POULIN Gérard

A historical and cultural route on the border between Puisaye and Forterre, with some beautiful views.

Discover the sources of the Seine catchment area, wash houses and scenic viewpoints.

Marked trail No. 7.A hike focusing on springs and wash houses. All these springs feed the Paris Basin via the water table and the Seine via the Loing. Superbly well-marked route (No. 7) with no damage to the natural environment (no more paint on trees, monuments or houses). This route can be done on horseback or by mountain bike (in the opposite direction if possible).

In Vercors, discover sharp limestone pavements, wildlife and flora. Hike from La Molière towards the east via Le Sornin (medium mountain range).

A very pleasant walk in all seasons across the plain and through the woods, climbing to the region’s highest point (363 m). Along the ancient Roman road, discover the old underground limestone quarries, which were used to build the region’s houses and bridges. Magnificent panoramic views stretch out on either side of this road, which once linked Auxerre to Nevers, with Entrains-sur-Nohain as its main junction.

From this old pottery village, discover the ponds and small paths that make Puisaye so charming. If you are keen on wildlife or landscape photography, you will be delighted. If you are discreet, you will be able to see many varieties of ducks on the ponds, as well as herons and egrets. Sometimes you may be surprised by the passage of deer or roe deer and even nutria along the Loing.

From the hamlet of Le Truc at the north-eastern entrance to the village of Autrans, you can access La Molière mountain and discover the Isère valley and the city of Grenoble through a gap in the mountain. Higher up, you will see all the mountains surrounding Grenoble and its region. Don't look for the "pas" (step) of the bear as a paw print because, here as is often the case in the mountains, "pas" is a diminutive of "passage" (passage).

From the village, this path follows part of the ridges of the hill separating the two natural regions of Puisaye to the west and Forterre to the east.

Starting from St Julien church, follow the paths to reach the Moulin de Hausse Côte.

Marked route No. 22. Passing by the cathedral of Puisaye, a tour of the heights to discover vast horizons, alternating landscapes of large-scale farming and forests, dotted with springs. And then, Perreuse, a magnificent village with a rich history.

Marked route No. 21.A very pretty route for a short family hike, discovering the Vrille at the very beginning of the route with a ford crossing on the Pont des Canards, then, after the Croix Saint-Jean, another crossing on a stone bridge (the springs are a few hundred metres away). On the way back, you pass in front of the Saint-Symphorien church.

Walk in the footsteps of Charlemagne’s grandsons and discover the battlefield of Fontenoy, where Charlemagne’s empire was divided: this is what awaits you on this short historical trail.

In days gone by, this path was used by the children of Sablon to walk to the local school in Levis. You can also explore part of the battlefield at the site of the Battle of Fontenoy.

A tour between town and country in the land of the wood floaters.

Marked hike N°8. You will see no less than 8 fountains and 6 wash-houses on this rather easy hike, ideal for family walks. A few picnics spots are available here and there, to take a break and enjoy a relaxing moment (Fountain of the Moon, of the Pisserotte .....) Even though there are some hills along the way, it is a very pleasant walk with a lot of historical heritage spots to be discovered. Also good for mountain biking.

Marked trail No. 3.From the church with its magnificent murals, pass the Gué Ricart, discover the Moutiers pond via the Marseillaise, then the undergrowth before reaching Saint-Sauveur, Pays de Colette and her birthplace.

A trail rich in heritage, featuring traditional pottery, Ratilly Castle – a former water tower now converted into an observatory and exhibition centre – and, of course, the sunken paths lined with hedges.

Marked route No. 9.From wash house to wash house, passing close to old underground limestone quarries and ancient Neolithic and Palaeolithic sites, this route circles the commune. At each crossroads, you can head into the village centre. There are beautiful views along much of the route.Please note: this route is reserved for walkers. For mountain bikers, hybrid cyclists or horse riders, this route is designed for you.

From the Col de Rousset, a panoramic view of the vultures. From the But de l'Aiglette, close-up view of these beautiful creatures.

Marked walk No. 18. Set off along the paths to discover a farm of yesteryear. Explore a botanical trail, a heritage orchard and a museum of agricultural tools.

Marked hike N°24. Leaving from the fairground, you will walk along paths that have a mysterious past and are steeped in legends.

Market circuit n°23. In an hour walking, rendezvous in the 13th century, on a legendary path and meet the middle-age castles builders.

The route goes from pond to pond around the village of Champoulet. There is wildlife to discover.

Marked Trail No. 1.This trail, dedicated to Colette, was opened in 1993 by pupils from the Collège Colette in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye.All along this path, everything evokes the stories of this writer, who was born in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye in 1873. She described her native region so vividly – even though she used different names for the villages and characters – that every nook and cranny exudes the spirit of her literature.Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye is listed among the ‘Cités de caractères de Bourgogne – Franche-Comté’ villages.

