This was an easy and scenic hike in the valley of the river La Bonne this Saturday (12.9.). We had been in the area before but did not have much luck with the weather. This time we had more good weather than we wished.  We started the hike (14.5km in 4h 15mins, D+/D- 404m) in the town of Valbonnais by following a canal that gently rose to the valley of river La Malsanne. It was a comfortable walk in the shade. Then we descended to the town Entraigues, and followed the river La Bonne back to Valbonnais.

We found this historic monument at the start of the hike:

The shade that the canal (GR 50: Tour de Valbonnais-Beaumont) offered was a real treat on this very hot day. The hike started with a steepish climb from the town, and went uphill,  although barely recognizably, all the way to Pont de la Barriere, where we turned back to the direction of Entraigues and then Valbonnais.

The short section between la Barriere and Entraigues travelled in the forest as well. We found several small and larger white capped mushrooms.

The return trip followed the River La Bonne and was mostly in the sun. We finished the hike walking around the lake at ‘Base de loisirs’ (“leisure centre”) in Valbonnais. Surprisingly, the place was not crowded on this hot day. When we were returning to our car, parked by the church, we met a couple of elderly ladies who asked if we need help in directions; actually the other one came out from her garden. Apparently Valbonnais is such a small place, that everyone immediately knows when they see a tourist. We found a shortcut back and some wine grapes and hops growing by the trail.