Circular Étang du Puits route via the Chemin des Prêtres and the Pointe des Anglais

Park in the car park near Cerdon Beach.

(S/E) Leave the car park heading north-east and, at the junction with the path leading to the observatory, turn left to join the sea wall path.
Follow the sea wall to the disused railway line and turn right, then continue along the narrow, winding path running parallel to the railway line for 150 metres.

(1) Take the steps and cross the railway line, then continue along the path through the forest, following the blue markings (you can’t miss them). At a junction, a sign points to Chemin de Mémoire; follow this sign.
Join the D948 at the hamlet of La Matelotte and cross carefully. Continue along the CR18 path opposite, keeping the Étang Neuf on your right.

(2) At the Y-junction, take the left-hand path; you’ll reach a crossroads where the path opposite is blocked.

(3) Turn right onto the CR17 and continue left along the Chemin des Prêtres until you reach a crossroads.

(4) Turn right (no signposting), ignore all minor paths and reach the^GR® 3C.

(5) Follow the^GR® 3C to the right, marked with red and white signs. Cross the D948 ( take care), then follow the sign for La Bergerie opposite, PN100 (level crossing 100). Cross the railway line.

(6) Take the path on the right, marked in white and red; ignore all side paths, as they are all private.
Head towards the Canal de la Sauldre and cross the bridge.

(7) Take the towpath on the left bank and head towards the Écluse des Fouchères.

(8) Cross the lock via the small footbridge; take care: the footbridge is narrow and can be slippery in wet weather. Cross the small tarmac road and head down to the banks of the Etang du Puits. Follow the path on the left towards Argent-sur-Sauldre beach. Reach the dyke.

(9) Follow the dyke north-westwards. At the end, take the small path that goes over the spillway and leads into the forest. Follow the signs for Tour de l’Étang.

(10) Turn right, following the signs for Pointe des Anglais, and head towards it.

:11:: From Pointe des Anglais, return along the same path to the previous junction.

(10) Turn right and follow the signs for Tour de l’Étang, ignoring the footpath signs.

(12) Cross Cerdon beach to quickly reach the car park (S/E).

Shortly after setting off, visit the observatory just next to the car park; to get there, continue straight on for about 200m, returning via the same path.