Circular loop from the Allier ferry to Le Guétin

Car park on the D976 near the Guétin Canal Bridge. You’ll need to arrive fairly early as spaces are limited and it’s a popular spot with locals (especially as there’s a restaurant). Alternative car park at Gimouille harbour.

(S/E) Head to the bridge then turn left to walk along the right bank of the canal bridge. On the other side, walk another hundred metres or so to find a sign for the “Circular Passeur” walk.

(1) Follow the path down to the left and turn right at the bottom. At the junction, go left, pass under the road, then take the path on the left that leads towards the Allier. Then follow this path; there is no alternative route.

(2) Observatory.

(3) Viewpoint and Bec d'Allier. Follow the signs for Gimouille via Santiago de Compostela. The path through the woodland leads, with no alternative route, to a path marked by the GR®654 (the Nevers route of the Way of St James).

(4) Follow the path to the right, across the fields, to the cemetery at Gimouille.

(5) Continue straight ahead and cross the D976 with care (there is no pedestrian crossing or specific speed limit). Stay on the road, following the GR® markings, and keep right at the small roundabout to cross through the centre of Gimouille. Pass by the church then turn right to reach the old port on the canal.

(6) Continue along the harbour then take the footbridge to cross to the other side of the canal. Carry on straight ahead to rejoin the path you took on the way out.

(1) Walk straight on along the canal to return to the car park (S/E).

Easy hike, standard hiking gear.

Photo gallery here

Information boards between (1) and (3).