The locks of the Canal de Berry from Bessais-le-Fromental

Park near the church.

(S/E) Go round the church to the left along the road, cross the bridge over the Ruisseau le Madériau and, at the T-junction, turn left onto the D110 until you reach a Fork in the road.

(1) Turn left, pass a few houses and continue along the dirt track. At the road, turn left, cross the bridge over the Madériau and arrive at the D175.

(2) Turn right to pass through the hamlets until you reach the hamlet of Donnais.

(3) In Donnais, turn onto the^first road on the right, which becomes a track. Continue along the main track. At the hamlet of Les Barons, turn right towards the Canal du Berry.

(4) Turn right and follow the canal along the right bank. Pass the Fontblisse Lock (where the canals branch off).

(5) Continue on to the Rhimbé Lock.

(6) Cross the D110 and change banks to take the left bank on the^GR®®654. Pass the locks at Neuilly and Presles and arrive at the Lienesse Lock. Continue along the path via Le Champ des Murs.

(7) Turn right to cross the canal via the path. You can see Lienesse Castle and its outbuildings on the path if you look back. Continue south-west along the path which joins the old supply canal.

(8) Turn left to reach the hamlet of La Ville au Roi.

(9) Turn right, passing the old supply canal and the River Auron. From the hilltop, look out over Les Billiers, with its farmhouse and outbuildings typical of the region, featuring sloping roofs. Continue to a junction.

(10) Turn left to pass in front of a farmhouse and continue to the next junction.

(11) Turn right onto Rue de l’Œuf.

(12) Turn right onto this street, follow it for about 100 metres, then turn left to join the D110.

(13) Turn left onto Route de Bannegon and head towards the junction from the outward journey.

(1) Follow the route back in the opposite direction to return to the church (S/E).

Hiking along paths and riverbanks, including sections on quiet country roads.
Section of^{the GR®654}and the Way of St James starting from Vézelay.
Picnic tables along the canal.

At the starting point in Bessais Le Fromental: Saint Martin’s Church (12th and 16th centuries).
Hamlets with stone houses and farmhouses in the region’s typical architectural style.
The Berry Canal, partially restored between the locks at FontBlisse, Neuilly and Presles.
Lienesse Castle and outbuildings (private).
Barregon Castle (available for hire for events).
The Romanesque church of Vernais: a 13th-century fresco depicting the Virgin Mary being crowned by Christ.
Étang de Goule: leisure centre, restaurants, chalets, sensitive natural area (ENS) and bird sanctuary for migratory birds.
Farms offering visitor facilities and activities for children.
Local producers (cheese, meat, basketry, wool, etc.).