Tour of the Brandon Pond in Saint-Pierre-de-Varennes

de fr

Walk around the lake through the undergrowth, past beautiful rocks and the TGV line. This unpretentious route is more suited to people staying nearby who want to get some fresh air for an hour or have a picnic. There are few people on the path, if any, outside the summer season.

Details

n°2156422
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.08 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 21 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 23 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 417 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 393 m
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Photos

Brandon Pond
The hamlet
The TGV line
The Ascent

Description of the walk

Park near the Foulon water treatment plant. The starting point is a well-maintained car park with bins and public picnic tables.

(S/E) Go through the motorised access barrier. Follow the main path on the left bank to the abandoned farm at Queue de l'Étang.

(1) At the top of the hill, take the descent on the right to continue along the pond.

(2) Pass the motorised access barrier and take the road on the right. Cross the hamlet of Les Charbottins.

(3) At the intersection, take the path on the right along the edge of the pond (GR® 137). Further on, pass through the barrier preventing motorised access.

(4) Pass through the motorised access barrier and turn right to reach the picnic area (S/E). There is a bridge over the TGV line just to the left.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 396 m - Car park - Mesvrin (rivière)
  2. 1 : km 1.26 - alt. 417 m - Y-junction. End of the climb.
  3. 2 : km 2.03 - alt. 405 m - Entrance to the hamlet
  4. 3 : km 2.48 - alt. 400 m - Pedestrian path. GR
  5. 4 : km 3.69 - alt. 396 m - Junction with the road
  6. S/E : km 4.08 - alt. 396 m - Car park

Notes

The path can be walked in low walking shoes or trainers. There may be two short muddy areas in the event of heavy rain.
People who are not particularly fit can do this route. There is a single climb, which is 100 metres long.
The first half is cooler than the second half. If the temperature is high, it is preferable to walk the route in the opposite direction.
Swimming is prohibited.

Worth a visit

Picnic tables and benches are available at the starting point.
You can take advantage of the TGV line. Your children will enjoy watching the trains go by.
The route passes by some lodges.
Brandon Castle is nearby but not visible from the route.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.1 / 5
User 28602696

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 06, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very easy route, though very muddy in two places; lovely views on the way there; impressive to be just 5 metres from the TGV on the way back

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Cocob
Cocob

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely, fairly easy walk. Not very busy.

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Giant84
Giant84

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Brandon Lake Tour. 4km. Easy, pleasant scenery. Car park to the south of the lake.

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Falsa
Falsa

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 15, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant and very easy walk
Lots of families picking mushrooms!

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remija
remija

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 02, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

An easy, very pleasant hike.

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Lechad
Lechad

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Nice, pleasant walk. Suitable for families.
In the description, "100-metre climb" means 100 metres in length, not in elevation!

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Aurélie M.
Aurélie M.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 14, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A lovely little walk around the lake with the abandoned farm and the old caravan. We meet some friendly people.

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lionvs
lionvs

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 31, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A very easy, pleasant and short route where you will encounter many walkers.

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henri57
henri57 ★

Hello,

users who do not read the entire description before leaving

Not only must you:

1. read the entire description, but also:

2. Use the 1:25,000 IGN map provided by Visorando
3. Prepare thoroughly for your hike.
4. If you are not confident with your navigation skills, use the Visorando GPS application.

See you soon!

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CHEVAGNY
CHEVAGNY

The title of this hike should be changed. Users who do not read the entire description before setting off will go to BRANDON, a town near CLUNY.

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