In the heart of the Gâtine region from Bridoré

Starting point: Bridoré lake, where parking is available.

Markings: Blue

(S/E) Walk along the lake towards the D241 road, then turn left towards the castle.

(1) Before the castle, turn right onto the path and follow it to a small road. Turn left to head back towards the village. Pass the first crossroads with a cross and continue to the right at a place called Les Vallées on a road that continues along a path to a crossroads.

(2) At the intersection with the road, continue along Rue des Ducs opposite, slightly to the left. Continue straight ahead to leave the village and arrive at the three-way junction of the Bertaudière.

(3) Turn right twice towards a place called Le Chérou. Follow this road to the end.

(4) At the end of the road, turn right onto the path through the fields and continue to the road.

(5) There, turn left, cross the Ruisseau de Raner stream, pass two intersections and arrive at a crossroads at the top of the hill.

(6) To complete the short loop to Saint-Martin, turn right towards La Cocanderie. Alternatively, you can turn onto the path on the left. If you turn right, continue along the road and then turn onto the first path on the left to reach a place called Les Arpents du Loup. At the end of the path, turn right towards a three-way junction.

(7) Continue to the right to descend towards Saint-Martin. When you reach the road, turn left, then left again along the RD943, and left again into Rue des Terres Rouges until you reach the end.

(8) Continue along the path. When you reach the hamlet, turn onto the first path on the left. Follow it across the fields and go up to the three-way junction.

(7) Continue straight ahead, then turn left onto the path and right at the end of it, onto the road to return to the crossroads of the small loop.

(6) Continue straight ahead at the crossroads and stay on the path until the end.

(9) At the intersection with the road, turn left and then left again at the next intersection. Continue along the road. After the second hamlet on the right, take the gravel path on the right and follow it when it branches off to the left. After the houses, turn onto the path on the right to reach the lake.

(10) Then pass under the archway on the left to walk alongside it. Follow the path back to your starting point (S/E).

Picnic area, car park and public toilets at the Bridoré lake.

For more information about points of interest (panoramic views, monuments, heritage sites, etc.), please refer to the descriptions of the photos along the route

Bridoré Castle:
In the village of Bridoré stands an imposing fortress built in the^14th century by Jean I and Jean II Le Meingre de Boucicaut, then by Imbert de Batarnay, close advisor to Kings Louis XI, Charles VIII, Louis XII and François I. The architectural complex, consisting of lodgings and outbuildings, is centred around a 30-metre-high keep. Several caponiers, the best preserved in France, ensured the defence of the stronghold. Another distinctive feature of the castle is the presence of steam baths. These steam baths were heated by a hypocaust system located under the room, which is still visible today.

Loches-Verneuil Golf Course:
Not far from Bridoré, in Verneuil-sur-Indre, discover the Loches-Verneuil Golf Course and its 9-hole course set against the village and its castle.

To walk further afield...
The GR® 46 long-distance footpath passes through the commune of Bridoré.