Tour of the Citadel from Montbrun-les-Bains

A varied route offering beautiful views of the village’s surroundings. It is advisable to follow it in the direction described, as the viewpoints then unfold in a logical sequence.

(S/E) From the car park beneath the market hall, 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 upwards. After two left-hand bends, take the Chemin de terre du Colombier which starts on the right.

(1) When you reach the end of the path, take a discreet track 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 to the left, along an easy track.

(3) Turn left at the first junction. Shortly after passing the apricot orchard on your left, ignore the small path leading uphill on the right and follow the track. After the next bend to the right, the village comes into view.

(4) Further on, you have two options: follow the signposts (less pleasant) or (as shown on the map) take the track opposite leading to the house. This naturally takes you to the castle.

(5) 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 yourself at the Bar à Thym. The steps will take you back to the market hall (S/E).

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