By bike, from Toucy to the Château de Grandchamp and back

Departure is from Place des Frères Genét.

(D/A) From the car park, turn right towards Auxerre on the D965. 1 km after leaving Toucy, turn left towards Parly. Follow the D48 for 4 km; it's a lovely, shady road downhill to the village of Parly.

(1) At the crossroads, in sight of the church, turn left twice, towards Échelotte, Merry, les Chênons, go up 500 m and turn left into Rue du Mont Chaumont (note that some of the signs have disappeared). On this beautiful 2.5 km uphill road, you can admire the green, open countryside before crossing the woods and reaching the plateau at La Fumée. At the stop sign, continue straight ahead towards La Faisanderie, Les Tremblats, follow the road to the right and pass the Les Tremblats pheasantry.

(2) At the viewpoint, continue on the same road.

(3) 100 m after the hamlet of Archons, turn left. At the stop sign, come to the D955 and take this road on the right for 400 m.

(4) At Les Placeaux, after the big bend, take the first road on the left (D154) towards Les Ormes.

(5) At the hamlet of Froville, in front of the gates of the château, turn right onto the D454 towards Aillant-sur-Tholon for 1 km.

(6) Turn left towards Boisserelle, golf de Roncemay. Drive around the golf course following the fence on your left. Continue on the RD57 to reach Les Ormes.

(7) In the village of Les Ormes, keep to the main road which runs slightly north-west. Cross the D154. Head towards Sommecaise on the D14 (heading north-west). You will see the Château de Bontin on your left (you can go up the driveway to the château). Continue down into the valley where the Vrin, a tributary of the Yonne, flows. After the bridge, turn right.

(8) Cross the D3 towards La Brimbalerie.

(9) Continue on the D14.

(10) Go straight on, signposted Grandchamp. The road is beautiful and quiet. After Les Petits Brossards, go down towards Grandchamp.

(11) At the stop sign, cross the D950 and continue for 200 m towards the Château de Grandchamp.

(12) You can stop in front of the gate and admire the harmony of this beautiful property. Go back as far as the crossroads. Take the small tree-lined road opposite. Continue straight ahead along the Ouanne Valley. In places, follow the old railway line (now Cyclorail). Pass Les Clausses (farm on the right). Cross the railway line and continue until you reach the Villiers-Saint-Benoît leisure park. Turn left towards the village.

(13) Drive past the museum. Turn right.

(14) Leave the church on your right and continue on the D950 to Dracy.

(15) Cross the railway tracks (from Villiers-Saint-Benoît onwards, this section is used by a tourist train). Follow the D950, passing the cemetery on your left. Part of this road runs alongside the railway line.

(16) At the end of a large curve, after leaving the small road leading up to La Perreuse on the right, turn left onto the D229 towards Champeaux.

(17) Go straight on to Toucy along the Ouanne.

(18) When you reach the D955, turn right. Continue straight on into the town centre and join the Toucy Tourist Office in the Rue Colette to the right of the Pierre Larousse Statue (D/A).