Passing by the Fontaine de Sainte-Radegonde and the Château du Hallier

Departure from the car park near the church in Nibelle

(S/E) From the church, turn right onto the main street, Rue Saint-Sauveur (D 30). At the fork, head towards Chambon-la-Forêt, crossing the Rimarde and its wash house.

At the Chalerie crossroads, continue along the departmental road, following the bamboo hedge. After a good hundred metres, turn left onto a small road marked "Route du Hallier". Take the grassy path parallel to the departmental road. This is followed by a small road. Turn left at the crossroads.

(2) At the fork, leave the main street by keeping to the left, Rue Beurrière. Pass a first crossroads, leave Chemin de Saint-Louis on your right, then turn right onto Chemin de la Rochelle signposted "Route de Chambon". Turn left onto Rue de la Boule d'Or.

(3) Turn right onto Route de Sainte-Radegonde. This road goes around some farm buildings before entering the Forest of Orléans.

(4) At the Nibelle crossroads, turn right onto the forest lane called Route de Combreux à Sainte-Radegonde. At the Croix de la Guette crossroads, continue straight ahead and keep heading north towards the Fontaine de Sainte-Radegonde, which can be seen from the path thanks to an information sign. Continue to the next crossroads.

(5) Turn onto the grassy path furthest to the left. At the next intersection, keep left onto the stabilised lane, Route de Foulaubin, which runs alongside an ancient Roman camp (few remains). Cross a small road at the Foulaubin crossroads (^GR®®3B).

(6) Continue south, passing the Ingrannes forest road at Nibelle, then the Route de la Grenouille.

(7) At the next crossroads, turn left onto Route du Hallier, pass a pond and then the remarkable Château du Hallier.

(8) Follow the small road, ignoring the side roads, until you reach the D30.

(1) Turn right onto the departmental road that leads to the church, the starting point of the hike (S/E).

The best time to visit is April-May, before the grass grows on some of the paths.

In the Orléans Forest, barriers restrict access to the paths to "authorised persons" only, which means that no damage is caused by unauthorised motor vehicles.

Things to see during the hike:

• The 16th-century Château du Hallier. Although partially in ruins, this brick castle with moats is remarkable for its setting and size.

• The Fountain of Sainte-Radegonde and its legend: Sainte-Radegonde, who had been forced to marry the King of the Franks, son of Clovis, fled. Taking the Roman road from Sens to Orléans, the pious queen struck the ground with her heel and caused water to gush forth. Several fountains in France claim the same origin.