Fontenoy (Yonne) walks

A mountain biking route for anyone who loves bike rides and discovering natural and architectural heritage. You're in for a treat! But be prudent!

Starting from St Julien church, follow the paths to reach the Moulin de Hausse Côte.

Marked hike N°1. This trail, dedicated to Colette, was opened in 1993 by the pupils of the Colette college of Saint-Sauveur en Puisaye. Along this trail, everything recalls the works of this author, born in Saint-Sauveur en Puisaye in 1873. The author has described her birthplace so well - that even though she has given other names to the villages and characters, you can sense her literature at every corner.

After a brief incursion into the grounds of the Colette castle/museum and the passage at the foot of the Saracen tower, this walk continues through the countryside along the lanes of the Puisaye.

Marked hike N°2. A hike in the heart of the birthplace of Colette. Through woods and passing by ponds, often described in her work.

Between the longer hikes around Toucy and the discovery of down-town, this walk allows you to gain heigh in order to contemplate this screen of greenery which surrounds the village. These paths, oftenly traveled, offered a great diversity.

This very natural outing allows you to discover the landscaped paths, shaped by man over the centuries. It allows, with some beautiful viewpoints, to discover the Puisaye and the town of Toucy, nestled against a hill.

Signposted route N° 76This route starts from Toucy, birthplace of Pierre Larousse, 19th-century grammarian, lexicographer and educator. It offers multiple viewpoints and panoramas along ridge lines. The sunken paths winding under a dense canopy of vegetation create a romantic atmosphere that you're sure to enjoy. Then, at the bend in the path, you'll fall under the spell of the magnificent Château d'Arthé.

From the village, this path follows part of the ridges of the hill separating the two natural regions of Puisaye to the west and Forterre to the east.

Marked hike N°7. This hike is themed by springs and wash-houses. The water flowing from the springs supplies the groundwater of the Parisian Basin on the one hand, and the Seine by way of the Loing River on the other hand. It’s a very well-marked path (#7), through an unspoiled natural environment. This track can also be done on horseback or mountain bike. It is listed on the departmental walking and hiking map (PDIPR) established by the department of the Yonne.

Marked hike N°8. You will see no less than 8 fountains and 6 wash-houses on this rather easy hike, ideal for family walks. A few picnics spots are available here and there, to take a break and enjoy a relaxing moment (Fountain of the Moon, of the Pisserotte .....) Even though there are some hills along the way, it is a very pleasant walk with a lot of historical heritage spots to be discovered. Also good for mountain biking.

An all-season trail in this region of Puisaye amid hedges (bouchures), heritage, and legends.

Marked hike N°44. Across the woods and the fields, passing the ponds, you will discover areas where the earth has been shaped into artistic creations and pottery.

Signposted route N°69.In this village, known for bric-a-brac, the sunken paths are all the rage! A guaranteed immersion in nature.Mézilles is one of the "Cités de caractères de Bourgogne - Franche-Comté" villages.

In the land of fruit trees, a walk through the valleys and hills. Sunken paths, springs, viewpoints and built heritage enhance this outing.

The springs and washhouses without forgetting the Château and the Chapel of Chéry will be the most important heritage sites to discover for this outing. Throughout this route, alternation between valleys and hills where points of view are numerous.

All along the route, you will discover centenaries trees, educational signs about the chestnut tree.

Medieval castle, viaduct, springs, washhouses and heritage, something to enjoy with the family ! If that's not enough, a little bungee jump to get the adrenaline pumping ? Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines is classified in the villages "Cities of character of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté".

Marked hike N°51. From the old medieval castle, discover a village built between an old, partly dried-up marsh and a cliff. Druyes Valley offers a green setting that contrasts with the chalky rocks that support the ruined building.

Marked hike N°24. Leaving from the fairground, you will walk along paths that have a mysterious past and are steeped in legends.

Market circuit n°23. In an hour walking, rendezvous in the 13th century, on a legendary path and meet the middle-age castles builders.

Marked hike n°62. This site located in the void diagonal, as some like to say, conceals many assets. If, with the help of agricultural machinery, the search for productivity was the goal in the middle of the 20th century, it has not led to the expected results. Today, it is towards a restoration of biodiversity that we are moving. The fauna and flora are gradually returning. Discovering this heritage also helps to educate children. Superb educational walk!