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

n°35777862
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.17 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Average

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 725 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 728 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,683 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,152 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

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

(1) At the Stop sign, carry on straight ahead until you reach 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 woodland heading due north, ignoring any side paths.

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

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

(5) At the junction, turn left onto the departmental road.

(6) Just before entering Saint-Julien, turn right before the large sign. Follow the red and white-marked GR® route to the Place de la Mairie with its fountain, where you leave theGR® to follow a yellow-markedPR ®.

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

(8) At the fork in the road, turn left, leaving thePR®® (follow the Yellow Cross) and carry on.

(9) At the next Fork in the road, turn left, cross the clearing to the right to rejoin the path through the forest. Further down, at the junction near the 526-metre mark, turn right and follow the ridge of Mont Charrue. Continue to 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 until it joins Rue des Léchères.

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

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

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,178 ft - Burignat Mill
  2. 1 : mi 0.11 - alt. 1,165 ft - Junction of the circular loop
  3. 2 : mi 0.3 - alt. 1,181 ft - Cemetery
  4. 3 : mi 2.26 - alt. 1,404 ft - Bois du Roi
  5. 4 : mi 2.93 - alt. 1,345 ft - GR junction
  6. 5 : mi 3.06 - alt. 1,306 ft - D3
  7. 6 : mi 3.18 - alt. 1,273 ft - Entrance to Saint-Julien
  8. 7 : mi 3.52 - alt. 1,280 ft - Town Hall Square
  9. 8 : mi 5.11 - alt. 1,657 ft - Fork in the road where the yellow markings end
  10. 9 : mi 5.18 - alt. 1,654 ft - Fork in the road
  11. 10 : mi 6.51 - alt. 1,230 ft - Rue de la Côte
  12. 11 : mi 6.7 - alt. 1,161 ft - Doye Bridge
  13. S/E : mi 7.18 - alt. 1,175 ft - Burignat Mill

Notes

There is a drinking 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 holiday accommodation and a table d’hôtes.
Every Thursday evening in July and August, at 6 pm, you can take a guided tour (free of charge) and, at 8 pm, enjoy a meal featuring snails (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

4.3 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
3.7 / 5
MARIEFO28
MARIEFO28

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hello, a lovely, easy walk. The first part follows wide forest tracks, so it’s in the shade. The return journey takes you along the ridges, with beautiful views, but there’s less shade and the paths are sometimes overgrown or have fallen trees blocking the way. You might want to do it the other way round to enjoy the cooler weather later in the day, but that means a steep climb at the start!

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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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