Around Fontenay Abbey

Park in the car park in front of or near Fontenay Abbey.

(S/E) Opposite the abbey entrance, take the path on the left marked in pink (^GR®213). It runs alongside a stream under the trees. You’ll reach a fork at elevation 235.

(1) Take the path on the right, following the sign for Fontenay via Vieilles Mines, and continue to another fork.

(2) Turn right, following the pink markings along the widest path for about 400 m, until you reach a cross path.

(3) Continue left along the widest, straight path until you reach another wide path. Turn sharply right, following the pink markings, and come to a path running perpendicular to it.

(4) Turn right, following the pink markings, until you reach a junction.

(5) Turn left, heading due south, onto the path which climbs slightly for 100 m.

(6) Turn left again (pink markings on a tree) until you reach a fork in the path.

(7) Follow the path straight on until you reach a wider path.

(8) Take the white path on the left towards Petit Jailly. You’ll reach a fork after passing a pond on your right.

(9) Take the middle path, still heading towards Petit Jailly. Pass through Petit Jailly, leave the hamlet via the Chemin de Crevant and reach an X-junction.

(10) Continue to the right along the white track until you reach the edge of the forest.

(11) Turn left towards Touillon. Pass the sports grounds – football and tennis – and reach a road.

(12) Follow it carefully to the left towards Touillon until you reach the junction.

(13) Turn right onto the D32a towards Touillon and head for the village centre.

(14) In the square, leave the town hall on your right and take the path opposite leading to the little washhouse, between the houses. As you pass, admire the pretty, well-restored washhouse. A little further on, you’ll pass a dovecote built over the stream. You’ll arrive at a picnic area.

(15) Cross a wooden bridge, then a stone bridge. Turn right and walk alongside the stream. You’ll reach a road; follow it to the right for 100 metres, crossing the Ruisseau de Fontenay.

(16) Head uphill to the left, towards Fontenay Abbey. Follow the pink markings. You’ll reach another road; follow it to the left and return to the car park near the abbey (S/E).

Please note: this route should be avoided during the hunting season, which generally runs from mid-September to the end of February. Check with the departmental hunting federation.
Picnics are possible on the second part of the walk, after the village of Touillon.
Free toilets are available on the right-hand side, opposite the abbey.

Things to do: visit the Abbey.
In Touillon: see the beautifully restored wash house.