In the Wheel of Albert Bourlon Trail

The trail officially starts from the football stadium car park in La Chapelle-Montlinard. This is also the recommended place to park your vehicle before beginning your hike.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll encounter sections along the paved Loire à Vélo route and a towpath next to the Canal Latéral à la Loire. There's also a steep dirt path, and some parts remain asphalted as you cross various roads. Overall, it offers a mix of surfaces.

This loop offers diverse scenery. Key highlights include the Remarkable Oak of La Chapelle-Montlinard, which gives the trail its name. You'll also spend time On the Canal Latéral à la Loire and pass by La Blancherie. The route provides picturesque views of La Charité-sur-Loire and the serene landscapes along the Loire River. You might also spot an active sand quarry.

Yes, the trail is generally considered dog-friendly. However, as parts of the trail pass through varied terrain including roads and potentially shared paths, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash for their safety and the comfort of other users.

The trail can be enjoyed during most seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, so an early start is advisable. Winter hikes are also possible, but be mindful of potentially muddy sections, especially on the dirt paths.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the 'From the canal to the old oak' loop. While parts of the trail are within the Réserve Naturelle du Val de Loire, access for hiking is generally free. Please always respect local regulations and leave no trace.

The trail is approximately 12.7 kilometers (about 7.9 miles) long. On average, it takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the sights.

Yes, this loop trail intersects with several other well-known paths. You'll find sections that align with the Loire à Vélo 8, the EV6 France 14, Pouilly-sur-Loire - La-Charité-Sur-Loire, and the Véloroute La Charité-sur-Loire - Saint-Amand-Montrond. A portion of the trail also follows the historic Saint-Jacques à vélo via Vézelay pilgrimage route.

The trail is rated as moderate in difficulty. While it does feature a steep dirt path, the overall elevation changes are relatively mild. Many sections are easily accessible, making it suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

The trail is marked with yellow blazes, making it relatively easy to follow. Starting from the football stadium car park, keep an eye out for these markings to stay on course throughout the loop.

La Chapelle-Montlinard is a small commune, but you may find basic amenities. For a wider range of cafes, pubs, and accommodation options, you might consider visiting nearby La Charité-sur-Loire, which is a short distance away and offers more services for visitors.