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Bessais-le-Fromental walks
The locks of the Canal de Berry from Bessais-le-Fromental
Visorando Member
9.38 mi
+154 ft
-154 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Bessais-le-Fromental (Cher)
Starting from the village of Bessais-le-Fromental, a walk through the unspoilt countryside of the southern Cher department. It will take you through the bocage and along the banks of the restored Canal du Berry. You’ll see lock-keeper’s houses, stone architecture and thatched roofs typical of the region, as well as farmsteads and castles.
From Isle-et-Bardais to Tronçais
13.11 mi
+636 ft
-643 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Isle-et-Bardais (Allier)
The first circular stage of the Grand Loop of the Ponds, a walk through the heart of the Tronçais Forest, starting at the Étang de Pirot and finishing at the Étang de Tronçais.
Charenton - Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais
Tourist office
7.02 mi
+322 ft
-190 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Charenton-du-Cher (Cher)
The Tronçais national forest is famous for the quality of its oak trees. It produces wood that is particularly prized for making barrels in which the finest French wines are aged. Its age and history make Tronçais the emblem of France's great national forests.
Tour of the Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais pond in the heart of the Tronçais Forest
3.02 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais (Allier)
A short family walk around the Étang de Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais pond in the heart of France's most beautiful oak forest, renowned among other things for its oak wood, which is highly sought after for the manufacture of barrels for the great vineyards. You will discover magnificent oak trees with perfectly straight trunks.
Tour of the Saint-Bonnet and Morat ponds
4.67 mi
+72 ft
-98 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais (Allier)
In the heart of the Tronçais Forest, a family walk along the ponds, navigating among the oak trees of the Colbert reserve.
In memory of Nicolas Rambourg
Association / Club / Walk leader
14.86 mi
+482 ft
-472 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Vitray (Allier)
This beautiful walk will take you back to the rich industrial past of the Tronçais Forest. You will visit the forges at Morat and Tronçais, built by the Lorraine industrialist Nicolas Rambourg, and the four ponds (Saint-Bonnet, Morat, Tronçais, Saloup) that he created to power them. An industrial nod in the heart of France’s most beautiful oak forest.
Coust Pond - Charenton
5.04 mi
+305 ft
-233 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Colombiers (Cher) (Cher)
The commune of Coust is located south of the Cher, on the border between Berry and Bourbonnais in the Chignon valley. In the past, the stream fed a large pond between Pied de Coust and the church. It turned the wheels of the mills at Touzelles and Petit Paris before reaching the Rouchat mill. In the past, this stream was essential for Saint-Amand as it fed the moats of Montrond Castle and then those of the Saint-Amand-sous-Montrond enclosure.
La Tranchasse - Coust Pond
4.85 mi
+125 ft
-98 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Colombiers (Cher) (Cher)
Construction of the Canal de Berry began around 1808 on the initiative of Napoleon I and was completed in 1841. It took its current name, "Canal de Berry", in 1830. Its creation required, among other things, the installation of 115 locks, one every three kilometres. It consists of three branches that meet at Fontblisse, which is point 0. Many barges used to travel along it, transporting grain, wood and iron ore. The canal was decommissioned in 1955.
Les Pics in the commune of Urçay
4.66 mi
+331 ft
-344 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Urçay (Allier)
This walk offers panoramic views of the Cher Valley and the partially filled-in Berry Canal. Start from the car park at Urçay church.The route is partially marked with yellow lines.
Paths and trails in the Tronçais Forest at Meaulne-Vitray
6.25 mi
+164 ft
-144 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Meaulne (Allier)
This walk in the Tronçais Forest alternates between wide forest tracks and slightly grassy but well-cleared paths. You will pass the Begault logging site and observe the various stages of forestry operations.
On the heights of Meaulne-Vitray
4.50 mi
+272 ft
-246 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Meaulne (Allier)
This walk follows local roads and paths accessible to most people. You will pass through the Tronçais National Forest and walk along the paths of the Bourbonnais bocage.
Grand Tertre loop starting from Drevant
5.83 mi
+295 ft
-295 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Drevant (Cher)
Climb up to the Grand Tertre, the last foothills of the Massif Central, which offers exceptional views of the Auvergne mountains on a clear day. Descend and follow the Canal de Berry before returning to the Petite Cité de Caractère of Drevant.
From Meillant to La Celle
5.08 mi
+171 ft
-151 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Meillant (Cher)
First stage of the hike from Meillant to the Tronçais Forest.
Meillant to Tronçais path
38.05 mi
+1,070 ft
-896 ft
7 days
Moderate
Departure from Meillant (Cher)
Leaving Meillant, you will pass through La Celle, Bruère, Saint-Amand-Montrond, Drevant, Colombiers, Coust and Charenton-du-Cher before finally reaching the Saint-Bonnet pond in the Tronçais forest (Allier).
Discover the heart of France and its landscapes, as well as Meillant Castle, Noirlac Abbey, Virlay Lake, the Berry Canal and the Marmande Valley.
Virlay - La Tranchasse
7.09 mi
+43 ft
-33 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Amand-Montrond (Cher)
In Saint-Amand-Montrond, Lake Virlay is a popular spot for walkers and sailing enthusiasts. The streets of Saint-Amand are perfect for a leisurely stroll and lead you to the Chemin de ronde de la Forteresse de Montrond. Follow the Canal de Berry and discover the Gallo-Roman theatre in Drevant and the Pont Canal de la Tranchasse.
Circular Hérisson via La Maugarnie
8.37 mi
+571 ft
-568 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Hérisson (Allier)
This route will take you from the heights of the Croix de l'Ours to the Soulongis National Forest. Views overlooking the medieval village of Hérisson and numerous heritage sites punctuate this route.
Around Hérisson via the church of Chateloy
2.44 mi
+226 ft
-220 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Hérisson (Allier)
A short route starting in the pretty village of Hérisson at the foot of its castle ruins.
Around Le Gravier
4.99 mi
+89 ft
-89 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from La Guerche-sur-l'Aubois (Cher)
A walk along minor roads and a path beside the Canal du Berry, with views of the Château du Gravier.
Plenty of parking spaces in the church square.
This listed 12th-century monument is open at certain times depending on the season.
Le Gravier was a separate commune before being absorbed into La Guerche-sur-l’Aubois.