A short walk around Marizy, taking in the Pierre d’Orgeval and the Étang Neuf

Start from the Place de l’Église in Marisy.

(S/E) From this square, head towards Saint-Bonnet-de-Joux.

(1) Turn left to climb up to the hamlet of Le Brouillat and walk alongside the forest as far as the telecoms mast. Then continue to the right along the tarmac road.

(2) Take a break and veer off the main route by following a small path that climbs to the right (marked in red) and leads to the Pierre d’Orgeval.

(3) When you reach the T-junction, turn right onto the main road (D303) until you reach the entrance to the forest.

(4) Turn right to enter the forest. Follow the old Roman road for several hundred metres.

(5) At the junction, stop off to admire the Étang Neuf. This little lake is well worth a look. Then, return to the junction to continue along the path until you reach the road.

(6) At the vegetable garden, turn right and walk alongside the forest until you reach a road.

(7) Cross the road, then carry on straight ahead, walking alongside the fir trees.

(8) At the road, turn left until you reach the cross flanked by four lime trees.

(9) Turn right onto the Chemin du Moulin de Mérey. Cross the bridge over the Arconce, then head uphill to the Les Clochards farm.

(10) At the road, turn right and join the Route de Charolles (D33).

(11) Turn right and head downhill to the T-junction on the left.

(12) Turn left towards Les Apports. Walk through the hamlet until the road becomes a track.

(13) Keep to the right to head back down to the village of Marizy via the Chemin des Écus.

(14) On the bridge over the stream, turn left; the church is in sight (S/E).

Water tap available on the Place de l’Église (off in winter).

The Pierre d’Orgeval will only take you a few minutes off the original route, but it’s well worth the detour just to have a go at trying to decipher the text carved into the large stone.

The Roman road is particularly interesting due to its well-preserved condition. On either side of this ancient highway, which led to Autun (Augustudunum), you’ll find its ditches and the earthworks that characterised all Gallo-Roman roads around 200 AD.