Pouan-les-Vallées walks

Between land and rivers, explore the 2 Vallées in the heart of the chalky Champagne region. This countryside walk will take you to Pouan-les-Vallées and Villette-sur-Aube, villages close to the town of Arcis-sur-Aube.You will appreciate the shades of ochre, brown and yellow of the cultivated land and the greens of the wooded and shady valleys.

Hike from the heights of Montgueux on the ridges overlooking Mesnil Vallon, crossing Macey and its national forest, then returning along the vineyards overlooking La Grange au Rez with a bird's eye view of Troyes.

Half of this forest route follows the Vélovoie cycle path, revealing a wide variety of lakeside landscapes: the submerged forest of Lac d'Orient, the unobstructed view from the Lac du Temple dyke. This is in stark contrast to the dirt tracks of thesecond part of the route, which takes you through forests and countryside.

Connecting Géraudot Beach on Lac d'Orient and the golf course located in the forest area, this route passes through different environments: meadows bordered by hedges, open farmland, dense deciduous forests, and the charming village of Géraudot.

A short walk in the heart of a protected natural area, discovering the wetlands. A preserved area, rich in biodiversity, to be explored in spring or summer.

From the heights of Laines-aux-Bois, descend to the plain, visit the Fontaine site, the remains of the Gallo-Roman oppidum and the traces of the castle at the Montaigu nature site, then return via the Sentier des Moutons trail, ending with a walk through the charming hamlet of Les Grandes Vallées. This route avoids the steepest paths.

This hike allows you to explore a natural environment that is generally difficult to access, thanks to a well-maintained path between wet meadows and some beautiful viewpoints. A "nature" hike where the former Abbey of Saint-Gond adds a touch of heritage.

Almost exclusively in the forest, this route offers a wide variety of deciduous trees, forest environments, and path widths. These damp woods are home to the yellow-bellied toad, a protected and increasingly rare species.

This easy, mainly forest-based route takes you through the century-old trees of the Grand Orient Forest, crossing forest streams, with just a short detour to the village of La Loge-aux-Chèvres.

The Colossus with Feet of Clay is a short hiking trail of about 7 km. It invites hikers to discover the remarkable character of this forest area of the Orient Forest, and also addresses more serious issues such as climate change and the impact of humans on the natural environment. The originality of the Colosse aux pieds d'argile trail lies in its seven stations, each featuring impressive works of art. For example, gates symbolise the entrance to a peaceful space and, with their imposing presence, invite visitors to be discreet. A little further on, ceramic sculptures evoke the cultural heritage of the site and spark the imagination with traces of human history.

Between lake and forest, countryside and orchards, this route includes the Sentier du Lapin Blanc (White Rabbit Trail). Revealing a preserved village and its barns, crossing a wood, open countryside and green meadows, running along the beach and the dyke, this route sums up all the attractions of the Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park.

Partly following the Templar interpretation trail, the Salamander Trail and theGR® de Pays, this forest route offers original views such as that from the Fontaine aux Oiseaux dyke.

A short walk overlooking the villages of Bercenay and Vauchassis.

This is a route rich in discoveries: the castles of Congy and Étoges, the Champagne vineyards, and above all the magnificent menhir of the Étang de Chènevry. Vineyards, woods and crops with magnificent views of the nearby marshes of Saint Gond. No technical difficulties except for a little mud in wet weather.

Alternating between the stone embankment, white paths bordering the countryside and forest trails, this route goes all the way around Lake Amance, revealing its sometimes hidden treasures.

This is a short hike with lots to discover: the Abbaye du Reclus, the Château de Belin and the Reclus dolmen. You will hike through woods and pastures where cows graze. There are no particular difficulties, but avoid this hike in wet weather.

The Sentier du Loup trail circles Sommeval. This pretty little village stretches out in a valley which, like an amphitheatre, is surrounded on three sides by wooded hills. The trail allows visitors to discover one of the last dry grasslands in the Pays d'Othe. The trail is well maintained and clearly marked, but it is not recommended during the hunting season, from November to February.

This variation of the Loup trail goes around Sommeval, a pretty little village nestled in a valley which, like an amphitheatre, is surrounded on three sides by wooded hills. The trail allows you to discover one of the last dry grasslands in the Pays d'Othe and to cross the forests of Javernant and Sommeval. The trail is well maintained and clearly marked, but it is not recommended during the hunting season, from November to February.

Walk in the Forest of Othe on the border of the Yonne department. The village of Bérulle itself is already very pretty. But the forest paths are charming and peaceful, very pleasant!