The Marquise du Deffand Trail

(S/E) Start at Place de l’Église.
Head due east along Rue de Saint-Prix. When you reach the Saint-Prix fountains, turn right towards the hamlet of Grand Banny. Continue along this stretch of road to reach the hamlet of Les Ouvots.

(1) In the wide bend in the road, continue straight ahead, ignoring the side paths leading to the houses. The main road ends in a track.

(2) Continue straight on for about 200m. On the left, a tunnel leads onto a cross-path. At the exit of this passage under an old railway line, turn right. Continue until you reach a junction. Go up the path on the left.

(3) Facing the hedge, turn right, ignoring the next two paths on the left.

(4) Turn left onto the tarmac road. At the next junction, turn left.

(5) Enter the hamlet of Deffand on the left. Go straight on at the side junctions.

(6) In front of the castle, turn right and right again at the next junction. Continue until you reach a side road in front of a farm building. Turn right.

(5) Take the road on the left towards Lain. Pass the monument dedicated to Alfred Saison.

(7) In the bend of this road, before the houses, turn right onto the path. Keep heading south-west. After the zigzag, turn right, leaving the path opposite (signposted for another route). You will reach a cross-path which happens to be an old railway line.

(8) Turn right towards the road. Follow it down to the left, ignoring a path branching off to the left.

(9) At the start of the S-bends, take the path on the right. Continue straight on to reach Grand Banny. Opposite the cross, turn right and, at the last houses on the left, turn left.

(10) Take the path on the left, then the first path on the right and follow it to the hamlet of Les Gallons, which you should cross whilst staying on the small road.

(11) Cross the hamlet and head towards Les Brûlés. Pass the telecoms mast on the left.
This small road ends in a dirt track which leads to an entrance road to the village of Saints. Head down Rue de la Malrue on the right, then walk past the church to return to the starting point (S/E).

There are numerous water sources, but the water is not drinkable, so please be careful!
The route can be done by mountain bike or hybrid bike in the opposite direction.
In strong sunshine, water and a hat are essential.

This route is provided bythe Puisaye-Forterre Tourist Office.
The route is signposted by the association À chacun son chemin en Puisaye-Forterre in accordance with the graphic guidelines of the Puisaye-Forterre Community of Communes, following the direction of the description, and is marked No. 20.
However, the fact that signposting is mentioned means you must set off with at least this description and the accompanying IGN map or the Visorando app.
If you encounter any problems, please complete this questionnaire (it only takes 1 to 2 minutes).
Take care when crossing roads.

The Alfred Saison monument is located on the outskirts of Le Deffand, heading towards Lain.
The Moulin Vanneau farm, a living museum.
The murals in Saint-Prix Church.
The village of Saints-en-Puisyaye.