The spillways of Lac du Bourdon

Park in the car park at the water sports centre, to the west of the lake.

(S/E) Head for the lakeside path: from the northern end of the car park, cross the road and go down a path; from the southern end of the car park, take the path leading down to where the boats are moored. Then follow the lake towards the dam along a grassy path, which is more or less clear depending on the season. Go round the back of the inn and join the road that crosses the dam.

(1) Take the path opposite, then turn right onto a grassy track marked by a sign indicating that you are on a site managed by the Briare Canal authorities. Follow this path, which is more or less clear and grassy, keeping to the right and heading towards the footbridges.

(2) Take the footbridges over the stream and then the Bourdon canal, respectively. Then turn left, then right to head back up towards the road. Ignore a path (marked with posts) in the grass on the left.

(3) Follow the road to the right, over the dam. A few metres past the square tower on your left, a small gate on the right leads to a staircase that descends alongside the spillway. You can continue to the top of the spillway’s “terraces” (beautiful cedar trees), but be careful not to fall! ( children and dogs strongly discouraged).

(4) Retrace your steps and continue along the road towards the inn. As on the way there, take the path behind it. You can make a round trip to the round tower by crossing a footbridge over the stream (the second footbridge is off-limits). Then return to the car park (S/E) via the reverse route of the outward journey.

Very easy walk; comfortable shoes are sufficient.

Warning: dangerous for children (and dogs not kept on a lead): risk of falling into the spillways

Photo album here