From Verlin to Saint-Julien-du-Sault, a good overview of the local sights

Park in the church car park on Rue de l’Église in Verlin.

(S/E) As you leave the car park, turn left, head towards the church and cross the bridge. Continue up Rue de Cudot and take the second left onto Rue de la Foire. When you reach the junction with the ‘Stop’ sign, continue straight on along the same road, passing the cemetery and then the cross.

(1) At the junction a few hundred metres further on, take the road on the right which climbs up to Les Pommesoies. You will now emerge from the woods, with a meadow on your right, and come to another junction. Turn left onto the road leading to Les Sauqueux.

(2) As you catch sight of the first houses in the hamlet and after passing under a power line, turn left onto the path that crosses the road and continue to the left of the gate at number 26. Carry on straight ahead, with the water tower and the Parc au Noir farm ahead of you. Cross the road and continue in the same direction, passing between the water tower and the farm.

(3) Carry on straight ahead along the avenue lined with fruit trees, pass under a power line, then follow the edge of the forest a little further on until you reach a junction.

(4) Turn immediately right. You’ll come across several paths leading down to the left or branching off to the right, but carry on straight ahead along the well-marked path until you reach a tarmac road.

(5) Take this road, which continues from the previous path, so it’s slightly to your left. Carry on until you see the Chapel of Vauguillain.

(6) Head up to the left along a well-maintained path (with steps and benches) until you reach the ramparts. Walk round the chapel and then start heading back down the other side of the building. After passing the entrance in the wall (with a metal gate), turn left onto a well-marked path. Follow it until you reach the Route de la Chapelle.

(7) Turn left to head back down towards Saint-Julien-du-Sault. Join the D107 and follow it to the left for about a hundred metres. Then turn left onto Rue des Bois Frileux. Pass the rear of the washhouse on your right and carry on straight ahead.

(8) At the junction, go straight on, ignoring the road on the right which leads to La Forge, and carry on to the end of Rue des Bois Frileux.

(9) Take the only possible route available to you: the path on your left. A few metres further on, at the Fork in the road, take the path on the right and continue alongside the Ru d’Ocques until you come to a tarmac section at Les Bideaux. Walk through the hamlet and continue along a white gravel track, then into the forest until you come out onto Rue du Moulin.

(10) Turn right and take the footbridge (or the ford, for the more adventurous). Opposite the riding centre, follow the path on the left which passes under the bridge and heads back up through the meadow to the garden centre. Cross the small road leading uphill and continue your walk along the path directly ahead of you.

(11) Take the first path on the left, which descends quite steeply back down to the village; when you can see the main road (Rue de Saint-Martin), take Rue de l’Église opposite the War Memorial, which will take you back to the starting point (S/E).

There is a slight incline, but the paths are easy to walk on: just make sure you wear sturdy shoes and bring a good water bottle, as there are no water points.

When planning this walk, my main aim was to share with you the points of interest that give these two villages in the Yonne their charm. Along the way, you’ll be able to see Verlin Church, the Virgin’s Fountain, the Cross of the Converted Turk (do ask about its legend), the Pommesoies Menhir, the Parc au Noir farm (selling raspberries in summer), the Chapel of Vauguillain, the Ru d’Ocques stream and its ford. You’ll also be treated to some lovely views of the surrounding countryside.

If you’ve got time to spare and you’re into stones, there’s a second menhir at Bois Michot (near Bout du Bois – see IGN map).

If you have a good sense of direction, the old quarry below the Vauguillain Chapel offers a little view known only to regular visitors.

If you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot a few half-timbered houses whilst strolling through the town centre of Saint-Julien-du-Sault. The church is rather remarkable, with its organ dating from 1568 and its 13th-century stained-glass windows.

The Vauguillain Chapel is only open to the public during Heritage Days.