PR 19 : La table basaltique de Chastel

From the bocage plains of Saignes, set off to conquer Chastel-Marlhac, an impressive rocky promontory and thousand-year-old fortress with a tormented past.

A site naturally defended by high basalt cliffs, the Chastel-Marlhac plateau has been the site of archaeological discoveries that bear unmistakable witness to a Celtic and later Gallo-Roman presence.
In the Middle Ages, the site became a coveted fortress, containing crops, an orchard, a pond and abundant springs.

Departure point: Place de la Poste, Saignes. From Place de la Poste in Saignes, take the D30 towards Le Monteil. After 300 m, turn left towards La Vigne.

Alternative: Just off the trail, don't miss the village of Chastel-Marlhac and its beautiful church, as well as the 3 belvederes, offering remarkable panoramic views.