Foot path of Jouvayrac
1 - SOME DIRECTIONS
Departure point: Martrin - village square
Average duration: 2,15 hours
Distance: 7 Km
Map: I.G.N. N° 2441 West
 
2 - ROUTE DESCRIPTION
On the village square take the road that leads between two houses direction of the big crucifix. Arriving above the stadium go to the small parcelled out terrain. At the workshop of the black smith go left direction of the plateau of Martrin dominating the village. Left on the road over the mountain ridge.
Arrivng at the ridge, turn right to Bertarié. With fine weather you will have a splendid view. Arriving at the asphalt road go right a few meters and at the crossing with a sandy path left. Down right you see a roof of big old flag stones of la Fontaine Sanctuaire of St. Clement. The path leads down to the bottom of the valley and goes up again to Frayssinette , this path is used frequently by cows and sheep. Behind the stable you leave the farm yard and after a few meters you take the path on your right. This path, in early days used by ox cars goes up to the edge of the woods of Mas de Clary and La Glauzure. Soon you will see the hamlet Jouvayrac. It counted in the beginning if this century about 12 houses. Now a days only 2 of 4 families live there whole year round. In the hamlet turn left and take the path leading down to the stream. For the climb to Martrin you need some extra air, because the level of height is very different! The chestnut woods that in early days was part of Commanderie of Martrin is now divided in many lots. (Half way you have the opportunity to return to Bertarié by turning left at a junction marked with arrows) Arriving at the plateau turn left; your efforts will be rewarded by a beautiful panorama and the bell tower of Martrin (especially on top of the water tower). In front of the crucifix you will find the junction, turn right to start your descend to the village.
 
3 - HISTORY AND NICE TO KNOW
The road over the ridge on the plateau of Martrin, offers a splendid panorama:
- in the south the whole mountain range of Lacaune, with the Montalet with a height of 1259m;
- in the south east the valley of Rougier of Camarès wit hits typical colours;
- in the east the fore runners of the Causses in the neighbourhood of Saint Afrique and the Grands Causses of Larzac, with the white cliffs of limestone;
- in the west finally, the mountains of Albigeois (the kathars).
During your descend direction Frayssinette you will discover La Fontaine Sanctuaire de St. Clement. This small restored building protects a well that was worshipped in early days and still now some parents who received children with leg problems exclaim: "Es Clemensous" . They take the oath to let the child be baptised in the well. Take the time to visit Martrin before or after your trip. From the old headquarters of the Hospitaliers de St. Jean of Jerusalem, many buildings are still intact, of which some are still inhabited. The gallery of the bell tower was build in 1392 to serve as shelter for the inhabitants The church was rebuild in, but the chapel dates from 1490: in the middle you will find the tomb of the commander "Penavayre du Sales" (15th century). There are gothic inscriptions in the decorated cover. The 2 columns at the Roman castle stand next to a frame with an illustration of St. Clement.
Note: Sometimes foot paths of Martrin run parallel to other trails; so you can also study the remarks of other route descriptions in order to even better get acquainted with the village and its wealth!
 

HOMEPAGE

1 - Brasc
2 - La Bastide
3 - Vérouls
4 - La Capelle de la Mole
5 - Farret 
6 - Jouvayrac
7 - Cayla
8 - La Marquié
9 - Saint-Igest
10 - Suc d'Armont
11 - Saint-Laurent
12 - Saint-Juéry