front of the village hall opposite, on the bridge side. (If you plan to visit the washhouse at point (9), ask for the key at the “Amis de la Semoy” café).

(S/E) Turn right facing the church and immediately turn left onto Rue de la Motte (note the mural on the wall of the Boutique d’Antan). At the war memorial, turn right onto Rue de la Roche, which leads uphill.

(1) At the top of the street, take the stony path on the right immediately after passing the last house. Follow it to the junction with theGR®16.

(2) Follow theGR®16for 300 m to the right, heading down towards Naux.

(3) Leave theGR®16and take the path on the left towards Le Chaufour and Les Éteignères.

(4) At the crossroads, turn left and join the Route Forestière des Éteignères.

(5) Cross it and follow the path opposite.

(6) Take a small path on the right towards the Roc la Tour site.

(7) At the junction with the Roc la Tour path (visit the geological site on the right), turn sharply left, then further on continue straight ahead to descend via theGR®16to the departmental road (D31) and the Auberge de Blossette.

(8) At the inn, cross the road carefully and, on the left at the start of the road towards Haulmé, take a small path towards Wachelot and Thilay. Further on, the path turns sharply left, then right, then left again. Further on, it runs alongside the D31.

(9) You’ll arrive at the Neuve Fontaine washhouse (well worth a visit – see the start of the description). Follow the main street to the right to return to the Place de l’Église (S/E).
(Don’t forget to return the key to the Café ‘Les Amis de la Semoy’.)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 499 ft - Place de l’Église. Near the
  2. 1 : mi 0.3 - alt. 551 ft - Path on the right
  3. 2 : mi 0.9 - alt. 755 ft - GR16
  4. 3 : mi 1.07 - alt. 669 ft - Leave the GR16, turning left
  5. 4 : mi 1.9 - alt. 1,040 ft - At the junction, turn left
  6. 5 : mi 2.13 - alt. 1,070 ft - Crossing the Route Forestière des Éteignères
  7. 6 : mi 2.4 - alt. 1,207 ft - Trail junction; turn right
  8. 7 : mi 2.6 - alt. 1,322 ft - At the junction, turn left – Roc la Tour (408 m)
  9. 8 : mi 3.68 - alt. 696 ft - Road junction
  10. 9 : mi 4.47 - alt. 525 ft - Neuve Fontaine
  11. S/E : mi 4.72 - alt. 499 ft - Place de l’Église

Notes

At point (7), there’s a picnic spot nearby. Keep an eye on children: this is a rock-climbing site.

In the forest,the Visorando app is recommended

Worth a visit

At point (9), on the way back, explore the Neuve Fontaine washhouse, dating from 1905, and the exhibition of washerwomen’s tools. Before setting off, ask for the key at the “Amis de la Semoy” café. Make sure you lock it up properly when you leave.

At the point (7): Roc La Tour site, with panoramic views.

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

4.8 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Caroline70
Caroline70

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 07, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A route between a pretty village and the forest.
The Roc-la-Tour site is very beautiful, with a panoramic view of the forest. 8

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Philippe PAILLA
Philippe PAILLA

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

It is safer to follow the route on Visorando, especially between points 5 and 7.
The Roc la Tour site at point 7 is really worth seeing, it's remarkable!
The walk is really accessible to most people. A very nice hike that takes about 2½ hours.
A stop at the Auberge de Blossette is highly recommended, for a short break or a meal.
Thank you to Jean-Marc DEBOUT and VISORANDO for suggesting this outing!

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