Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye walks

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).

Marked hike N°1. This trail, dedicated to Colette, was opened in 1993 by the pupils of the Colette college of Saint-Sauveur en Puisaye. Along this trail, everything recalls the works of this author, born in Saint-Sauveur en Puisaye in 1873. The author has described her birthplace so well - that even though she has given other names to the villages and characters, you can sense her literature at every corner.

A tour of Puisaye in the land of Colette and the Potiers, through its picturesque villages, heritage and landscapes where land, water and forests meet.

After a brief incursion into the grounds of the Colette castle/museum and the passage at the foot of the Saracen tower, this walk continues through the countryside along the lanes of the Puisaye.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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

Marked route No. 86A short route combining part of the lake shore and sunken paths in the undergrowth. Depending on the water level of the lake, the shore may be preferable to the path.

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.

Explore the lake, its ponds and feeding streams. Walk through the woodland along sandy paths or small roads. Beautiful views on both sides of the lake’s dam. This reservoir is the first in a long series upstream that feeds the Briare Canal.

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

Marked route No. 85After a section through the woods and then in the open, the gardens below Lac du Bourdon offer a superb panorama of rows of spillways channelled by walls built of Puisaye sandstone. Then, following part of the lake, return to the bathing area and the car park.

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).

From castle to castle from the village of Treigny, taking in Ratilly and Guédelon, via Perreuse and its former barony, to reach Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines and the view of its fortified castle.

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

A short walk connecting the village’s two beautiful heritage sites: Saint-Fiacre Church, whose chancel vault features a beautiful mural depicting the four evangelists, and a lovely wash house built in the bed of the Ru de Septfonds.

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

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.

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

Please note: The official route for this trail has been modified for the period from 18 March 2026 to 30 April 2026. Directional signposts have been installed during this period between (10) and (11). Marked route No. 9.From wash house to wash house, passing through old underground limestone quarries and ancient Neolithic and Palaeolithic sites, this route circles the village. At every crossroads, you can head into the village centre. 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.

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

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

A short walk to explore the spillways of Lac du Bourdon, behind the dam commissioned in 1905. There are two spillways: the Rigole du Bourdon for the cold water at the bottom of the lake, and the Ruisseau du Bourdon for the surface water. The latter is laid out in “terraces”, creating waterfalls when the water is released. You’ll be lucky enough to see them if you visit at the right time. Otherwise, it’s still a very pretty spot! Read the safety information in the Practical Information section.

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.

A short walk to discover a village in the Puisaye region, Perreuse, which boasts a remarkable architectural heritage, including a church with a mural, a few pretty medieval houses, a wash house with a basin, a lovely fountain, and a lime tree known as the ‘Sully lime tree’.

Marked walk No. 25. A sweeping view of the landscape stretching from Forterre to Puisaye, overlooking the ridges of the Morvan, the Sancerrois and the Loire Valley. This walk, with a slight elevation gain, offers not only this panoramic view but also a chance to delve into the history of this village with its picturesque houses and the Sully lime tree.

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.

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!

Signposted route N°69.In this village, known for bric-a-brac, the sunken paths are all the rage! A guaranteed immersion in nature.Mézilles is one of the "Cités de caractères de Bourgogne - Franche-Comté" villages.

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.