From Traînou to the Orléans Forest

Start at the car park near Traînou church, on Rue du Gros Baril, opposite the post office.

(S/E) Opposite the post office, turn left onto Rue du Gros Baril. Pass the cemetery. At the junction with the cross street Rue de la Giraudière, turn left, then right after 50m onto Rue du Chemin Pavé. Continue along a grassy path, which leads to Rue des Puiseaux.

(1) At the junction, take the sharp left onto Rue des Puiseaux. This crosses Rue de la Laurendière and continues as Chemin de la Décarrerie opposite. This wide lane crosses Rue de la Motte Moreau, which you should take to the left.

(2) Take the first path on the right, 100m after the junction. This grassy path meets a cross-path, which you should follow to the right. Turn left onto the first path after 100m, then turn right when you reach a cross-path that goes through a wood.

(3) Turn right at the first junction onto a well-marked path. Pass the first turn-off on the left, then take the next path on the left, just before the first houses of the hamlet of La Motte Moreau. Keep to the right when you reach a wide lane, Rue des Vallées.

(4) At the junction, turn right onto Rue des Sablons. This bends to the left before joining Rue de la Motte Moreau and then enters the Forest of Orléans. Continue straight ahead along the wide avenue, Chemin de Sully-la-Chapelle.

(5) At the Gros Baril crossroads, cross the road from Traînou to Chambon-la-Forêt, and continue straight ahead along the grassy path blocked by a barrier prohibiting access to unauthorised vehicles. This path joins another coming from the right, then crosses a wide avenue. Turn right onto this avenue.

(6) At the next crossroads, leave the wide lane and take the second path on the right, which is less frequented. This path bends to the right. Take the first path on the left, which leads towards some ponds, then crosses the hamlet of La Hallebarderie, widens and finally joins a side road, the Route de Sully-la-Chapelle.

(7) Turn left onto the tarmac road, pass the “Le Petit Nescy” farm, then leave the tarmac by taking the first path on the right, a hairpin bend, the Chemin d’Orléans to Sully-la-Chapelle. Follow this regularly used path. As you approach the D11, a barrier reminds you that access to the path is prohibited to unauthorised vehicles. Cross the D11 and continue straight ahead to a crossroads.

(8) Let the main track branch off to the left and continue along the extension, at the edge of the forest. Take the first track on the right which runs alongside a ditch for 150m, then crosses it to head towards the sewage treatment plant, taking the name Chemin de la Petite Forterie.

(9) Once past the first houses in Traînou, turn right onto the path that runs alongside the sewage treatment plant and then crosses Rue de la Noue Veslée. Turn left.

(10) At the first junction, turn right onto Rue de l'Orme Tiseau until you reach the main road, Rue de la République. Turn left. Go round the church on the right to return to the starting point of the walk, opposite the post office:A/D::.

As in all forests inhabited by deer, ticks—some of which carry Lyme disease—are present in the Forêt d’Orléans.
As indicated on an information board along the route, it is best to wear light-coloured clothing that covers all exposed skin to spot them. High-top shoes are recommended. These recommendations apply particularly if you leave the forest paths, as ticks are found on the vegetation in the undergrowth (the paths are generally well-cleared).

• In Traînou, visitSaint Pierre Church, the oldest part of which dates from the 12th century.
• During the hike, enjoy the rich variety of flora and fauna, particularly between May and October. In summer, opt for morning hikes to enjoy both the cool air and the wildlife.