Route details
Description
You will find a picnic area, the "Fontaynous" picnic area, located near the washhouse and the Virgin of Fontaynous. A very shaded area with a few tables and wooden benches.
This circuit is marked in yellow PR by the Martiel heritage preservation association.
Your itinerary
Stage 1: Departure from the campsite entrance
Facing the campsite entrance, take the path on the left heading west until it intersects with a trail that leads right to the campsite bar and left to the lake. At this intersection, turn left. Continue straight for 1 km, along the lake, until you reach the place called Fontaynous. The lake is an artificial body of water that once powered two mills. It covers 23 hectares between the Lot and Aveyron departments and is classified as a ZNIEFF (natural area).
Step 2: Place called Fontaynous
In Fontaynous, you'll discover an old washhouse, a virgin, and the hamlet's built heritage. It's also a very pleasant place to stop for a picnic. Then turn right (relative to your route to the site) and after 50 meters on the road, take the first path on the right. It leads you along the edge of the lake to the dike that separates the lake into two parts.
Step 3: At the bird observation post
Cross the dike. On the left is the natural ornithological reserve. At the exit of the dyke, there is a bird observation post. Continue to your right along the lake to the level of a small wooden bridge spanning the overflow stream of the lake. Go up and then cross the main dyke of the lake. On your left, you can see the Bannac mill and its reach.
Stage 4: Return via the campsite
At the end of the dyke, turn left for about 50 m then turn right and take the path that climbs to the crossroads located near the campsite bar. Continuing straight, you find the starting point.
