Hiking - The Grand Tour of the Plateau, Malleval no. 4
Perched on its rocks, the village of Malleval can be seen from different angles: you can view it from above, from the viewpoint near the Madone, or from the cemetery cross on the opposite slope. You get an overall view of its linear shape along the main street. Conversely, you can see it from below, looking up from the Batalon or Epervier valleys. You will then understand why this ancient stronghold was located here, a strategic gateway protecting the access between the Rhône valley and the Forez mountains. The paths described in this booklet not only show you these viewpoints but also the work that was done to tame nature and make it productive: controlling the slopes with numerous terraces for vineyards, choosing the best exposures to improve quality, and all the small heritage features linked to this activity: dry stone terraces, access stairs between each level, vineyard huts, and more. You will appreciate the coolness of the few wooded sections, surrounding the ravines where streams flow in the off-season but run dry in summer. The trails you are hiking were the only access to the village until the end of the 19th century, when the current roads were designed, allowing Malleval to "emerge from its rocks". Appreciate their layout and spare a thought for those who had only these paths to get around, not so long ago.
Head towards the factory to the north, then go up to the right at the boules court. Cross the road to take the Chemin des Crozes. At the road, turn right then left towards Natuel. Bear left. After the stream, you will pass a wash house; go around it to the left and head back up towards the vineyards. After two bends and a good climb, you will reach Chanson. Rejoin the road that leads you towards Chantel. Turn left; the road continues as a trail that descends into the Palouze valley. Go up on the other side along the sunken lane bordered by a wall. At the top of the slope, turn left. After a few hundred metres, take the grassy path on the left to the hamlet of Morzelas. Go around the house on the right; another grassy path will take you to a road, which you follow to the left. Go straight on to Saut de l’Agneau, the highest point in the village. You have just joined the GR trail, which can take you all the way to Le Puy and even to Santiago de Compostela.
When Bessey comes into view, leave the GR by turning left. Rejoin the road and turn left, then enter the hamlet of Chazeau via a path on the left. Stay on this path until the bottom, where you will meet the road again on a bend. Further down, a path to the left leads you to the factory and then to the car park.
⚠️ Warning: road with heavy traffic, please be careful.
Everyone is responsible for their own safety. Therefore, you undertake these hikes at your own risk. Please stay on the marked trails to protect fragile environments.
A few recommendations:
- Check the weather forecast before you set off
- Some routes cross busy roads: Be careful
- Keep dogs on a lead
- Do not light fires
- Take your litter home with you
- Admire the flowers, do not pick them.
- Tick bites can cause serious illnesses. As a preventive measure: Wear clothing that covers your skin, use insect repellent, check yourself upon your return, remove ticks with a tick remover without applying any substance to them, and consult a doctor if redness or flu-like symptoms appear, or if you are in an at-risk group.
- For emergency services, dial 18 or 112.