Landscapes and woodland around Montbrun-les-Bains

It is advisable to follow the route described, as the views unfold in a logical sequence. The walk starts beneath the market hall, which serves as a covered car park outside market hours.

(S/E) From the car park, climb the stairs to reach Rue Notre-Dame. Follow it to the left, walking up the street until you reach the sign for the Mail du Château on your right, which you follow. After two left-hand bends, take the Colombier dirt track which starts on the right.

(1) When you reach the end of the Chemin du Colombier, take a discreet path on the left, between two gates. It climbs up the slopes of the citadel. Cross a meadow; there are handles to help you get in and out. Make sure you close them properly.

(2) Immediately afterwards, on the left, the path may be blocked by the same system. Do not be misled by the ‘private road’ sign; it applies to the path on the right. The route continues easily along an unproblematic track.

(3) Turn right at the first junction. At the next junction, continue straight ahead. Then follow this track northwards for a long while until you reach a right-hand bend.

(4) Take the path on the left.

(5) After about 300 m, the path climbs to the left; it is marked by a large, clearly visible cairn. The route now heads due south and offers superb views of the surroundings of Montbrun. After a balcony-like traverse, the path begins to descend again. Keep an eye out for a path branching off to the left just as the yellow markings appear.

(6) Follow these markings to the left towards the apricot orchards you can see along the track on the other side of the valley. When you reach the track, turn right, following the markings. After the next bend to the right, the village comes into view.

(7) Further on, you have two options: follow the markings (less pleasant) or (as shown on the map) take the track leading to the house, which heads left. It naturally takes you to the castle. Then take the path that runs past the foot of the castle, in line with the church belfry. Once you reach Place de l’Église (and after taking in the stunning views), continue along Rue de la Bourgade and then Rue Notre-Dame, where you’ll find the steps near Bar à Thym that lead back to the market hall (S/E).

Explore Montbrun-les-Bains at the end of your walk, with its medieval streets and castle.