Sentiers de Chaumour
Following in the footsteps of Georges-Louis Leclerc, Count of Buffon, who visited the Chaumour state forest, you can discover the Sainte-Barbe pond and the flora that accompanies it, then a waterfall and the ruins of a mill whose wheel still existed in 1750. On the plateau, you can observe many species of trees typical of limestone plateaus (hornbeam, beech, field maple, corm tree, etc.), as well as introduced resinous species. The beautiful chapel of the Hermitage, built in the 17th century and covered in lava, awaits you at the top of the summit.
Several circuits are accessible:
- The path of the pond of Sainte-Barbe: 760 m (duration of the course: 15 min / width of the path: 1,5 to 2 m)
Accessible to people with reduced mobility, this trail has been designed to lead you around the pond in complete safety.
The path is equipped with support bars, benches and picnic areas allowing you to take regular breaks. A covered shelter is installed in the middle of the walk, near the waterfall.
- The Hermitage botanical trail: 1.5 km
Path on the plateau passing by the waterfall, the chapel and the monks' well.
These two paths, punctuated by botanical panels, allow you to discover the forest of Chaumour and its riches.
- The Witch's Soup Trail: 2 km
A free family trail, suitable for children aged 5 and over, which takes you in the footsteps of the witch Beuffenie. With the help of a booklet and a recipe card, you have to help the fairies of the Douix to find the ingredients of a magic soup. At each stage, after having read the explanations about the place and the clue, you have to find a hidden wooden post and punch your recipe card in the right place. At the end of the game, the clue card is left at the Montbardois Tourist Office to receive a little surprise in return...
Departure and arrival: car park of the Étang de Sainte-Barbe. The circuit is located in the commune of Montbard (accessible via the commune of Saint-Rémy).
From Montbard, take the D905 towards Tonnerre. Turn left under the railway line before arriving in Saint-Rémy; follow the sign Sentier botanique de l'Ermitage. Cross the housing estate and take the Rue de l'Étang. You will arrive at the car park of the Étang de Sainte-Barbe.