The ridges of Montagna-le-Templier

A lovely circular walk along the Saint-Julien forest track and the Montagna ridge with views over the Suran valley. Very few tarmac sections on this route. The best option is to take a packed lunch and find a nice spot to enjoy it.

Details

35777862
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.55 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 221 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 222 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 513 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 351 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(S/E) From Moulin Burignat (where you can park, camp and have dinner), head towards the village.

(1) At the stop sign, carry straight on until the junction (stone cross). Turn right past the cemetery.

(2) Turn right immediately afterwards. After a 10-minute gentle climb, continue along the path through the woods heading due north, ignoring any side paths.

(3) Continue along the path to the left. A little further on, to the left, there is a picnic table. Continue straight on and start the descent, passing under the red and white barrier. Leave the woods and walk along the fields to join the GR®9.

(4) Continue along the road, turning left towards Saint-Julien and joining the D3 (Route d'Arinthod).

(5) At the crossroads, turn left onto the D-road.

(6) Just before entering Saint-Julien, turn right before the large sign. Follow the red and white marked GR® trail to the Town Hall Square with the fountain, where you leave theGR® for a yellow-markedPR ®.

(7) Opposite the fountain, head left up Rue des Maréchaux. Continue straight on along the ridge path, heading due south. There are plenty of views of the valleys to enjoy!

(8) At the fork, turn left, leaving thePR® (follow the Yellow Cross) and continue.

(9) At the next fork, turn left, cross the clearing to the right to rejoin the path through the forest. Further down, at the junction near the 526m mark, turn right and follow the ridge of Mont Charrue. Head towards Montagna-le-Templier.

(10) Head down to the left into Rue de la Côte, then turn left at the bottom of this street. Pass to the right between the fountain and the town hall and continue down the street which joins Rue des Léchères.

(11) Cross the bridge, continue along this street, then carry on along Rue du Petit Montagna.

(1) At the crossroads, turn right onto the road you started on to return to the mill (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 359 m - Burignat Mill
  2. 1 : km 0.18 - alt. 355 m - Junction of the circular loop
  3. 2 : km 0.49 - alt. 360 m - Cemetery
  4. 3 : km 3.63 - alt. 428 m - Bois du Roi
  5. 4 : km 4.71 - alt. 410 m - GR junction
  6. 5 : km 4.93 - alt. 398 m - D3
  7. 6 : km 5.12 - alt. 388 m - Entrance to Saint-Julien
  8. 7 : km 5.67 - alt. 390 m - Town Hall Square
  9. 8 : km 8.22 - alt. 505 m - Fork in the path where the yellow markings end
  10. 9 : km 8.34 - alt. 504 m - Fourche
  11. 10 : km 10.48 - alt. 375 m - Rue de la Côte
  12. 11 : km 10.78 - alt. 354 m - Pont de la Doye
  13. S/E : km 11.55 - alt. 358 m - Burignat Mill

Notes

Water fountain and shops in Saint-Julien.
Bring trainers or walking shoes as the ridge path is stony.

Worth a visit

Moulin Burignat is a farm that breeds snails and offers tourist accommodation and a table d’hôte.
Every Thursday evening in July and August, at 6pm, you can take a guided tour (free of charge) and at 8pm enjoy a snail-based meal (booking required). You can also stay overnight or have dinner in the evening (booking required).
A 5-minute drive away, you can also visit the Moulin de Pont des Vents eco-museum.

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

4.2 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
3.6 / 5
Primot Masson
Primot Masson

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk with lovely paths and stunning views above Saint Julien. We’d love to do it again!

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Michelle 05
Michelle 05

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk through the woods

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Chris39
Chris39

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk, mostly in the shade and ideal for dogs

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mitchc
mitchc

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Very busy route : No

The route is not well maintained (tall grass infested with ticks, etc.), and the view is obstructed. Some pruning would be welcome.

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DenisBurel
DenisBurel

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk without too many difficulties, apart from a few brambles to step over at the end of the ridges on the way down to Montagna-le-Templier (as there’s quite a lot of foot traffic). The signposting is fine. Thanks!

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