Merry-Sec and its wash houses

Parking is available at the foot of the town hall, shaded by plane trees.

(S/E) With your back to the town hall, set off to the left along Rue de la Liberté. As you go, pass Rue des Écoliers and the green uphill path on the left (which will be the return route) and, in front of the war memorial, head down Rue du Château which runs alongside the church on your left. On the way, you’ll see a wash house on the right, then after the cemetery, ignore a turn-off on the left (towards Sené) to reach a side street.

(1) Head up this street (Rue Froide), using the six wind turbines as a landmark. At the fork, turn right and you’ll come out onto Rue Chant d’Alouette.

(2) 50 metres further on, on the right, is the Puteau wash house. After a stop at the wash house, return to the crossroads and head up the street which ends in a stony track. Continue along this fairly wide, compacted track. Ignore the side turnings until you reach a fork, with an orchard a little further on the right serving as a landmark.

(3) Turn left before this orchard. Soon, a mobile phone mast will serve as a landmark. Ignore the paths branching off to the left to reach a cross-country track.

(4) Carry straight on and head down into the valley to come out onto a small road.

(5) Take it to the right. Continue until you reach a Y-junction. Take the right-hand fork signposted towards Bounon. Pass the first path on the right and then, at the entrance to Bounon, another path leading to the farm.

(6) Head down to the right along Rue du Petit Pont and, at the bend, continue uphill to the crossroad. There, turn left (old hand pump on the left). You’ll reach a green space on the left. After a short descent, you’ll come to the wash house.

(7) Head back up the street, which curves widely. At the next junction, ignore the two roads and take the path that climbs up to the right. Walk alongside a wrought-iron fence for a few metres. Keep to the right at the next crossroads. On this stony climb, ignore all the turnings to the left. Enjoy the view on a clear day before reaching a hard-surfaced track.

(8) Turn right and continue until you reach a wind turbine marked F12.

(9) Turn right and stay on this main path, keeping the silos in the valley in sight. Ignore all the side paths until you reach a Y-junction.

(10) Keep to the right (vineyard on your left) and follow the path down through the coppice. When you reach the crossroads, turn right to return to the car park at the start (S/E).

We are in Forterre here, where shade is scarce, so it is best to be prepared on sunny days.
The wash houses are covered and can be used as picnic spots. The water from springs and streams is not drinkable.
The section of road between (5) and (6) is quiet, but remain vigilant.

There is a very interesting viewpoint once you reach the plateau, after (7): the foothills of the Morvan, the Yonne plateaus and, opposite, the town of Auxerre, followed by a heavily wooded area representing the Puisaye.

Classified as Easy, this walk includes a few fairly steep climbs, particularly between (7) and (8).

This marked route, following the marking guidelines of the Puisaye-Forterre Community of Communes, is marked with the number 49 on yellow-backed signs.
The signposting was carried out by the association À chacun son chemin en Puisaye-Forterre in March 2023.
If you encounter any issues, please complete this questionnaire (it only takes 1 to 2 minutes).
Take care when crossing roads.
However, the fact that the route is signposted means you must set off with at least this description and the accompanying IGN map and/or the Visorando app.

Places to visit in this area:
The Aubigny Quarries, a heritage site.
Toucy, heritage and renowned market.
Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, the home of Colette.