Circular walk between Étang and Saint-Didier-sur-Arroux

The start of this circular walk is at La Vernée farm, at the end of Rue de la Vernée. You can park at the end of this street (which is a tarmac road) on the verge, just before the farm.

(S/E) Walk back down the street, Chemin de la Vernée, to the RD297.

(1) Turn left onto the road, then after about twenty metres take the path on your left.

(2) Turn left onto a charming sunken lane. Halfway along, cross a meadow and remember to close the wooden gates properly behind you. In wet weather, this short stretch can be muddy.

(3) In the Reculon woods, turn right onto the path towards Savigny.

(4) Before reaching Savigny, turn left onto a wide, carriage-accessible track which runs alongside the railway line for much of the way, then leads up to the heights of Boussons: views over the Étang de Boussons.

(5) Take the small road on the left towards Saint-Didier. Pass the pretty Château de Charancy and carry on to Saint-Didier-sur-Arroux.

(6) At the town hall, turn left, pass the Château de Saint-Didier and carry on along the road, passing Le Fourneau and Les Alouettes.

(7) Take the small road leading down to your left towards Le Creux de Vaux, pass it, then head back up the path to the Château de Vaux.

(8) Take a moment to admire it in its picturesque setting, then carry on to Velet.

(9) Turn right, cross the D297 carefully and take the path opposite which turns left and leads to La Vernée farm (S/E)

At point (2), the sunken track you’ll take isn’t shown on the IGN map. However, apart from a section that may be muddy in wet weather, this track is clearly visible and well maintained.

Throughout the route, you’ll come across numerous traditional farmhouses, pass through charming little woods and, in Saint-Didier, see two lovely castles, followed by the Château de Vaux (a lodge and guesthouse), which looks absolutely stunning set amongst the greenery.