In the Châteauroux State Forest from the Chapelle Bonne-Dame du Chêne

Hike in the Châteauroux State Forest, away from the main paths. The route follows almost exclusively the trails deep within the forest.

Details

5842994
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Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.59 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 108 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 108 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 594 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 472 ft
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Arthon (36330)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 46.728677° / E 1.69082°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 2126SB
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

The route starts at the car park of the Chapelle de Bonne-Dame du Chêne. It is marked by a signpost describing the route.

(S/E) Leave the car park heading towards the chapel, to the south-east. Walk past the chapel and leave the clearing via the path.

(1) At the junction, go straight on (south).

(2) At the Croix Balou, take the path to the left of the cross. At the next junction, turn onto the path on the right. The path remains in the woodland and runs partly alongside the fields.

(3) Join a wider path, follow it for a few metres then turn onto the first path on the left (jump over the small ditch).

(4) The path turns right towards the buildings. It remains in the woods.

(5) When you reach the buildings, take the path on the right which leads into the woods.

(6) At the end of the path, keep to the right-hand lane and immediately afterwards turn onto the path on the left. At the path, there is a small concrete marker marked C4. The path climbs.

(7). Before reaching the top of the "buton", take the path on the left. Cross the footbridge to join the Allée de Bordas. Follow it to the right for a few metres. Leave the lane and take the path on the left. At the end of the path, turn right towards the Carrefour du Pin, which you can see.

(8) At the crossroads, take the white track to the left. When you see the houses, take the path on the right (there is a small sign with the walk’s markings). Follow the path. It runs alongside a ditch. At the end of the path, turn right and continue straight on until you reach the Route Forestière de Beauregard. Cross it and follow the path that climbs up opposite.

(1) At the junction you passed on the way there, turn left towards the Chapelle Bonne-Dame du Chêne and return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 581 ft - Car park at the - Chapelle Bonne-Dame du Chêne (Arthon)
  2. 1 : mi 0.18 - alt. 591 ft - Crossroads of the circular loop
  3. 2 : mi 0.44 - alt. 551 ft - Balou Cross
  4. 3 : mi 0.96 - alt. 522 ft - Les Margottons
  5. 4 : mi 1.49 - alt. 486 ft - Towards Les Audichons
  6. 5 : mi 1.81 - alt. 512 ft - Les Audichaons
  7. 6 : mi 2.02 - alt. 499 ft - Markers
  8. 7 : mi 2.23 - alt. 505 ft - At the top of the hill
  9. 8 : mi 2.95 - alt. 512 ft - Carrefour du Pin
  10. S/E : mi 4.59 - alt. 581 ft - Car park at the - Chapelle Bonne-Dame du Chêne (Arthon)

Notes

Blue markings.
In winter, wear waterproof shoes. The forest is criss-crossed by a network of small ditches that you will have to jump over.

Worth a visit

If you are quiet enough, you will surely have the chance to spot some wildlife (roe deer, does and stags).

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.2 / 5
Anne-Valerie
Anne-Valerie

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Short forest trail, lots of fallen trees!

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Fredcz
Fredcz

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, but be aware that the signposts aren’t always easy to spot.

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CROKETTE
CROKETTE

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A short, pleasant route in bright sunshine.

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Sonia Devillers
Sonia Devillers

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An easy, well-marked walk with few other visitors. The woodland is varied, offering a mix of shade and beautiful light in early summer. Simply enchanting.

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lea36
lea36

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 19, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

On the ground, the signposting can sometimes be difficult to spot. You should mainly follow the blue and green markings to stay on track; unfortunately, you may need to use a GPS app at times.
An easy hike; make sure you wear suitable footwear, as the undergrowth is full of large puddles.
This walk is suitable for children.

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