The Flat Bridge

Departure from the lock car park, Rue Hugues Cosnier.

(D/A) With your back to the car park, turn right and cross the bridge over the canal. At the exit, immediately take the path down to the foot of the locks, with the canal on your left. At the foot of the locks, in front of the chestnut tree, turn right up the level path alongside the old locks, which will now be on your right.

(1) Continue along the path, keeping the Ancien Canal (also known as the Rigole de l'Étang Neuf) on your right. Enter the undergrowth and continue.

(2) Take a moment to stop and read about an ancient unit of measurement: the myriametre. Continue along this path, keeping the Ancien Canal on your right, passing over the Pont Plat (see § Practical information). Further on, a right-left turn is necessary to avoid entering a private road.

(3) Go straight on without crossing the bridge on your right. Continue, keeping the silos in sight. Turn right in front of the Canal de Briare, passing under the D14 bridge. Continue along the towpath.

(4) Continue along the towpath with the canal on your left. Pass through the Javacière lock, the Racault lock without crossing the canal, the Saint-Joseph lock and then the Chante-Pinot lock.

(5) At the crossroads, turn left across the bridge. Carefully cross the D314 to reach the car park (D/A).