Loop of Saint-Laurent-des-Combes on foot – A vineyard in relief

Your starting point is located in front of the Romanesque church of Saint-Laurent-des-Combes. -Laurent and in which the monk Emilion would have sought asylum at the time of the Saracens. An arrow holder gives you the direction of the “Boucle des Combes”. You take a path surrounded by stone walls and steps. Admire the pretty wash house carved into the stone. You arrive 150 m further on to a beautiful viewpoint over the valley. You discover the typical landscape made up of vineyards, woods and a rich rural heritage which justified the inscription of the town, part of the Jurisdiction of Saint Emilion, on the UNESCO World Heritage List under "cultural landscapes".

At the beacon, turn right into the forest. The path meanders and climbs steeply at first, then the slope eases. You arrive on the plateau between the forest and the rows of vines.

At the end of the path, you turn left. The route descends, then climbs sharply between the plots of vines (follow the markings).

You arrive on a small paved road (arrow gate). You pass in front of two stone houses, then after a small intersection, continue a few meters before taking a path on the left between the vines.

After 100 m, take the paved road to the right. At the end of this road, you will see two beautiful umbrella pines.

You continue on this path which descends gently and note the presence of a magnificent cedar, near Château Godeau. Admire the wide perspective offered to you over the valley and the hillside opposite.

After 200 m, on the bend, turn left onto a secondary path, sometimes gravelled, sometimes grassy. Follow the markings, take the downhill path and at the bottom of it, turn right.

You arrive on a paved road which is at the bottom of the valley.

Continue to the right as far as the departmental road towards the town of Saint-Laurent, and turn right.

150 m after crossing a well, turn right at the level of a magnificent lime tree. Continue on a grassy track until you reach a dangerous road.

Cross this road slightly to your left and continue on the paved road. Following this path, you find yourself on a path surrounded by vineyards. At the beacon, turn left. You join the road that you take to the right.

After crossing the railway line, turn right, follow the edge of the road and pass in front of the old station. Take a left, a hundred meters further on, to enter Parc Jean-Louis Faure, where you will find a pleasant and relaxing setting; Picnic tables are available there.

You cross the Park and turn right. Walk along the vineyard and turn left onto a grassy path.

You arrive on a paved road that you take to the left. After about fifty meters, turn right, in the undergrowth, on a dirt road. You go deeper into the forest. Follow the markings carefully because the path forks several times.

You cross a paved road, and continue on the dirt road towards a magnificent bamboo grove. Turn left and continue up to the vineyards, before reaching a new tarmac road. Turn right and enjoy the view over the hills.

After about 500 m, turn right at the stone marker, then after 200 m turn left into a dirt road along the vines. You pass under the railway and turn right at the bottom of the embankment. Arrived at the paved road, turn left and continue crossing a first intersection, up to the secondary road. Turn right and follow this road, remaining alert to traffic.

After 200 m, take a grassy path to the left and carefully follow the markings which will take you to the foot of a staircase. The view of the valley is splendid. The staircase is steep and leads you on the way to your starting point. There, think of all the prestigious sites and names that await you around and take the time to enjoy them... with moderation.