Hiking - From the Hamlets to the Fontaines Aqueduct - Rochetaillé No. 2

Discover panoramic views stretching from the Monts du Forez to the Monts du Lyonnais as you pass through the hamlets, and admire the hydraulic heritage of the Gouffre d’Enfer valley.

WARNING: For hikes along the Furan river, check for flood risks before you set off by visiting www.vigicrues.gouv.fr

From the Echenaux car park, take the Route du Mas to the first bridge. Just after the bend, take the small path that overlooks the road. Continue to Le Breuil, following Parc trail no. 4 (brown and white). In the hamlet, leave the Parc trail markers and go straight up the sunken path towards the cross. Continue on the main path to reach the hamlet of La Driguière and follow the GR 42 trail uphill.

At the fire department connection point, take the path downhill to the right towards the relay mast and make your way to Les Essertines. Cross the D8 road carefully and go down the path in front of the old washhouse. At the end of the path, you will reach the Aqueduc des Fontaines. Continue right along the aqueduct (you can turn left to see La Ventellerie, the Pont Aqueduc, and the Pas du Riot Dam) and follow the VTT (mountain bike) trail no. 23 markers, which will lead you to the Maison du Garde.

You will overlook the Fausse Rivière and the Gouffre d’Enfer Dam. Go down the paved road, and at the first bend, continue straight ahead, following the Tour du Parc trail markers (brown and white). Pass La Javel and La Roche Corbière. Continue along the aqueduct, then follow the road to get back to the village.

⚠️ Caution, this is a busy road, please be careful.

Everyone is responsible for their own safety. Therefore, all hikes are undertaken at your own risk. Please stay on the marked trails to protect fragile environments.

A few recommendations:

• Check the weather forecast before you leave.


• Some routes cross busy roads: Be careful.


• Keep dogs on a leash.


• Do not light any fires.


• Take your litter home with you.


• Admire the flowers, do not pick them.


• Tick bites can lead to serious diseases; for prevention: wear clothing that covers your skin, use insect repellent, check your body upon your return, remove any ticks with a tick remover tool without applying anything to them, and consult a doctor in case of redness, flu-like symptoms, or if you are in an at-risk group.


• For emergency services, dial 18 or 112.