Montagnac: Hiking on the GR40

Montagnac is a village in the commune of Solignac, through which the GR40 runs. The trail reaches the village via a grassy path that descends through a valley, then crosses the village as far as the last houses. This sequence places Montagnac within the hiking route: first, the path descends to the village, then the GR40 continues through it. If you are combining a stay with the trail, you can therefore consider both your arrival and the passage through Montagnac as parts of the stage.

Hiking on the GR40

The GR40 stage passes through the Loire gorges. On the section before reaching Montagnac, the route joins the GR70. A different connection is mentioned for Goudet: there, the GR70 branches off from the GR3. These reference points lie at different places along the route: the connection with the GR70 is before Montagnac, while the split from the GR3 takes place in Goudet. This lets you understand the route names in context without treating the respective points as the same place.

The route away from Montagnac is also described through a sequence of landmarks. Before crossing the Loire, the route reaches a junction with the GR3; the Loire is then crossed. After Montagnac, the route descends into the Loire valley. A trail junction, a river crossing and the descent into the valley are therefore distinct reference points for planning the stage. Trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

For planning, it is also helpful to distinguish between the arrival and the onward route: the arrival section describes the descent to the village and the passage through Montagnac. The route sequence from the village first mentions the junction with the GR3 and then the crossing of the Loire. This allows you to consider the two directions of the route separately rather than reading them as one single section.

History and regional shopping

The village’s history also has a precisely dated connection: on the night of 22–23 December 1943, Resistance fighters hid the statue of General Lafayette at Félix Bernard’s home in the village of Montagnac, which belongs to the commune of Solignac. The date, the statue and the named location make this event a specific episode in Montagnac’s history. For visitors looking for historical points of interest as well as the hiking route during their stay, this event offers a distinct perspective on the village.

Another local feature is the direct sales outlet at Salaisons de Montagnac, where Auvergne ham is offered. This refers to the specified product and is a separate way to connect your stay with a regional food. As sales arrangements can change, it is best to check in advance if this purchase is important to you.

Discover more destinations: La Chaise-Dieu, Les Estables, Roche-En-Régnier, Saint-Hilaire, Monistrol-D'allier, Saint Beauzire, Vieille-Brioude, Céaux-D'allègre.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Loire.