The Mont Pancu tour

The western circular route around Brussieu will take you to the summit of Mont Pancu (600 m). You will discover the slope overlooking the Cosne valley, a charming little river that you will cross twice, and in the second part of the walk, the slope overlooking the Brévenne valley. The route is mainly on paths with some sections in the forest. This is a walk for families with children who are not too young and are good walkers.

Details

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Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.87 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 329 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 329 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 590 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 423 m

Photos

Description of the walk

In Brussieu, park in the free car park at the Salle des Fêtes.

(S/E) Take the road (D636) that climbs westwards next to the Chambost stables, in the opposite direction to the village. Follow theGR® 7 and 89.

(1) After 200 m, follow theGR® trails by taking the path on the right. When you reach the flat section, turn left. You are now on the old Lyon-Bordeaux Roman road.

(2) Join the D636 and at the crossroads, go down the path on the right, following theGR®. A little further on, you will see a sign on your right for the Château de Chamousset, which you can see in front of you at the bottom of the valley. Continue and at the gate, turn right down the dirt track. Further down, cross the river via a small bridge on the right (be careful of the parapet) or, depending on the season, wade across. Continue along the path, which climbs slightly.
When you reach a small tarmac road, turn left.

(3) At the next junction, turn left, leaving theGR®7and continuing on theGR®89. Pass the houses and cross the river.

(4) After 500m, you will see two paths leading off to the left. Leave the first one and take the second one, leaving theGR®89.

(5) Further on, after 400 metres, leave the road on the left and continue climbing.

(6) Join the D636 and cross it, taking the road directly opposite.

(7) After 300 m, when you reach the farm known as "Le Blanc", take a dirt track on the left.

(8) A little further on, take the path that climbs to the right to ascend Mount Pancu. Near the summit, you will find protective barriers on your right and signs indicating the quarry in operation. It is imperative to stay on the path and not cross the barriers.

(9) Continue to the summit and begin the descent.

(10) Take the next path on the left and continue. As you leave the forest, you will overlook the Brévenne valley and see the railway viaduct above the hamlet of "Le Moulin".

(11) Continue straight ahead, pass a path on your right and arrive at a small road, then turn right. Continue for about 900 metres. The road curves sharply to the left, then descends to a right-hand bend before a slight incline.

(12) At the next bend, take the dirt track that climbs up to the left. You will walk in the shade of the trees until you reach a tarmac road that leads to a farm on the left. Turn right and climb up.

(13) After 150 m, turn right and follow the dirt track. Continue on the flat, and on your right you will have a panoramic view of the Monts du Lyonnais. Further on, begin the descent to the village.

(14) When you reach the first houses, take the tarmac road on the left and descend until you reach the village's main street.
At the crossroads, there is a metal cross on your left. Turn left, ignore the first street immediately on your right and take the next street on your right, which descends towards the village hall and car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 441 m - Parking at the Salle des Fêtes
  2. 1 : km 0.25 - alt. 470 m - GR7 & GR89, towards the Roman road
  3. 2 : km 0.73 - alt. 513 m - Les Alouettes
  4. 3 : km 1.91 - alt. 446 m - Separation of the GR7 and GR89
  5. 4 : km 2.84 - alt. 439 m - Abandonment of the GR89
  6. 5 : km 3.43 - alt. 509 m - Crossing towards Le Charmeton
  7. 6 : km 3.72 - alt. 532 m - Route D636
  8. 7 : km 4.09 - alt. 533 m - Le Blanc
  9. 8 : km 4.22 - alt. 535 m - Head towards Mont Pancu.
  10. 9 : km 4.98 - alt. 583 m - Mont Pancu
  11. 10 : km 5.39 - alt. 547 m - Head towards Lardelier.
  12. 11 : km 7.09 - alt. 467 m - Head towards Le Drillard.
  13. 12 : km 7.91 - alt. 440 m - Towards Chez Nicolas
  14. 13 : km 8.56 - alt. 518 m - Towards Marmion
  15. 14 : km 9.49 - alt. 477 m - Marmion
  16. S/E : km 9.87 - alt. 441 m - Parking at the Salle des Fêtes - Maison de la Mine d’Argent de Jacques Cœur

Notes

Free parking at the start and finish points.
Wear sturdy shoes, as some sections may be wet depending on the season.
When passing by the quarry, it is essential not to try to cross the safety barriers. Stay on the path, which is public and completely secure.

Worth a visit

TheGR®89, known as the Chemin de Montaigne, follows part of the route taken by the philosopher in 1581 during his journey from Rome to Bordeaux, where he was going to take up his new position as mayor. The GR®89 retraces this detailed route, which crosses the departments of Rhône, Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, Creuse and Haute Vienne. The trail ends just before Limoges.

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

4.7 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Michel Mayoud
Michel Mayoud

Thank you for your comment.

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Nikozion
Nikozion

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike that is very easy to follow thanks to the signposting provided by Brussieu Town Hall. (Number 2)
The landscapes are varied. It's a shame, however, that there are no views from the top of Mont Pancu because of the nearby quarry.
The hike took two hours at a good pace.

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Michel Mayoud
Michel Mayoud

Thank you very much for your comment.
Have a wonderful year with lots of great hikes!

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Mariclor
Mariclor

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful, varied and enjoyable route.

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Viviane Razafindranaly
Viviane Razafindranaly

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike. Two points to note:

At point 7, a place called Le Blanc, turn left at the post and pass between the farm buildings.
At point 11: at the end of the path, turn left onto a small tarmac road and not onto a path which itself leads to a small tarmac road.

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charpenel
charpenel

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant, peaceful walk with lovely views. Unfortunately, the water level is so low that you won't be able to dip your feet in!

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Michel Mayoud
Michel Mayoud

Thank you for your comments, and I am glad you liked the route.

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SFBrunier
SFBrunier

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 02, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely day out. The description is perfect... and the GPS track is very useful!
We varied the start, heading towards Croix Nicolas from the village of Brussieu (yellow CDIPR markings) to join the track on the way down, rather than going down to the N89 and then back up again.
Beautiful views despite a few showers.
Thanks to the creator...

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fch53
fch53

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The map is necessary, and in some places, a little hesitation. I think the authors should indicate directions using cardinal points, as this is an unambiguous reference point. But you need to have a compass and know how to use it...
A beautiful hike, and thanks to the author.

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