There are several beautiful walks around here like this one to the Chateau de Montlaur:
The Chateau de Montlaur sits high on the other side of the valley;
The Montlaur’s had their big castle at Aubenas. To defend the valley, they built a tower for 20 soldiers and the chapel of Saint Medard on a ‘nipple’ on the mountain, inaccessible and catching the last rays of sunshine.
It is a magical spot! You can see the village and roads below. Up there you’ll feel like you’re back in medieval times with a view of the forests, the mountains and the wind blowing in your hair.
It is an easy walk from the RN 102 but you can also include it in a walk from la Fontanita or from Mayres.
Mayres, the village closest to La Fontanita, now has 257 inhabitants, two restaurants and one bakery. Since 2017 even a cultural centre! In the old occidental language (the Patois), Mayres means “Mères” ( mothers).
Once there were ten restaurants, two factories for the production of silk and various shops. Transport was by foot or mule.
An old farmer once told me: ” In my whole life, I have been only twice to Aubenas”(the historical town 45 min. away). There were ovens, mines and foot-paths from one hamlet to another. Every year I am surprised to discover yet another corner or path of the valley.
We provide walking-maps and the French magazine “Balades” wrote an article about the walk to Montlaur. Please click on the links below for that article and a map with some of the walks.
