From La Collonge to Montenet

(S) Start: Saint-Nizier, La Collonge, following the red ‘Viaducs’ signs.

Leave La Collonge, heading along the small road that joins the D9 towards Saint-Nizier. After 1 km, cross the D9 towards Mr Besson’s house. Reach the cemetery and enter the village of Saint-Nizier.

(S) Walk past “l’hôtel du Midi”, a horse-riding stop on the right-hand side of the road, and continue up to the junction signposting the hamlet of Chevenal.

(1) At the crossroads, continue through the woodland towards the hamlet of La Gouttelafay (there’s a fairy tale associated with this hamlet). Go round the houses and continue along the woodland path to the Cascude stream.

(2) Follow the stream (where you’ll hopefully find enough water for the horses) towards Château de la Porte. Cross through the hamlet and rejoin the path towards Chavanne. Continue along the path through the woods.

(5) Cross the small road and rejoin the path towards Le Montenet. The Ruisseau de Pey always has water; however, watch out for fences which may block access if the meadows are closed off. Le Montenet is then 500 metres away.

Don’t forget your camera! Always take a light jumper with you to cope with the temperature differences between passing through hamlets and walking through the woodland. A fabric bucket for the horses so you can ask for water in the hamlets, and… the hoof pick as usual. Watch out for dogs – they’re everywhere. Make sure you have maps 2929ET and 2930ET with you, because if the paths aren’t well maintained, it’s always handy to be able to adjust your route.

The hamlets are small and the houses a mixed bag: yet the overall picture remains harmonious.
What about Château de la Porte – is it accessible or not?

The woods are lovely to walk through.