Marked trail No. 29. A pleasant walk or mountain bike ride in all weathers. This route has been surveyed and marked out by members of the local association À Travers Champs. It is fully signposted with yellow signs, black lettering and yellow arrows on a red background.

Pass by the Moulery wash house and the Roman road with panoramic views of Puisaye, Forterre, Frétoy Forest and Druyes Castle.

Explore the hamlets on the outskirts of the village of Sougères-en-Puisaye.

Marked walk No. 20.A historic route featuring, close to the start, the Cross of Saint-Prix (martyred in 274), the village of Le Deffand where the Marquise du Deffand stayed inthe 18th century, and the monument to Alfred Saison – a republican activist – who fought in 1852 against Louis Napoleon Bonaparte’s coup d’état of 2 December 1851.

Marked walk No. 19. Winding through the lush green landscapes of the woods and meadows of Puisaye and the cultivated fields of Forterre, this trail passes from one natural region to another and offers beautiful panoramic views from the Hausse Côte hill.

A pleasant route in all weathers, with plenty of springs at the end of the route. This route partly follows the path once taken by the ox-herders to drive the oxen from the Morvan to Paris.

An all-season trail in this region of Puisaye amid hedges (bouchures), heritage, and legends.

Local heritage and springs make this a delightful route.

Marked trail No. 44.Through woods and farmland, passing by ponds, discover the environments where the earth is shaped into artistic creations and pottery.

Suitable for walking, mountain biking or horse riding on the border between the Puisaye and Forterre regions. Beautiful heritage sites and interesting views.

A mountain bike route for hiking enthusiasts, featuring natural and built heritage. A real treat! But do stay safe!

Marked trail No. 10. Discover the local heritage: ponds and old drinking troughs, crosses and calvaries, the Sully lime tree, and the cedars of La Lavière. Beautiful views of varied, rolling countryside punctuate this route, the length of which can be adapted to suit. Although classified as a walking route, this route is also one of the most beautiful routes for mountain biking, hybrid cycling and horse riding.

Starting from the village of Moutiers-en-Puisaye, cross the Loing, pass through woods, enjoy a beautiful view of the ruins of the old abbey and the pond, whilst discovering the local heritage.

Marked trail No. 5. At the crossroads of Puisaye, Forterre and the banks of the Nohain, this village invites you to discover its heritage and landscapes.

Marked hike N°2. A hike in the heart of the birthplace of Colette. Through woods and passing by ponds, often described in her work.

Marked walk No. 59. Route from Lain around Test-Milon, including a section along the Roman road.

Marked trail No. 43. A historical journey back to the time of Charlemagne's succession. His grandsons fought over the kingdom. This division was settled by a battle and... discover the places and history of this epic story.

From Colette's birthplace, discover the greenways, the village of Moutiers and the Moutiers pond, where a few water chestnuts still float.Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye is listed as one of the "Cités de caractères de Bourgogne - Franche-Comté" (villages of character in Burgundy-Franche-Comté).

From the hilltop village of Perreuse (in the commune of Treigny), this walk will have you dreaming of the Atlantic or the English Channel. The waters of the two springs on this route, though so close to one another, will only mix once they reach the ocean!

Route along part of the Roman road linking Bourges to Auxerre, starting from Entrains-sur-Nohain (formerly Intaranum in Gallo-Roman times) in the Nièvre department to Ouanne (Odoana) in the Yonne department.From the vast expanses of woods and forests and the large plains of cultivated land, passing through two of the highest points in this region (367m and 368m), discover new spaces, views, fauna and flora on these limestone plateaus and hills.

Route closed by municipal order of 9 July 2021. A short family walk featuring a few pieces of play equipment along the leisure trail. A really enjoyable outing for everyone.

Marked walk No. 15. Nature and history at your feet. Along the way, discover the Château du Tremblay Regional Centre for Contemporary Art and the plateau where part of the Battle of Fontenoy took place.

Starting from the Plateau de Gève, take a walk in memory of the British airmen who supplied the Maquis du Vercors resistance fighters.

Halfway between the North Pole and the equator, this is a fun route for everyone. It is possible to do it on a mountain bike, but be careful in the second part.

Marked route No. 56. The Hauts-de-Forterre plateau offers some stunning views and a charming heritage, highlighted by the orientation table and the route of old trade signs dotted around the village.

Marked hike N°51. From the old medieval castle, discover a village built between an old, partly dried-up marsh and a cliff. Druyes Valley offers a green setting that contrasts with the chalky rocks that support the ruined building.