Meilhan Maquis Memorial, starting from Villefranche

Park in the village square, opposite the church.

(S/E) From the village square, head down towards the church, turn right onto the D12 (take care – this is a busy road), then left onto the D538 towards Molas to reach the picnic area.

(1) Turn right onto Chemin de Ladamet, then, at the left-hand bend, continue straight ahead along the dirt track running alongside the Gimone until you reach a tarmac road.

(2) Turn right and carry on until you reach the Stop sign.

(3) Cross the D12 (take care – heavy traffic) and head up towards Gaujan via the Chemin de la Hourcade.

(4) In the village, at the statue of the Virgin Mary, turn right. When you reach the junction with Rue de l’Ancienne École, take the road going uphill to the right.

(5) At the last houses, the road becomes a farm track and veers off to the left.

(6) At the junction, turn left. Join the D291 and follow it to the right for about 800 metres, taking care.

(7) Take a short detour to the right to visit the Meilhan Maquis Memorial.

(7) Continue along the D291 and, at the first junction, head up to the right along the grassy track. At the farm, there are two animal gates to go through: make sure you close them properly. When you reach the tarmac road, turn left and join the D238.

(8) Follow it to the right for 2.6 km, passing a stud farm, and you’ll reach Villefranche d’Astarac (S/E).

Check your route on the IGN map.
The route may be muddy near the Gimone in wet weather.

A charming house on Place de Villefranche, with a remarkable bell tower.
The memorial is well worth a visit.