Arbourse: Orchid Meadow, Cycling Routes and Pilgrim Paths

Arbourse brings together the Butte aux orchidées, several cycling routes, pilgrim paths and a historic washhouse. The local attractions appeal to different interests: the Butte offers a connection to a natural meadow and views, the cycling routes can be compared by length and the sequence of places they pass through, and the pilgrim paths can be distinguished by their different markings. The washhouse adds architecture to this selection. If you are looking for a hotel in Arbourse, you can consider which themes you would like to shape your stay.

Butte aux orchidées and views

The Butte aux orchidées is on the Faye spur in the commune of Arbourse and is a restored natural meadow. Wild orchids grow there, including Ophrys species; the plants are a seasonal feature of the meadow. Two orientation panels stand at the summit, which offers a panorama of the surrounding villages. The site therefore combines a botanical attraction with an overview of the villages nearby. The two panels add information to help you find your bearings while taking in the landscape.

Cycling loops and route lengths

Two cycling loops can be compared by length. “Fûts et vignoble” is 19.7 kilometres long and passes through Chasnay, Murlin, La Celle-sur-Nièvre, Dompierre-sur-Nièvre and Arbourse. “Orchidées et clochers” covers 33.5 kilometres; the route passes through Arbourse, Dompierre-sur-Nièvre, Saint-Bonnot, Arzembouy and Champlemy. The second loop is 13.8 kilometres longer. Both loops pass through Arbourse and Dompierre-sur-Nièvre; the other communes mentioned are different. This makes it possible to compare not only the lengths but also the places along the routes. The “Saint-Jacques à vélo via Vézelay V56” cycling route also passes through Arbourse.

Pilgrim paths and route markings

The Via de Vézelay, also known as the Via Lemovicensis, crosses the countryside around Arbourse towards Chasnay. The GR 654 on this route is marked in red and white by the French hiking federation. The “chemin des pèlerins” established along the Via is marked in yellow and blue and identified by a yellow scallop shell on a blue background. These different colours and symbols help distinguish the two route names. Check the local signs before setting out on a walk.

Washhouse and local history

The Lavoir d’Arbourse, also called the Lavoir de la fontaine Saint-Jean, dates from the mid-19th century. It has a rectangular basin with surrounds of dressed limestone, as well as a pitched roof covered with small, flat fired-clay tiles. A pitched roof has two sloping sides; “lavoir” is the French word for washhouse. If historic architecture is your main interest, this building offers a different focus from the cycling and pilgrim routes.

Accommodation in Arbourse

The pilgrim accommodation in Arbourse has a kitchen, a shower and toilets. If these facilities matter for your overnight stay, confirm them before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Montsauche-Les-Settons, Vignol, Larochemillay, Oulon, Beaumont-Sardolles, Sougy-Sur-Loire, Moussy, Dornes

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