Location and surroundings
The hill is situated in the Lyonnais Hills, a range forming part of the Northeastern Massif Central, itself within the wider Central Massif and the Central European Highlands. Located in France, within the region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and the municipality of Saint-Étienne in the district of Loire, it stands as the highest of 78 named peaks in the Lyonnais Hills. The landscape surrounding the summit features rolling terrain typical of the region, interspersed with nearby villages, agricultural lands, and open paths.
Neighbouring peaks
Crêt Malherbe is surrounded by several nearby hills and passes within the same range:
- Roche Loup (hill), 902 m, 0.5 km W
- Crêt des Séchères Est (hill), 936 m, 0.9 km NE
- But d'Arpin (hill), 920 m, 1.0 km S
- Crêt des Séchères Ouest (hill), 924 m, 1.1 km N
- Crêt de la Chipière (hill), 914 m, 1.3 km NE
- Signal de Saint-Andre (peak), 934 m, 9.3 km NE
- Crêt des Courtines (peak), 933 m, 10.8 km N
- Le Châtelard (peak), 741 m, 11.5 km N
Standing at 943 metres, Crêt Malherbe surpasses all these immediate neighbours, holding the position of highest elevation in the Lyonnais Hills.
The view from the summit
From the top of Crêt Malherbe, visitors can look out over the surrounding countryside. On clear days, distant higher summits within a 25 km radius come into view towards the south, including Crêt de la Perdrix at 1,432 m (23.0 km S), Crêt de Botte at 1,387 m (22.9 km S), Crêt du Bois Graizé at 1,364 m (24.2 km S), La Chaux de Toureyre at 1,292 m (20.9 km SE), Le Sapey at 1,100 m (19.6 km S), and Les Communaux Est at 1,052 m (19.6 km SE). These peaks offer a broad vista across the landscape of the region.
The range
The range to which Crêt Malherbe belongs is the Lyonnais Hills, which form part of the Northeastern Massif Central, nested inside the Central Massif within the broader Central European Highlands. The Lyonnais Hills contain 78 named peaks, with Crêt Malherbe standing as the highest elevation of the entire range at 943 metres. The range itself is characterized by moderate elevations, rolling green slopes, and extensive networks of rural tracks connecting the local settlements across the countryside.
On and around the hill
Visitors exploring the summit area will find a Table d orientation viewpoint located 180 m E of the top, providing geographic orientation for the surrounding views. Further down the slopes, a cross stands 680 m S of the summit. OpenStreetMap data also maps communication infrastructure in the wider area, including 40 mobile phone and other communication masts within 10 km, the nearest situated 910 m NE of the top.
Getting there
Access to the area around Crêt Malherbe is supported by several nearby settlements and infrastructure points. The nearest village is Lamure, located 1.3 km E, which also features a bus stop for public transport. Other nearby settlements include Marcenod (2.0 km SW), L'Aubépin (2.8 km NE), and Châtelus (3.3 km NW). For visitors arriving by car, there are 4 car parks within 2 km of the summit, with the nearest located 1.3 km E.
Walking to the top
Walkers can approach Crêt Malherbe from nearby starting points such as the village of Lamure, situated 1.3 km E of the top at an elevation of about 830 m. From there, the route involves walking about 1.7 km on foot with a height gain of 110 m. Based on standard walking calculations, this ascent takes roughly 25 to 40 minutes, though actual path conditions and personal walking speeds may vary.
Climate and weather
Weather data for the summit of Crêt Malherbe is based on estimates from NASA POWER climate records covering the years 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the top reaches its warmest in July at about 18 °C and its coldest in January at about 0 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit during ten months of the year: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 700 mm annually, with May being the wettest month at about 75 mm and February the driest at about 35 mm.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Crêt Malherbe is during the warmer months when the summit temperatures are comfortably above freezing. From March through December, mean monthly temperatures at the top stay above 0 °C, peaking in July at about 18 °C. Spring and summer months generally offer pleasant conditions for walking, though visitors should check local weather forecasts and be prepared for changing conditions, particularly regarding precipitation, which peaks around May.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Crêt Malherbe consists of the typical rolling hills, woodlands, and rural pastures of the Lyonnais Hills. Vegetation includes mixed deciduous forests, open meadows, and scrubland common to the lower elevations of the Central Massif. Local wildlife comprises small mammals, woodland birds, and various insect species typical of French rural uplands. Walkers should remain mindful of seasonal ticks in grassy or wooded areas during warmer months.
Practical tips
An outing to Crêt Malherbe requires standard preparation for a low mountain walk. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to potential mud on paths after rain, and a windproof layer should be carried to counter breezes at the open summit. Walkers should be alert to ticks in wooded and grassy sections during warmer periods and stay on established tracks. In the event of an emergency in the mountains, dial 112 to reach competent rescue services such as the gendarmerie Pghm or CRS Montagne.
History and name
The hill of Crêt Malherbe is situated on the territory of the municipality of Marcenod. Historically and geographically recognized as the highest point of the Lyonnais Hills, the summit has long served as a quiet observation point over the surrounding departments and regions, remaining relatively discreet and less frequented compared to other prominent ridges in the wider area.
Interesting facts
Crêt Malherbe holds the distinction of being the highest of 78 named peaks in the Lyonnais Hills, rising to an elevation of 943 metres. Despite its status as the high point of the range, it remains a quiet and lesser-known summit compared to nearby viewpoints such as the Signal de Saint-Andre. The hill is located within the municipality of Saint-Étienne and the district of Loire, bridging local landscapes in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.
FAQ
How high is Crêt Malherbe? Crêt Malherbe reaches an elevation of 943 metres.
Where is Crêt Malherbe located? It is located in France, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Loire district, and the municipality of Saint-Étienne, forming part of the Lyonnais Hills.
How do I get to Crêt Malherbe? The nearest village is Lamure, located 1.3 km east, which offers a bus stop, nearby car parks, and a walking route to the summit.
What is on top of Crêt Malherbe? The summit area features a Table d orientation viewpoint located 180 m east of the top and a cross situated 680 m south.
What can I see from the summit? The top offers views across the surrounding countryside, with distant higher summits visible towards the south, including Crêt de la Perdrix and Crêt de Botte.
Which hills are near Crêt Malherbe? Nearest neighbouring elevations include Roche Loup 0.5 km west, Crêt des Séchères Est 0.9 km northeast, and But d'Arpin 1.0 km south.
Where can I find drinking water near Crêt Malherbe? A source of drinking water is located 1.4 km east of the summit.
How long does it take to walk up Crêt Malherbe? Walking from the nearby village of Lamure involves about 1.7 km on foot and 110 m of height gain, taking roughly 25 to 40 minutes as a rough estimate from distance and height gain.
How is the mobile phone coverage on Crêt Malherbe? There are 40 communication masts mapped within 10 km, with the nearest 910 m northeast, making a signal likely on the open top, though coverage can be patchy in valleys and behind ridges; 112 always reaches emergency services over any available network and maps should be downloaded before setting out.