Le Grand Chaloy

Start from the locks car park, Rue Hugues Cosnier.
Marked route No. 71.
(S/E) With your back to the car park, turn right and cross the bridge over the canal. At the other end, immediately take the path leading down to the foot of the locks; the canal will be on your left. Once at the foot of the locks, continue straight on, keeping to the canal. At the junction with the main road, turn right and continue along Rue André Henriat. Pass Rue Henri IV on your right until you reach a junction.

(1) Turn right towards Breteau (Rue des Postillons). At the fork in the road, keep to the right. Leave this track at the wide bend and rejoin it after walking a few metres along the grassy section. At the next fork in the road, take the road on the right, passing in front of the gates and boundary wall of the Château de la Brenellerie. You’ll reach a junction with a cross somewhat hidden by the vegetation.

(2) At this junction, go straight on, leaving La Brenellerie on your right. Continue, keeping Les Caillats on your left.

(3) Before crossing the Rigole de Saint-Privé, leave the road and turn right onto the path, then carry on.

(4) At the end, cross the stream and immediately turn left to reach a cross-path. Take this to the right.

(5) First turn right then left, and stay along the edge of the woodland. You’ll come to a tarmac road.

(6) Turn right, leaving the Grand Chaloy opposite you. Head towards the Pont des Révalleries. Cross this bridge, which spans the Rigole de Saint-Privé.

(7) Turn left, staying on the path that runs alongside the watercourse (there is a stud farm on your right).

(8) Head left towards the silos. At the Canal de Briare, turn right and pass under the D14 bridge. Continue along the towpath.

(9) Carry on, staying on the towpath. Pass the Racault Lock, the Saint-Joseph Lock and then the Chante-Pinot Lock.

(10) When you reach the crossroads, cross with care, then turn right without crossing the bridge. Pass the chicane to join the footpath. Walk downhill with the seven old locks on your right. Join Rue André Henriat.

Turn left without crossing this street. After the bridge, head left towards the car park along the path running alongside the canal (S/E).

Please note: this route is completely off-limits to bicycles, mountain bikes and other forms of transport.
The section of the path between (4 and 6) can sometimes be muddy in heavy rain.

This signposted route, which complies with the signposting guidelines of the Puisaye-Forterre Community of Communes, is marked with the number 71 on yellow-backed signs.
The signposting was carried out by the association ‘À chacun son chemin en Puisaye-Forterre’ in June 2021.
If you encounter any issues, 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 or the Visorando app.

There are some lovely views of the locks (both new and old) on the way back.