Description
A lovely little loop to enjoy the joys of the countryside! The hilly and accessible landscape of the Pays de Saint-Marcellin will delight everyone.
From La Belle Via, drive through Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Marcellin, and Chatte. As you leave, the port path on the right will gradually take you up country roads to Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye. Before you get there, take a break at the Chapaize pond, where the Miripili theme park - Pirate Island - is also located.
As you continue along the road, a lovely view of the valley appears. Continuing on, you'll arrive at one of the most beautiful villages in France: Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye. Stop in the medieval village to discover its many treasures: stroll through its pretty streets, visit its museum, meet its artisans, and don't forget to admire its impressive abbey church.
Leaving the village, you'll quickly find yourself in the countryside, surrounded by walnut groves. You'll climb another 100 meters to reach Saint-Appolinard. Along your way, you'll find the chapel of Saint-Jean-le-Fromental. Then, to your delight, a view of the mountains opens up as you begin your descent.
After Chevrières, you'll head back up to descend into the valley via a small road on the left. Be careful, it's steep! You'll then complete your loop by returning to Saint-Marcellin to reach La Belle Via.
Step-by-step itinerary
Follow the Chemin des Ports for 2.4 km. At the intersection with the Route de Saint Antoine, cross straight ahead, staying vigilant on the Route de Chapaize. Continue for 6 km to the Route de Chatte.
Along the way, don't hesitate to take a break at the Chapaize pond, where the Miripili theme park - Pirate Island is also located, much to the delight of children.
As we get back on the road, a pretty view of the valley appears. Continue the road in a southwesterly direction towards Aux Cizières towards D27. Then turn right onto Aux Cizières/D27 for 41m and immediately turn right onto Mas de Champeux then 450m further on turn left onto Au Larys, continue straight on to Chabeaudière Croix des Ram. At the intersection turn right onto Av. of March 19, 1962/D27. Very quickly turn right onto Rue de la Ménagerie then 300 m later continue on Grande rue. You are now in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in France: Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye. Stop in the medieval village to discover its many treasures: stroll through its pretty streets, visit its museum, meet its artisans, and don't forget to admire its impressive abbey church. Leaving the village, turn right onto the D27 on the road to Col de la Madeleine and you will quickly find yourself in the countryside among the walnut groves. Drive 300m then stay right on the Col de la Madeleine road. Continue for another 350m at the intersection and turn right onto À Theyzin/ Rte de Saint-Jean le Fromental then drive for 1.8km. You will encounter slopes of 7% on this section. You climb another 100 meters to reach Saint-Appolinard. On your way is the chapel of Saint-Jean-le-Fromental. Then, to the delight of your eyes, a view of the mountains opens up at the start of the descent. At the intersection with the Bâtie de la Rivoire road, turn left to stay on the Rte de Saint Jean de Fromental. You have almost reached the highest point. Continue for 500m and turn right to stay on Rte de Saint-Jean le Fromental, last small climb you arrive at the highest point. Continue for 1.1km on Rte des Barmes then on L'Arenier and finally on Grand Champ. At the intersection, take a slight right onto Montluisant/D20 to the village of Saint Appolinard. In the center of the Village, turn left. Turn left onto Le Village, continue on Bramafam for 1.1 km then turn completely right onto the D20A/route de Bessins for 850 m. At the intersection, turn left onto Prte and la Gariolle and continue to the village of Chevrières. After Chevrières, you will go back up to go back down into the valley by taking a small road on the left. Careful, it's steep! After the village, head northwest towards Chem. of Catelle and Corin. At the intersection turn left onto Chemin de Saint Marcellin and continue for 2.6 km. You arrive at an intersection at the place called Chevrières, turn completely left then right onto Rue de Bas Plan. At this point, you have just passed the last climb and will now begin the descent. Drive to the no entry sign and follow Rue Savouret. Turn left to stay on Rue Savouret. After 300m, turn left onto Av. from Saulaie/D518. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Av. from Saint-Vérand, turn right to stay on Av. of Saint-Vérand. Continue on Rue des Récollets, then on Rue Jean Baillet and continue on Pl. of the Church. Take a right onto Grande Rue then a left onto Rue de Beauvoir then left again onto Pl. Bayard Castle/D1092. Finally, after 550m, turn right; you are now on the Izeron road where you started this hike. Continue downhill to reach La Belle Via.














