We tested for you: The strong men trail in Villebois
Our guide Ketty allows himself to be led by his dog through the strong men's path, at the Villebois quarry. A real delight for the eyes. Follow the leader !
For preparing
Difficulty : No
Distance: 1.6km one way / 3.2km round trip
Elevation: 37m
Departure : Car park between the station road and the millstone path
GPS coordinates : 45.845740, 5.431109
Point of arrival before return: Orange career
Public toilets : Allée des Tilleuls, towards the roundabout 250m from the car park. 45.846416, 5.433725
The strong men interpretive trail has just been inaugurated, it makes me curious! I went to see the quarries in winter, under the snow, a year ago. Today, no snow, it is warm at the end of winter. It's perfect for an afternoon of discovery. I choose to park a little before the sensitive natural spaces car park to enjoy a small view of the Rhéby while crossing the bridge.
This is an opportunity to meet walkers with their dogs, who take advantage of the cool water to have a little fun. After a very short walk along the chemin des millstones, here I am at the entrance to the interpretation trail. A car park is located nearby, making the career easily accessible to all. It is possible to put your bike in the spaces provided to quietly enjoy the first explanatory stations.
Nature and culture discovery
Here we first discover the old millstone quarry. We learn more about the "choin" of Villebois, why this rock is striped and how it was formed. Continuing the path, a small half-standing house takes shape. It's the old forge. We are told about the tools and the hard work of the quarrymen, among other things. The stations are well illustrated and very easy to understand. I pass the antenna, turn right and find on the way a silhouette drinking a shot. Go chick, I imitate! Well, unlike that iron man, I don't drink the local wine but the water from my canteen because it's starting to get very hot. The plateau is uncovered and the rock under our feet brings out a little mineral scent.
Who are the strongest?
Vegetation is undemanding to grow in this environment. Fascinating nature!
Here is the plateau of the Octave and its cross looming. My faithful 4-legged explorer is playing with a nice sidekick, which gives me time to find out why this trail is so named. You had to be strong to move and then carry these huge blocks. Special mention to the brave donkeys who took on this heavy task. A wagon wheel catches our attention, we go to see it and continue our adventure to the last station, that of the Orange quarry.
On the quarry trail
The trail is beautiful, peaceful. The stone dominates, but the greenery that takes over the smallest possible space softens everything. I take advantage of the view of the Bugey or the roofs of the village, below, as soon as possible.
Just before entering the hamlet of Bouis, I turn left. The quarry is a little hidden because nature has taken over. I'm "Indiana Jones" looking for the lost stone. Abandoned, the quarry is timid and shows despite everything, if you know how to look a little, superb working faces and blocks, placed there, for eternity. However, be careful with your feet and paws because small animals that are sometimes a little hostile also like to walk there.
The return is done with the same pleasure and with the satisfaction of having learned a little more about the local history, in all simplicity.
