Hiking - Le Bois de la Trappe - Saint-Genest-Malifaux No. 2
The Semène River has been used since the beginning of the century as a power source to supply mills and, above all, numerous sawmills, the main industry of Saint-Genest-Malifaux along with ribbon-making and logging. Along the river, one can still sometimes find here and there the ruins of old buildings and traces of millraces that brought water. The last sawmill ceased operations in 2012.
Head down rue Marcellin Champagnat towards the stadium. Halfway along, turn right onto the sandy path leading to the dam. Following the meanders of the Semène, take the "Tour du Barrage des Plats" path right, until the wall. Descend to the water's edge, cross to the left bank of the Semène River and follow the flat path immediately to the right. A shortcut is possible by only circling the dam, taking the left path. At Les Gauds, ascend left, heading south, to the village of Joubert. At the entrance to the village, take the paved road to the left. Upon reaching a large stone building (former ADAPEI institute), turn left after the buildings onto the path climbing north towards the woods. On the flat section, behind the last house, turn right onto the forest-edge path to return to the crossroads with the road. Follow this road eastwards to the houses of "Les Fournaches". Turn left onto the dirt path, and follow it through the woods on the steep slope to rejoin the "Tour du Barrage" path, which you follow by turning right until you take a section of the paved road,
then turn left onto the riverside path bordered by tall grass towards the sports complex. Cross the Semène and follow it along the right bank
to return to the starting point.
Head down rue Marcellin Champagnat towards the stadium. Halfway along, turn right onto the sandy path leading to the dam. Following the meanders of the Semène, take the "Tour du Barrage des Plats" path right, until the wall. Descend to the water's edge, cross to the left bank of the Semène River and follow the flat path immediately to the right. A shortcut is possible by only circling the dam, taking the left path. At Les Gauds, ascend left, heading south, to the village of Joubert. At the entrance to the village, take the paved road to the left. Upon reaching a large stone building (former ADAPEI institute), turn left after the buildings onto the path climbing north towards the woods. On the flat section, behind the last house, turn right onto the forest-edge path to return to the crossroads with the road. Follow this road eastwards to the houses of "Les Fournaches". Turn left onto the dirt path, and follow it through the woods on the steep slope to rejoin the "Tour du Barrage" path, which you follow by turning right until you take a section of the paved road,
then turn left onto the riverside path bordered by tall grass towards the sports complex. Cross the Semène and follow it along the right bank
to return to the starting point.
Everyone is responsible for their own safety. Therefore, hikes are undertaken at your own risk. Stay on marked trails to preserve fragile areas.
Useful Recommendations:
- Check the weather before setting out
- Some routes cross busy roads: Exercise caution
- Keep dogs on a leash
- Do not light fires
- Carry out your trash
- Admire the flowers, do not pick them.
- Tick bites can lead to serious illnesses; for prevention: wear long clothing, use repellents, check yourself upon return, remove ticks using a tick remover without applying anything to them, consult a doctor in case of apparent redness, flu-like symptoms, or if you are an at-risk individual.
- For emergencies, dial 18 or 112.