Sentier de la Demoiselle

There is a 4 km alternative route that does not go to the Étang de la Demoiselle.
Park on the D946, 700 m from the Parc Argonne Découverte car park. At the picnic area by the start sign.

Yellow footpathsignpost no . 16

(S/E) With your back to the car park and the D946, take the path to the right of the sign. Continue straight ahead to descend into the La Croix-aux-Bois National Forest. At the crossroads at the bottom of the descent, take the winding path on the left, bordered by a gaize cliff. Continue along this path, heading north until you reach the Route Forestière du Chêne Paté.

(1) Turn right and follow the road uphill to a large crossroads. Continue left on this forest road.
(=> An alternative route is available by taking the Noue Marion forest road on the right, which shortens the route to 4 km.) Follow the three bends on the forest road, then rejoin the undergrowth by turning right at marker no. 235.

(2) Go up into the woods by turning right, climb a slight incline, continue straight ahead, then turn left and take a straight path. Walk straight ahead on the plateau until you reach the junction between the Chêne Pâté and Bois de Termes forest roads.

(3) Cross the junction completely, taking the Chêne Pâté forest road opposite for about 800 m.

(4) Head back into the woods, turning right to descend to the Étang de la Demoiselle lake and turn left before the lake to reach it. There is a picnic area on site. The trail then goes around the lake on the right.

(5) From this point, the trail heads straight ahead, winding its way down and offering views of a small stream below. Stay on the main wide path.

(6) Turn right onto a relatively steep hill, then turn left, continue along several hairpin bends and turn right to reach the Route Forestière de Termes on the plateau.

(7) Turn left, then right about 400 metres later to return to the woods. After a short descent, turn left between the plantations. After a slight climb, take the path on the right and continue straight ahead.

(8) Follow the straight path through the middle of the plantation. At the end of the plantation, take a path on the left and enter the woods. Continue straight ahead. At a large crossroads, turn left and descend this main path to the Route Forestière de la Noue Marion.

(9) Turn right, walk 200 metres and turn left into the woods. Cross the wooded area, then a small ditch, and come out onto a white path on the left in the open air. Stay on this white path, cross over a stream and walk to the drop-off point at the end of the path.

(10) Enter the woods by taking the path to the left of the drop-off point and continue straight ahead. At the foot of a hill, turn right for a final climb. Follow this fairly steep path that winds between the trees and the pine forest to the plateau. Turn left, walk a few dozen metres and you will find the car park (S/E).

Between October and February, check the hunting dates before setting off.