Over hill and dale to Courtanvaux

Access: To reach the start of this walk, head towards Château de Courtanvaux in Bessé-sur-Braye. Park in the château car park.

(S/E) Start from the dovecote and follow the small road lined with plane trees leading to the château. At the crossroads, cross the road and take the path opposite, near the picnic tables. Head up into the woods and you’ll reach a clearing. At the junction of several forest paths, take the path furthest to the right. You’ll come to a road a little further down.

(1) Follow it to the left. It takes a sharp right-hand bend, then overlooks two valleys. Pass a wayside cross in the hamlet of Les Blottières, as well as the entrance to La Frapperie. Continue straight on along the same road, between hedgerows and fields. Ignore the Chemin des Hamelinières and the first hamlet of Haut-Pineau.

(2) Turn left before the dead end and pass through the second hamlet of Haut-Pineau. Follow the winding little road and head down into the valley.

(3) At the bottom, at the four-way junction, turn left towards Courtanvaux. Walk alongside a wood and note the pollarded trees in the field on the left. Continue along the bottom of the valley, passing the lower part of the hamlet of La Frapperie. Pass through Chenevrie and look out for a few troglodytic dwellings on the left. Walk alongside a stream that runs past an old farm, and pass La Cave. Enter Bessé-sur-Braye.

(4) At the stop sign, cross carefully and take the^GR®®235opposite, marked in white and red. This will take you into a small wood. At the next junction, walk along the left side of a pond, following the yellow markings. Cross a small bridge and head back, veering left through the castle grounds.
At the road, turn left twice to return to the car park (S/E).

An easy walk suitable for everyone.
The village of Bessé-sur-Braye for supplies.

- The small village of Bessé-sur-Braye.
- Courtanvaux Castle
- Pollarded trees (for tree lovers).
- Cave dwellings.