Along the Guerche marsh

Start from the car park on Rue Darius Milhaud, near Brains Town Hall.

(S/E) Head east along Rue Darius Milhaud and turn right at the end. Turn right into Rue des Clots Mats heading south-west, then continue straight ahead at the roundabout.

(1) Leave the tarmac and take the path that veers slightly to the right (south-west). Stay on this path for 500 m, following the Lorière stream to the footbridge, and ignoring the small paths on the right.

(2) Leave the footbridge on your left and head to the right (north-west). After 50 m, ignore the road and take the path on the left. Continue straight on, following the Grande Douve stream until you reach the tarmac road.

(3) Take the road on the right for 30 metres, then turn left onto the dirt track. Continue straight on for 400 metres alongside the Grande Douve stream until you reach the footbridge. Leave the footbridge on your left and continue slightly to the right towards the dirt track, until you reach the tarmac road.

(4) Cross the road to take the track opposite. After 250 m, you’ll reach a tarmac road; turn left onto it. Continue straight on for 500 m. When you reach the small Bignon pond, take the path on the right which climbs up to the Croix du Bignon.

(5) Cross Rue Claire Fontaine and head towards the track opposite, heading south-east, running alongside the vineyard. On the D11, turn left, then after 100 m take the dirt track on the right for 500 m.

(6) Follow the tarmac road for 50 m, then turn right onto the dirt track, crossing through the vineyards. This track forms an S-shape. At the junction with another track, turn left, then after 50 m turn right towards the south. The track becomes a small tarmac road, Rue des Cartons.

(7) Enter the village of Brains. Turn right onto Rue de la Pilaudière. At the end of this street, turn left onto Rue de la Mairie, then after 50 m, turn left onto the footpath. At the end of the footpath, turn right to reach the car park (S/E).

In winter, the marshes are frequently flooded. The path remains passable, with some sections occasionally a little muddy but not submerged.

In winter, these flooded areas provide a refuge for many marsh birds, including the white stork. Don’t forget your binoculars and a handy bird guide.