The path descends into the spectacular Allier gorge, dropping steeply to the river before climbing back out through dense woodland. The gorge is one of the wildest landscapes in the Massif Central, with the river carving through dark basalt rock far below.

Watch for the ruined medieval fortress above the village of Monistrol-d'Allier, perched dramatically on the gorge edge. The chapel of the Madeleine, carved into the cliff face, dates from the 12th century.

Saugues is a small market town that was the gateway to the Gevaudan, a region terrorised in the 1760s by a mysterious beast (La Bete du Gevaudan) that killed over 100 people. A statue of the beast stands in the town square.