La Fontaine Morte

The car park, which is the start and finish point for the walk, is located at the end of a cul-de-sac off Rue de l’Abreuvoir.

(Start/Finish) Exit onto Rue de l’Abreuvoir and turn left onto it. At the Stop sign, turn right towards the village centre. Ignore all side streets and walk past the town hall, then to the right of the church. After going round the church, turn left into Rue des Vergers; after passing the castle’s surrounding walls and before reaching an electricity substation, you’ll find the start of a path on the left.

(1) Take this path, following the wall and the wrought-iron gates of this residence. At the top, veer slightly to the right. Continue uphill until you reach a crossroads with four paths.

(2) Turn left and continue with cherry orchards on either side, then through a wooded section, until you reach a crossroads.

(3) Turn right to rejoin a road or track running across the area.

(4) Head left onto the compacted track between the cherry orchards and the vineyards.

(5) Leave this track and take a grassy path on the right, keeping the hill in sight. As you climb, ignore all the side paths, whilst admiring the stunning views across the whole of the Yonne Valley. You’ll reach a crossroads.

(6) Head up to the left and continue until you find a path branching off to the left. Take this path to head back down. You’ll come to a crossroads with a path crossing your path and a cherry orchard.

(7) Turn right and continue to the next crossroads.

(8) Turn right and walk with a cherry orchard on your left and wasteland on your right. Walk downhill to a four-way junction.

(9) Turn right, then left at the first track, heading towards a clump of trees. You’ll come out onto a road.

(10) Follow this road on the right, passing a first path on the left, until, just before a bend, you reach a second path on the left.

(11) Take this path to begin a descent into the Fontaine Morte Valley and enter the woodland: the Fontaine Morte is on the left at the entrance to the woods. You’ll come out onto the D111.

(12) Cross it carefully, then cross the Ruisseau du Grand Étang. Pass the sewage treatment plant on your right and begin a climb along the edge of the woodland. Ignore the side paths and continue through the woodland until you reach a crossroads with a picnic table opposite.

(13) Turn left onto the path leading down through the woodland to rejoin a road (D38)

(14) Cross the road carefully and turn left to follow this road for about 200 m. You’ll find a path on the right, marked by a boundary stone right at the start. Take this path, cross the stream and reach a junction with a cross-path.

(15) Head left, following the edge of the woodland without entering it. At the Fork in the road, veer left towards the village houses. You’ll come out onto the road; keep left to reach the entrance to a children’s play area. Go through the gate, walk along the left-hand side of the building and cross the Ru de Genotte via the footbridge. At the end of the farm sheds, turn right to return to the car park (S/E).

The entire first section takes place in largely open countryside.
There is a picnic table along the way and another at the finish, under cover in the play area.
When passing through cherry orchards and vineyards, please respect the private property on either side of the route.

This signposted route, which complies with the signposting charter of the Puisaye-Forterre Community of Communes, is marked with the number 92 on yellow-backed signs.
The signposting was carried out by the association ‘À chacun son chemin en Puisaye-Forterre’ in September 2024.
If you have any concerns, please complete this questionnaire (it only takes 1 to 2 minutes).
Take care when crossing roads.
However, even though the route is signposted, you must set off with at least this route description and the accompanying IGN map and/or the Visorando app.

During the cherry blossom season, the scenery is stunning. There are some fascinating viewpoints: the Yonne Valley, the Chablis hillsides, etc.
In autumn, the vibrant colours of the vineyard foliage are well worth the trip.