Fontenoy (Yonne) walks

Walk in the footsteps of Charlemagne’s grandsons and discover the battlefield of Fontenoy, where Charlemagne’s empire was divided: this is what awaits you on this short historical trail.

Marked trail No. 43. A historical journey back to the time of Charlemagne's succession. His grandsons fought over the kingdom. This division was settled by a battle and... discover the places and history of this epic story.

Marked trail No. 54. This walk is a real surprise! Set off from the village church, then head to a hamlet to find the town hall, before wandering through the rugged, limestone terrain of La Forterre to discover isolated hamlets and farms. On the way back, enjoy a lovely view from the plateau over the woods and landscapes of the Poyau region.

Marked walk No. 58. This circular route takes you along old tracks to discover the different aspects of the Forterre, a land of arable farming dotted with woods.

Marked walk No. 20.A historic route featuring, close to the start, the Cross of Saint-Prix (martyred in 274), the village of Le Deffand where the Marquise du Deffand stayed inthe 18th century, and the monument to Alfred Saison – a republican activist – who fought in 1852 against Louis Napoleon Bonaparte’s coup d’état of 2 December 1851.

Marked walk No. 18. Set off along the paths to discover a farm of yesteryear. Explore a botanical trail, a heritage orchard and a museum of agricultural tools.

Marked route No. 46. Along the banks of the Puisaye, this walk takes place largely on the hills of Forterre. The fields and horizons are vast, whilst the woods provide welcome shade. The Chastenay discovery garden adds a touch of nature.

Starting from the main car park at the foot of the town hall, discover the village wash house. After crossing the Ouanne, a country walk begins along narrow roads leading to local hamlets and fairly well-shaded paths.

A mountain bike route for hiking enthusiasts, featuring natural and built heritage. A real treat! But do stay safe!

Please note: The official route for this trail has been modified for the period from 18 March 2026 to 30 April 2026. Directional signposts have been installed during this period between (10) and (11). Marked route No. 9.From wash house to wash house, passing through old underground limestone quarries and ancient Neolithic and Palaeolithic sites, this route circles the village. At every crossroads, you can head into the village centre. Beautiful views along much of the route.Please note: this route is reserved for walkers. For mountain bikers, hybrid cyclists or horse riders, this route is designed for you.

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

Pass by the Moulery wash house and the Roman road with panoramic views of Puisaye, Forterre, Frétoy Forest and Druyes Castle.

A short family walk featuring a few play structures along the leisure trail. A truly enjoyable outing for everyone.

Marked route No. 13. Starting from the village surrounded by hills, the walk inevitably gains altitude. The River Ouanne at the bottom of the valley is soon left behind in favour of historical remains: a chapel, old mills and wash houses.

From Colette's birthplace, discover the greenways, the village of Moutiers and the Moutiers pond, where a few water chestnuts still float.Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye is listed as one of the "Cités de caractères de Bourgogne - Franche-Comté" (villages of character in Burgundy-Franche-Comté).

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.

A tour of Puisaye in the land of Colette and the Potiers, through its picturesque villages, heritage and landscapes where land, water and forests meet.

Starting from the central car park on Place des Frères Genêt, you will discover the fishing lake and leisure centre very close to the town centre, offering a magnificent panorama. Crossing woods and medieval streets, stop at the promontory overlooking Place de la République, dominated by the bust of Pierre Larousse, and enjoy exceptional views of this village, whose existence has been documented since the middle ofthe 3rd century.

Marked trail No. 17A trail that smells of trogne trees. This tree, emblematic of field edges and woods, which for years has fed animals and heated homes in the Poyaudine region, can be found in countless numbers along this trail.On both the outward and return journeys, you will enjoy a wonderful discovery of the streets and alleys of Old Toucy.

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.

This cycle tourism route invites you to discover the architectural and natural heritage of this verdant Puisaye region, offering beautiful views of the surrounding villages, the Yonne valley and the very distinctive Tholon hills.

Marked route No. 11. This route takes you to the small village of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, passing through wooded areas and farmland. The return journey follows an old railway line. Between Les Roches and Pesselière, you can admire the cedars of La Lavière, and in Pesselières, the Sully tree as well as the ruins of the old castle.

Discover the sources of the Seine catchment area, wash houses and scenic viewpoints.

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.

A historical and cultural route on the border between Puisaye and Forterre, with some beautiful views.

Marked trail No. 7.A hike focusing on springs and wash houses. All these springs feed the Paris Basin via the water table and the Seine via the Loing. Superbly well-marked route (No. 7) with no damage to the natural environment (no more paint on trees, monuments or houses). This route can be done on horseback or by mountain bike (in the opposite direction if possible).

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.

Marked route No. 114.Discover the remains of open-air ochre pits and mines, the Sauilly ochre factory and its drying kiln.

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.