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Park in the car park near the post office in the centre of Sauxillanges.
Follow the blue markings.
(S/E) Go down the street and pass between the fountain and the Cluniac cloister. Go to the gate to admire it, then continue downhill. At the crossroads, turn left in front of the town hall. Then take the small street on the left to reach the Quai des Coufferts and admire the sundial on the wall on the right and the half-timbered potter's house with its basalt stone window surrounds. Cross the leat on one of the two footbridges, then in front of the half-timbered house, turn left (towards La Chassagne/Picondry).
(1) Just after the bridge, turn left towards Château Gaillard. From this place, ignore a turn-off on the left and continue straight ahead on the path. At the intersection (altitude 536, viewpoint over Sauxillanges), continue straight ahead.
(2) Join the D144 and follow it to the right for about 100 metres. At the hairpin bend, leave the road and take the path on the left towards Picondry. Keep left at the first intersection. At the next intersection (elevation 617), turn left. Join the D144 and follow it to the left with caution. Cross it about a hundred metres further down to climb up to the right into the woods and arrive at Picondry. Panorama on the left, possibility to visit the volcano on the right.
(3) Descend west-northwest. At the graffitied hut, turn right and continue to the departmental road, which you should cross carefully to continue through the woods and rejoin it further on.
(4) Turn left and then immediately right towards La Chassagne. From here you have a beautiful view. Before reaching this hamlet, leave the tarmac road and take the path on your left. At the end, turn right onto the grassy path. From La Chassagne, you can admire Sauxillanges, then continue and take the path into the woods at the end. Stay on the main path. A clearing in the woods allows you to see Saint-Quentin-sur-Sauxillanges. Be careful not to slip on the descent and, at the intersection, turn left and head towards La Coierie.
(5) Continue left on the path without taking the concrete footbridge. Take the wooden steps and the footbridge to reach the waterfall.
(6) Walk along the leat created around 930 by Cluniac monks.
(7) At the first house, turn right and rejoin the leat, then the restored wash house. Cross the metal footbridge, go up the street, then turn left to pass in front of the primary school and left again before arriving at the post office (S/E).
A very beautiful route this Sunday, despite the dry cold (-7°C), the sun was with us all day, magnificent views from the volcano. I would classify this hike as moderate, as it has some significant elevation changes, but it is superb in clear weather. I would recommend it.
Association / Club / Walk leader
Easy 
Visorando member
