The source of the Loing

(S) From the church in Sainte-Colombe-sur-Loing, take the Route de Sainpuits for 100 metres and turn left, then continue along this small road.

(1) When you reach a junction with a tarmac road, turn right, pass through part of the village of Chappe and take the small street on the right (at the fire hydrant), which leads to a path alongside which the Pisserotte stream winds its way. Follow this path and you’ll reach the village washhouse; then, at the far end, nestled against the hillside, you’ll discover a stone monument from which the Pisserotte spring emerges – or rather, part of the spring – as on your right, beneath the roots of the large oak tree, you’ll also find a resurgence (commonly known as the Bouillon). A small stone bench invites you to take in the scenery and no doubt reflect on the days of the washerwomen, long before the arrival of the washing machine. It was around this washhouse that the history of the surrounding villages unfolded (for better or for worse).
(2) Retrace your steps back to the village of Chappe and take the road on the right – it’s quite a steep climb – up to the village of Montreparé.

(3) On leaving the village, just past the last house on the right, take the path that runs alongside the gable end of that house.
When you reach the junction with the main road, turn right, then, 50 metres further on, take the small road that descends to the left towards Perreuse.

(4) Stop to admire the source of the Loing, which also features a monument and a stele tracing the course of the river. You’ll notice that shortly after it emerges from the ground, the Loing sinks back underground, only to resurface at the hamlet of Les Guittons, which you’ll come across shortly. Continue on your way and, at the next junction, turn right; glance to your left to catch a glimpse of the village of Perreuse and the hills of Bouhy – and if the weather is clear, the view is magnificent.
Follow this road to the hamlet of Les Guittons; on leaving the village, a small path branches off to the left beneath the high forest – venture down this path and you’ll discover the Loing’s resurgence.

(5) Retrace your steps back to the village and take the first path on the left. Follow it and, at the four-way crossroads, go straight on, but do take a look at the cross of Saint-Nicolas on your left.

(6) Head down to the hamlet of Sainte-Colombe along this path and then along the small road, where you’ll discover another spring – or rather a ‘crôt’ (a local dialect term for a water source). As farm animals no longer come here to drink, goldfish and other amphibians are right at home.
Return to your starting point (S/E).
See you soon on other trails.

Please note that the water from the springs is very cold but not drinkable, so don’t forget your water bottle.
In wet weather, a good pair of walking boots will come in very handy. And if you come across a hiker, don’t forget to say hello – they share the same passion as you, and if you strike up a conversation, perhaps they’ll be able to help you discover the local wonders.

As questions are often asked about these two main springs, here are a few explanations:
La Pisserotte (2) flows into the Loing on the outskirts of the village of Sainte-Colombe-sur-Loing
The Loing (4) flows into the Seine after a course of 143 km.

The church at Sainte-Colombe is listed in its entirety as a historic monument, so do pop inside to have a look (statues, stained-glass windows, magnificent altarpiece).
This church has two entrances, one on the Puisaye side and one on the Forterre side, just like the church in Treigny (5 km away). It also has the distinction of having three sundials.
If your route takes you through Saint-Sauveur, be sure to visit the galleries on Rue de la Roche, Colette’s birthplace and the Colette Museum – and don’t be surprised by the imposing Saracen tower.