The Lyonnais Mountains to the Livradois-Forez region.

Travelled:213km
Visited: Col du Béal
Stay: St-Germain-l'Herm : aire free parking and services incl. electricity. GPS N45°27.602' E3°32.631'

We decided to travel through the Lyonnais Mountains then stopped at the aire in Boën to dump and fill. Looked like a good spot to stop but a bit early so we continued on. Just out of town we spotted a big fortress - Chateau de Couzan, perched on top of the hill. We followed the sign for the bus route to go there but the one car width road soon turned into a very bumpy dirt track. Not being able to turn around we had to continue until we reached the chateau. Which ended up being in ruins and closed!  So back along the track we went, breathing a sigh of relief when we were back on the 2 lane bitumin road. 

Our next stop was at the Col du Béal at altitude1390m. After having lunch looking at the views of the valley below, we walked up to a lookout with 360° views.

From here we drove to the aire in St.Germain l'Herm in the Livradois-Forez region. The town is quite small but with all the necessary shops. At an alt.1030m it seems to be very popular with many walking trail signs going through it. The aire is completely free and the parking area is big. After a walk around we sheltered in Bluey out of the cold wind and had an early dinner.