This local 4 kilometre stroll begins right at the gîte, taking in a few village points of interest and offers terrain that's mostly flat with a sprinkle of easy inclines and declines. The walk typically takes around an hour.
Turn right as you step out from the gîte gate, then, after around 50 meters, take a sharp right down a woodland track that loops back around the gîte garden. Traverse about 600 meters along this track, then, crossing straight over a road, keep on the track and make your way up the hill through the village cemetery.
Once past the cemetery, take the first left, passing the charming local restaurant/ bar, 'Chez Nicole.'
If you're lucky, you might catch one of their musical soirées during the summer months, where you can dine alfresco, mingle with the locals under the shade of the trees, and tap your feet to the tunes of talented local musicians.
Want to sneak a peak at the village chateau and church? At the end of the track, turn left onto the main road, and then left again at the mini roundabout. You can peak through the gate, but the chateau is privately owned, so unfortunately you can’t go inside. There is also a cute little church next to the chateau creating a pretty ensemble for a selfie moment.
Retrace your steps to the war memorial, cross the main village road, and keeping the village green on your right, continue until you reach the Mairie (the village hall).
Go around the left side of the Mairie and pick up the small 'Route de Fenelon' on your right, which cuts through a walnut grove. You’ll notice a lot of walnut trees in this area —according to archaeological excavations, they've been growing here for at least 17,000 years – It’s no wonder that they feature on the majority of local menus!
After around 400 metres, take the first right along the 'Route du lavoir' and continue to the end, our dog Piccolo likes to stop and take a drink at the lavoir.
Lavoir - these historic communal washing areas can be found in most rural villages as they were an integral part of rural French life for centuries.
The lavoirs are usually situated next to a stream, where local women would gather to wash clothes and socialise. Lavoirs are usually open-air, roofed structures supported by stone or wooden columns, with large stone basins where the
laundry was scrubbed.
Sometimes adorned with intricate stonework and surrounded by lush greenery, they exude rustic beauty and community spirit. While they've largely lost their original purpose, lavoirs remain iconic symbols of French village life and cultural heritage, inviting visitors to step back in time and admire their historical significance.
After the lavoir, turn right onto 'Rue de Fontvielle', and then left again just before the bottle bank, taking the short 'Rue de Barry' back to the main village road. Turn left once more at the top, and then keep straight back to 'Rue de la Régarde', and voilà, you're back at the gîte!
