The Tour des Bordes in Lailly-en-Val

The start is at the car park near the Auberge des Trois Cheminées, at the junction of the Route de Blois (main road D951) and Rue de Vezenne, in Lailly-en-Val.

(S/E) Take Rue de Vezenne, ignoring the adjacent paths. When you reach the Moulin de Vezenne, continue straight on along the forest track until you reach a junction with a tarmac track (Chemin des Cochons).

(1) Turn right onto this track and follow it until you reach a pond on your left.

(2) At the cross, turn right, passing between the fence posts, onto the forest track signposted ‘Chemin des Vernou’. At the junction, turn right until you reach a gate.

(3) Turn left at the gate and follow the path as it winds its way round the Les Bordes golf course, ignoring the various tee boxes.

(4) At the crossroads, turn left at a right angle, then shortly afterwards turn right, following the contours of the golf course along the avenue on your right. At the Fork in the road, continue straight ahead along the avenue lined with plane trees, ceasing to skirt the golf course to the right.

(5) At the junction, turn right towards the “Chemin des Minettes”, ignoring the other paths leading to private properties. This path gives way to a road at a place called Ganay on your right, which you should follow until you reach a crossroads.

(6) Turn left, then right as you approach the D925 to follow the forest track (starting from the car park) which leads to the hamlet of La Boulaie, ignoring the various paths leading towards the departmental road. At the T-junction with a wide track, turn left onto the Chemin de la Boulaie, which becomes Ruelle à la Boulaie. Cross the D951 (take care) and take the tarmac-surfaced Allée de Chaffin opposite. Pass Rue du Petit Chaffin on your right and carry on until you reach Rue Basse, also on your right.

(7) Turn right onto this street, pass the Moulin de Chaffin and carry on straight ahead along what becomes the Chemin de la Rue Basse, lined with poplar trees bordering the Ardoux on your left, ignoring the various turn-offs to the right.

(8) At the junction, carry on straight ahead along Rue de Maulne, ignoring the various side roads. This street curves to the right.

(9) At the junction with Rue des Moises, turn left. At the crossroads, follow Rue de Maulne, which branches off to the left and then leads to the hamlet of Maulne, until you reach another junction.

(10) Turn right onto Rue de la Haut (^GRP® Vallée des Rois Historical Trail), until you reach the D951 or Route de Blois (take care).

(11) Follow this road to the left, taking the tarmac path on the verge. Pass Rue de Lignières on your left.

(12) Turn right off the Route de Blois onto the tarmac track known as the Clos des Aventures, then take the first track on the left leading to a T-junction with the Chemin des Plantes. Turn right, then left onto the Chemin des Carleries and continue to Rue de Vezenne, ignoring the various adjacent turn-offs. Turn left to return to the car park at the starting point (S/E).

The route requires great caution between (6) and the junction with the D951, as the old path no longer allows you to leave the Domaine des Bordes, following the development of the golf course.

Avoid this route in wet weather.

Watch out for signs indicating private estates. There are many of them and their placement is often confusing. Stick to the route and do not take any shortcuts.

During the hunting season, from mid-September to the end of February, hunters and walkers have equal rights in the countryside. Hunters will tell you what to do: keep quiet, maintain a safe distance, take a detour, etc., to ensure your safety without disturbing them or preventing you from hiking. You may come across a driven hunt. If there are temporary signs placed across the path, please respect them.
Otherwise:
1/ Approach the first hunter on post to find out the extent of the hunting area and the current situation (has the game been flushed?)
2/ Gather the walkers together to cross the path as a group, without making noise or causing unnecessary commotion. Avoid having a snack in the middle of the drive.
3/ Learn to distinguish between a drive and the actual hunting action – for example, when the dogs are barking.
In this case, it is best to stop and wait for the action to move away, which usually happens very quickly.
In all cases, ensure you are visible from a distance: wear a fluorescent yellow vest over your rucksack.
In groups, many leaders and rear guards have adopted this practice, which is also strongly recommended for individual hunters.
See the leaflet *Outdoor Users and Hunting Safety*published by the National Office for Hunting and Wildlife:

Enjoy the tranquillity of the forest paths and the Val d’Ardoux; most of the walk takes place far from roads and built-up areas.
The mills at Vezenne and Chaffin – one in the heart of the forest, the other in the Val d’Ardoux – have been transformed into magnificent residences, each beautifully showcased within its own setting.