Canal de Fontblisse walks

A route through the Berry region of Champagne, with a lovely detour into the Auron Valley, whilst following the Canal de Berry. A chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna as well as the charm of two locks. Near Plaimpied, the Marais gardens dot the route. A visit to the Abbey Church of Saint-Martin, overlooking the canal valley, is well worth a detour. Whether at the start or the finish, in Vorly, a stop in front of the listed gateway to the 12th-century Church of Saint-Saturnin is a must.

Discover the two small ponds at La Buzerie via La Grange au Rouge. A family walk, without any particular difficulty, mostly along forest tracks. The first pond is fenced off, but you can easily walk around the second one. On the agenda: the tranquillity of the woods, birdsong, a few wild ducks and, if you’re lucky, some roe deer, a few horses grazing, and a breath of fresh air!

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.

A long route along both banks of the Cher, starting from Bléré. You’ll come across two needle weirs. By following part of the GR®41, you’ll explore the banks of the Cher, the little harbours where modern boats and old flat-bottomed barges are moored, the small summer bars and all the lively activity in summer. You’ll, of course, see the magnificent Château de Chenonceau from the opposite bank, the Touraine countryside and the shady woodland glades in summer.

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.

From Mehun-sur-Yèvre railway station, the suggested route is a circular route that takes you round the outer edge of the town. As the route passes close to the main sights, you can always veer off the route to visit a particular site. The historic sites are covered by a separate walking tour within the town of Mehun.

Mehun-sur-Yèvre boasts a rich historical heritage centred around the Château de Charles VII. This tour of the historic centre is a circular route starting and ending at the railway station, which is served by a line running from Lyon to Bourges, Mehun, Vierzon and Nantes. The proposed walk is designed to introduce visitors to the history and heritage of the area, from the Bituriges-Cubes to the people of Berry today, featuring numerous historic sites such as the Gardens of Duke Jean de Berry, the Château de Charles VII, the Hôtel de la Pucelle d’Orléans… and an insight into two centuries of trade along the main street, Rue Jeanne d’Arc.

Starting from the water tower at Place Séraucourt, this is a pleasant circular of around 60 kilometres, with no particular difficulties.

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.