Northern part of Lake Moulin Papon

de fr

Tour of the northern part of Lake Moulin Papon, which is wilder and more rugged than the southern part. It is not uncommon to see kingfishers, a few mallards, coots and, more rarely, geese. A detour to the hamlet of La Berthelière allows you to admire the renovated old houses, which are truly wonderful. The tour starts in the commune of La Ferrière and continues throughout the commune of Dompierre-sur-Yon.

Details

n°84084929
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.27 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 0h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 7 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 7 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 67 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 53 m
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Photos

Lake Papon
Moulin Papon Lake and the Boches Bridge

Description of the walk

Park in the car park on the edge of Route du Moulin Neuf, before or after the bridge, depending on the direction of arrival.

(S/E) Walk along the lake on the right, on its eastern shore, and you will reach another small car park.

(1) Remains of the mine bridge. Continue along the lake.

(2) Cross the lake via the footbridge.

(3) Turn left and continue along the lake, taking the raised path.

(4) Take the path on the right to visit the hamlet of La Berthelière. Admire the several beautifully restored old houses.

(5) Return to the path along the lake.

(4) Follow it to the right. Cross the bridge to return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 60 m - Yon (rivière) à finaliser
  2. 1 : km 0.65 - alt. 55 m - Mine bridge
  3. 2 : km 1.16 - alt. 57 m - Footbridge over the lake
  4. 3 : km 1.26 - alt. 61 m - Overpass
  5. 4 : km 1.92 - alt. 56 m - Branch line from the hamlet of La Berthelière
  6. 5 : km 2.18 - alt. 64 m - Hamlet of La Berthelière
  7. S/E : km 3.27 - alt. 60 m - Lac de Moulin Papon (Vendée)

Notes

Worth a visit

(1) The Mine Bridge, a relic from the early 20th century, was used to transport iron ore on wagons to Beaupuy station, where it was loaded onto trains to be taken to the port of Les Sables d'Olonne and transported by boat to Germany.

(5) The village of La Berthelière, with its old houses and numerous bread ovens.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
FC44
FC44

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 25, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely, easy walk that takes just under 45 minutes. The route is relaxing and often higher than the lake, which means there are very few muddy sections despite the incessant rain over the last few weeks.

Machine-translated

User 22661063

I agree with you, but unfortunately it is currently the most commonly used spelling. It is written on the explanatory plaque placed along the path by an association for the preservation of Yonne's heritage. This plaque, which is partially covered in graffiti, has become illegible.

Machine-translated

Jesn
Jesn
• Edited:

Hello, thank you for these clarifications. Please note that this mine ceased operations in 1912, two years before the war, and therefore at that time, the term "Boche" was not yet in use. I therefore preferred to name this building with a word more appropriate to the period, as the other corresponds to the dark periods of our shared history with our German neighbours.

Machine-translated

User 22661063

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
The mine bridge is better known as the Boches bridge because it was built in 1905 by the Germans working at the Thermelières iron mine. It is 22 metres long. It crossed the Yon river to transport blocks of ore to the Beaupuy railway station, from where they were shipped to Germany. A commemorative plaque has been placed along the path. It is a beautiful walk with magnificent views.

Machine-translated

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