Le Brethon walks

This route will take you from the heights of the Croix de l'Ours to the Soulongis National Forest. Views overlooking the medieval village of Hérisson and numerous heritage sites punctuate this route.

A short route starting in the pretty village of Hérisson at the foot of its castle ruins.

This beautiful walk will take you back to the rich industrial past of the Tronçais Forest. You will visit the forges at Morat and Tronçais, built by the Lorraine industrialist Nicolas Rambourg, and the four ponds (Saint-Bonnet, Morat, Tronçais, Saloup) that he created to power them. An industrial nod in the heart of France’s most beautiful oak forest.

In the heart of the Tronçais Forest, a family walk along the ponds, navigating among the oak trees of the Colbert reserve.

A short family walk around the Étang de Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais pond in the heart of France's most beautiful oak forest, renowned among other things for its oak wood, which is highly sought after for the manufacture of barrels for the great vineyards. You will discover magnificent oak trees with perfectly straight trunks.

This walk offers panoramic views of the Cher Valley and the partially filled-in Berry Canal. Start from the car park at Urçay church.The route is partially marked with yellow lines.

Construction of the Canal de Berry began around 1808 on the initiative of Napoleon I and was completed in 1841. It took its current name, "Canal de Berry", in 1830. Its creation required, among other things, the installation of 115 locks, one every three kilometres. It consists of three branches that meet at Fontblisse, which is point 0. Many barges used to travel along it, transporting grain, wood and iron ore. The canal was decommissioned in 1955.

The Tronçais national forest is famous for the quality of its oak trees. It produces wood that is particularly prized for making barrels in which the finest French wines are aged. Its age and history make Tronçais the emblem of France's great national forests.

The commune of Coust is located south of the Cher, on the border between Berry and Bourbonnais in the Chignon valley. In the past, the stream fed a large pond between Pied de Coust and the church. It turned the wheels of the mills at Touzelles and Petit Paris before reaching the Rouchat mill. In the past, this stream was essential for Saint-Amand as it fed the moats of Montrond Castle and then those of the Saint-Amand-sous-Montrond enclosure.

Climb up to the Grand Tertre, the last foothills of the Massif Central, which offers exceptional views of the Auvergne mountains on a clear day. Descend and follow the Canal de Berry before returning to the Petite Cité de Caractère of Drevant.

In Saint-Amand-Montrond, Lake Virlay is a popular spot for walkers and sailing enthusiasts. The streets of Saint-Amand are perfect for a leisurely stroll and lead you to the Chemin de ronde de la Forteresse de Montrond. Follow the Canal de Berry and discover the Gallo-Roman theatre in Drevant and the Pont Canal de la Tranchasse.

This route is particularly well suited to Nordic walking. The asphalt sections are kept to a minimum and the quality of the surface on the tracks allows for movements that make the exercise very interesting. In addition, this hike is suitable in all seasons. The route is of course also suitable for classic hiking.