Circuit du Bocage

Welcome to Bois Sainte Marie, at Place de la Grenette.
This walk will allow you to discover our charming countryside.
On your left is the Roman Church from the 12th century. You can discover its architecture (open all year during the daytime). On your right is the alley where you start your walk. Once on the Departmental road (ancient road of the ramparts) you can see the gardens of the “Maison de Retraite” (The Retirement Home) where there is free access. You can also see the Mairie (town hall). Arriving at Guillaume Père turn right. In front of you is the village of Gibles with Mount St Cyr (770m) in the background.
At la Charnaie leave the tarmac road and go up to Belvédère by the small lane where you can discover our village. On your left is a hill called Montbranchier. Be careful when you cross the Departmental road. To the south you can see the small mountain called the Dun together with its chapel; at the far side of the woods are the Morvan Mountains which are visible on a clear day.
You will now be at the highest point of your walk - 451m above sea level.
Descend, turn left onto a small earth track until you get to Indres, then go right in the direction of Bruyères to appreciate the 360 degree panoramic view over the surrounding small valleys.
Another lane takes you towards les Butenières where you will see Bois Sainte Marie in front of Mount St Cyr
Turn left then right towards Sainte Catherine – you are now at the lowest point of the circuit (391m). Now go up towards la Chèvre. Here on your right you can see the Chateau des Blancs with its round tower (no access) as you pass nearby; soon you will come across a wayside cross (La Croix Rajaud).
Passing alongside the woods of Leurres you will see an open-air Pig Breeding Farm which extends just up to les Blancs. Go down to the Chateau des Blancs and on your left you will come to the small lake of Gorges Pierres just before arriving at the village – Place du Chene
After crossing the Departmental road, by going up la Grande Rue, you will arrive back at your departure point, opposite the church.