2h45 maximum excluding extensions to the Sacré-Coeur statue and Mont Avril (4h15 with the 2 extensions).
Very varied walk (vineyards, moor, village, forest) with several pretty views:
- over the Jambles valley,
- over the Saône valley,
- 360° at the top of Mont Avril.
No difficulty but good shoes are recommended, elevation gain of 200m, 20% shade (on the final uphill).
This loop does not appear on any guide in this form – the route is highlighted in pink on the IGN "Chalon-sur-Saône" map present in the gîtes.
We keep a more detailed description for our guests as well as the map with the various points of interest or directions. Please visit our page "Strolls and walks around" where you can find many ideas for enjoying Burgund nature.
In summary :
Start at the pass between Barizey, St Denis de Vaux and Jambles, and take the big path towards Russilly (lovely views of Jambles).
Walk about 30 minutes to Russilly, taking the opportunity to visit this peaceful village at the bottom of the valley.
You then have the option of going up to the Sacré-Coeur statue where the view is superb over the Saône valley and the Alps on a clear day (20 minutes, aller et retour- AR).
At Russilly church, go down to the hamlet of Charnailles.
View of Jambles from bottom of Mont Avril
At the small road, follow the signs and turn right for 50m and take the road down to Jambles (Rue de Charnailles), then go down to the road at the very bottom of the valley.
At the crossroads, take the road to the left towards St Désert for 150m. a small path goes up towards the hill of Mont Avril.
Continue after the playground/picnic area until you reach a junction with another large path that goes straight up the hill towards the summit of Mont Avril (50 minutes AR).
We recommend this return trip (no loop possible) because the view at the top of Mont Avril is magnificent over the Vallée des Vaux and the Saône...
The vegetation is typical of Natura 2000 protected limestone grasslands (a discovery trail is available at the top). There is an orientation table but little shade for picnicking.
View to the Vallée des Vaux from Mont Avril
Returning from Mont Avril, turn left to the hamlet of La Croix.
Turn right as if to return to Jambles and take a grassy path which descends gently to the road to St Désert.
Go back up the hill opposite (if you come to the lavoir by the side of the road, you have gone too far).
After the steep climb (10 minutes) you arrive at the hamlet of Brochon.
Continue up the hill in a straight line to the pass of the starting point (30 minutes).
Enjoy your walk!