Le Banchet

An uphill climb through countryside will take you to Saccary. From there it’s downhill along narrow paths and easy-going tracks bringing you out on the edge of the river Doux. After crossing the river you then head up the other side called le Crestet through woods of chestnut trees then downhill through pine forests. Just before the final uphill incline a refreshing break awaits you when you cross the shallow waters of the river.

1 – Arlebosc Take the small uphill road at the end of the car park then go immediately onto the steep uphill incline passing through vineyards and orchards at the beginning.2 – Malgaray Turn right onto the level track. Cross the road onto a small lane leading to Jean Gros. Go past the hamlet and turn left up into vineyards. Go through the vineyards up the green slope of the dale. Just before the hamlet Morfins turn right uphill as far as Saccary where you come out of the forest. 3 – Saccary Turn right onto the small road then the path on the left a few hundred metres further on running along the side of terraces between hamlets. At Gardon,turn right then immediately left then right again between the low walls, onto the Randocroquis trail. Turn right onto the road then left and right again onto a path going uphill into woodland that becomes wider further on. At the end, turn left into the cherry tree grove. Turn right onto the road then left between fields. To your left a narrow and sporty path takes you down into pine trees.4 - La Garenne Turn right onto the road then left when you get to the new houses and head down between the fields until you reach the main road. Cross the road. 5 - Sapet Go down the small road becoming a wide track after the chicken coop. Go onto the small lane further down and continue downhill. Turn left between orchards just after Petit Chazotte. 6 - Grand Petit Turn right between the orchards and head towards the farm les Blanchettes. After the farm turn left onto the road. At the big crossroads below take the shaded path heading towards the football pitch going along the river Doux.7 - La Passerelle Go over the footbridge and up the slope opposite. Cross the railway lines and head uphill into woodland as far as Tincey. Turn left onto the main road then onto the small quite steep lane to the right just after the bottom of the dale. Head uphill towards the main road going from Tournon to Lamastre. Cross over, heading towards Rattier.8 – Rattier Take the slightly downhill path between orchards going into a lovely chestnut tree grove. You come out onto a small road leading down to Le Crestet. Carry on along the main road going from Tournon to Lamastre and turn left down the embankment onto the road leading to the village 9 - Le Crestet Go along the small lane passing below the public toilets. Turn second left onto the small road before bearing right when you reach les Girauds and heading down to the Vallée du Doux. The rough and rather technical track goes between orchards first then a pine forest as far as the river. Go across the shallow waters of the river. However, be careful to enquire beforehand about the water level here. Over the other side turn left and carry on along the fencing of horse pastures. Go through a rather rough section along the side of the rockface paying attention to the water level there again. Go up the steep incline round the back as far as the road running above the railway line. Head uphill on the road heading towards the village of Arlebosc. 10 - La Planta Go along the road on the right for a few hundred metres then turn left when you reach Sarzier. Go under the lovely stone farm porch then onto the paved lane taking you back to the village.