The Bellebranche walk

Start from the forest car park, situated alongside the D235 in the Bellebranche State Forest, in the commune of St-Brice.

(S/E) Set off along the path behind the sign for the abbey route, heading north. At the end of the path, turn left and follow the signposts. 500 metres from the start, cross the D235 (a busy road).

(1) Continue along the green trail. You’ll see the Étang de Curécy on your right. An observation point located about 300 metres away offers a chance to admire the various species of birds that live there. Carry on straight ahead and, at the end of the path, follow the signposts by turning left. Cross the main path (the Grande Percée) and continue along the path to the next junction.

(2) Turn left onto another stone-paved lane (the Petite Percée). Follow this lane for 1 km, then follow the signposts leading to the second junction on the right. Follow the path uphill, turn left towards Manchetière Castle, then turn left again. Follow the lane for a few hundred metres before taking a path on the right until you reach the D235.

(3) Cross the D235 carefully and turn right towards the forester’s cottage. Follow the signposts and the path starting to the left of the cottage. On your right, amongst the trees, you’ll catch a glimpse of Bellebranche Castle. Pass by two paths – one of which is gravelled – and follow the signposts back to the starting point (take the same route as at the start) (S/E).

Saint-Brice Town Hall – 11 Rue de l’Église, 53290 Saint-Brice // 02 43 70 80 29

Nearby restaurants and bars: ‘L’Atelier des P’tits Bouchons’ tea room in Saint-Brice, La Grande Récrée in Bouère, Le Comptoir du Lavoir in Bouère, Le Rond-Point in St Loup du Dorat

Toilets: near the church in Saint-Brice

Bellebranche Forest: The forest’s name is said to derive from a legend. The legend tells that “an eagle, holding an oak branch in its beak, indicated the spot where the abbey was to be built by dropping it”. The abbey’s coat of arms is also inspired by this legend: “Or, an eagle spread-winged Azure holding in its beak a branch of Sinople”.

Curécy Pond: This pond was part of a group of seven ponds belonging to Bellebranche Abbey, in which the monks practised fish farming. Today, it is a body of water much loved by migratory birds. On its eastern bank there is a small observation point, very popular with birdwatchers and accessible to all.

Bellebranche Castle: The hamlet of Bellebranche was the seat of the important Cistercian abbey founded in the 11th century following a donation by Robert II of Sablé. The abbey was devastated during the Hundred Years’ War and again during the Wars of Religion. The estate was sold in 1793, whilst the former abbatial residence was converted into an elegant castle.

What’s more: you can follow the abbey trail to explore the forest’s historical sites (the http://www.taudeetbellebranche.com/senti, etc.).