On the Forterre side, the Moulin Buteau and the Source de la Pisserote

Start from the Place de l’Église in Sainte Colombe-sur-Loing.

(Start/End) On the church square, take the road on the right which descends between the town hall and the war memorial for 200 metres. Then turn right onto the cemetery path and continue for 1 km. When you reach the junction with the road, turn left and, 50 metres further on, turn right onto the road again for 200 metres. When you reach the first houses in the village of La Motte, turn right and walk through the village.

(1) At the well on your left, turn left to climb up the path on the right. Once you reach the plateau, you’ll see the Moulin Buteau (private).

(2) Carry on straight ahead to the end of this path, then turn 90° to the right onto the path running alongside the cultivated fields. Viewpoint over the valley: Thury to the left, then Lainsecq.

(3) When you reach the tarmac section, turn right and continue across the main road towards Chappe. Walk gently uphill.

(4) Ignore the path on the left and, in the centre of the village, turn right (at the fire hydrant) onto the small road which ends in a dirt track. Pass the pond on the left and, after 400 metres, you’ll come to the Pisserote fountain and washhouse – known as the ‘bouillon’ when there has been heavy rain – and, on the right-hand side, about fifty metres further on, the Source de la Vigueur.

(5) Set off again, following the same route as on the way there. Head downhill to the left through the village for 200 metres.

(4) Take the first path on the left, which leads to the hamlet of Sainte-Colombe (S/E).

Sturdy walking shoes, wellingtons in winter or in wet weather, binoculars and a camera are recommended. Don’t forget your water bottle; the springs are cool but not safe to drink.
Please note that a signposted path also starts from the Place de l’Église and crosses this walk in places; please ignore any signposts you come across on this route (they are marked No. 7: ‘Springs, fountains and wash houses’).
You can find a description of this signposted walk at https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-sour...

At waypoint 2:
Unfortunately, as a strategic location during the war, this mill was bombed, losing its roof and sails. In fine weather, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Yonne highlands and the Frétoy forest to the north-east, the fortified castle of Druyes, and, turning towards the west, the hills of Perreuse; your gaze will then leave the Forterre region to discover the verdant Puisaye, with its meadows and fields, its woods and hedgerows.

At checkpoint 3:
A small stone bench beckons; make the most of this haven of peace to rest and imagine a time long past when washerwomen would put the world to rights or gossip about their neighbours whilst washing their clothes.

On arrival, you can visit the church with its magnificent altarpiece. This church is listed in its entirety as a historic monument

From the village of Sainte-Colombe, 2 km away by car, head towards the source of the Loing, then towards Sainpuits; at the top of the hill, turn right towards Perreuse.
St Sauveur-en-Puisaye: Colette’s house and museum, and the artists’ galleries.
Treigny: Ratilly Castle, Guédelon Fortified Castle (under construction).