From Athée to the Brinjame

Start from the main crossroads in Athée.

(S/E) Head west down the Chemin de l’Huis Gaudin. Turn right after the last houses and enter the deciduous forest. Continue down until you reach meadows, then reach the edge of the forest again.

(1) Turn left into the woods, then left again after a few dozen metres. Pass a few forestry tracks on your right.

(2) After the descent, turn left. Continue through the deciduous trees, pass a muddy section (a stream in the path), cross through conifers and reach a crossroads.

(3) Head down to the right through deciduous and coniferous trees until you reach the valley floor.

(4) Turn left before the river onto a faintly marked path (the Brinjame is a few dozen metres further on). Cross a stream and reach a meadow. Head up to the left after the meadow, through the coniferous trees, to reach a forest track.

(5) Take this track, turning right. Pass a path on the left to reach a second one, still on the left.

(6) Head up to the meadows (stream in the path), then reach the D141.

(7) Turn left and, after about 300 m, take Rue de la Chaume aux Ouailles on the left to return to Athée (S/E).

A few muddy sections in winter.
Possible shortcuts.

Old public weighbridge at the starting point, where livestock used to be weighed. Horse dealers would visit the farms to negotiate directly with the farmers. Today it serves as a bus shelter for the children of the hamlet.
Wash house at L'Huis Gaudin.

The River Brinjame is just a few dozen metres away (4), where you can cool off in summer or watch the wildlife.

View of Vézelay to the north-north-east on the way back before reaching the D141.