LA PRISONNIÈRE (N°49)

A walk in the Pail forest and along the banks of the river "Le Merdereau".

The route starts at Toutain in the commune of St-Paul de Gaultier.
It is also possible to set off from l'Ardrillé (Averton) and follow the alternative route, which is equivalent to 11 km and 85% dirt track:
Take the left-hand path along the edge of the forest, which forms the boundary between the communes of Gesvres and Averton. Admire the hedges and the panoramic views over Gesvres and the Avaloirs.
Continue along this path and, before the Col des Ruaudières, take the path leading down to La Prisonnière. As its name suggests, this was once a prison. Follow the road and at the bridge, cross the river "le Merdereau" and immediately turn right towards Chiantin. Follow the path, leaving the 20% gradient on the left and continuing to the right, through the Clos wood, which follows the river to the Moulin du Cormier.
When you reach the road, turn right for a kilometre, cross the Merdereau on the Pont de Fer, and at the bend in the road, take the path on the left that runs alongside the Merdereau and leads towards the Thon d'Orthe bridge. At the end of this path, leave the river and enter the forest by taking the path on the right towards the Croix Berthelot. At this point, take the road on the left for 1 km, which will take you back to l'Ardrillé (the starting point).

Practical information for getting to l'Ardrillé and parking:
Leaving Averton by car, head towards Gesvres, go through the forest and over the Col de St Sulpice (275 m), then take the Route de St Aubin on your right, the Départementale 268 for around 100 m and you've arrived at the tour's starting point.

To make parking easier, you can leave from the Croix Berthelot.