The Breteau ditches

de fr

A signposted, family-friendly, shaded walk along the Breteau ditches that feed the Briare Canal. This easy route also takes you to the Étang de la Grande Rue lake and its dam. Suitable for pushchairs and bicycles, you can enjoy the cool shade of the undergrowth in summer and a dry path in wet weather.

Details

n°26212203
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.75 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 10 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 11 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 179 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 164 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Area: Puisaye
  • ⚐ District: Breteau (45250)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 47.682693° / E 2.893105°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 2421SB, 2521SB
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Description of the walk

The starting point is in the car park of Breteau church. The route is marked with red "R" signs or arrows.

(S/E) Turn right onto Rue de Bléneau. Walk past the wash house for about 50 metres.

(1) Turn left and follow the Briare Canal's supply channel. Along this channel, you will see various bridges and footbridges. Do not use them.

(2) Cross the path and continue straight ahead, walking alongside the Voies Navigables de France maintenance hut. Further on, cross the disused Gien-Auxerre railway line and you will reach a bridge with a sluice gate.

(3) Turn right and keep to the left immediately afterwards.

(4) Turn right and take the path with an iron barrier.

(5) Climb onto the Étang de la Grande Rue dyke and turn right. Walk along the dyke and follow the pond to the stone bridge.

(6) Take a small path on the right that descends towards a second ditch. Do not cross the bridge and continue along this ditch. Pass in front of the old railway station, which has been converted into housing.

(7) When you reach the tarmac road, turn right towards Breteau. Join the D44 at La Bonde Blanche (calvary). Turn right, cross the bridge and head for Breteau church (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 169 m - Breteau church
  2. 1 : km 0.2 - alt. 168 m - Access to the first stream, junction of the circular - Trézée (rivière) - Affluent de la Loire
  3. 2 : km 2.24 - alt. 167 m - Maintenance hut
  4. 3 : km 4.05 - alt. 168 m - Bridge with sluice gate
  5. 4 : km 4.76 - alt. 167 m - Path with barrier
  6. 5 : km 4.98 - alt. 177 m - Dam/Dike - Étang de la Grande Rue (Escrignelles)
  7. 6 : km 6.62 - alt. 177 m - Access to the second ditch
  8. 7 : km 7.69 - alt. 179 m - Return route to Breteau
  9. S/E : km 8.75 - alt. 169 m - Breteau Church

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
Titus89
Titus89

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful route, but it's a shame that the Grand Rue pond was dry. The markings are sometimes missing or faded, so it's essential to have a map and follow the route description.

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Lina76
Lina76

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 02, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

Lots of grass, poorly maintained paths, and watch out for mosquitoes and other insects due to puddles still present in the gullies (bring cream and essential oil).
Dry pond.

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APPERT FRANCK
APPERT FRANCK

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 26, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

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