Under a bright sun and during a heatwave, it is sometimes difficult to stay cool. Puisaye-Forterre is ideal for hot days: Bourdon Lake, ponds, forest walks, cultural visits sheltered from the heat, discover all our fresh ideas!

Cool off by the water in Puisaye

Relaxation, swimming and water activities at Lac du Bourdon

Bathing, Pedal boat, canoe, kayak, paddle, kayak polo, 4×20 dinghy, windsurfing…The natural setting of the Bourdon Lake offers you this diversity of nautical activities to experience during your stay under the sun of Puisaye-Forterre. The Daniel Bailly Leisure Center and Burgundy nautical center are present on the banks of the lake to welcome you.

Discover the ponds and rivers of Puisaye

Daniel Salem
Moutiers en Puisaye pond in autumn in Burgundy

For those who prefer peace and quiet, head to the calmer ponds and rivers of Puisaye. Our destination is dotted with ponds, forests and groves. Enough to peacefully enjoy two activities: Fishing with your feet in the water and sheltered under the trees. hikes and walks around the water in our forests and sunken paths.

Explore the coolness of forests and shaded paths

Bicycle ride

Do you like cycling, whatever the weather? Then, if you want to set off early on hot days, we recommend two routes:

  • Young and old from Puisaye : 42km circuit where you will discover no less than 8 ponds to cool off! Not to mention the ponds, streams and the passage to Bourdon Lake.
  • Murals in Puisaye : 30km circuit to discover 3 of our Churches of the Mural Painting Network along enchanting roads...
Arsène Jurman / Puisaye Tourism
Road cycling in Puisaye-Forterre

Enjoy cultural activities away from the heat

Arsène Jurman / Puisaye Tourism

The Aubigny Underground Quarry

Ce exceptional heritage in the heart of the Forterre is ideal when it's hot. Quite simply because it's constantly hot there the same temperature 12 to 13 degrees and you will even have to think about bringing a sweater! Inside, make a stone cutting workshop or benefit of a digital visit with the Legendr app: The adventures of Elie, the secret of the Forterre stone.


Restaurants and shaded terraces not to be missed

After a morning of activities, relax while enjoying local dishes on a shaded terrace in our picturesque villages. Some of our restaurants are installed on the edge of a lake or along a river to fully enjoy your meal in complete relaxation. Others have a very pleasant terrace under the trees for beautiful summer evenings.

Fléchais Pastry Shop in Saint-Fatgeau chocolate, ice cream and tea room
Fléchais Pastry

Where to eat good ice cream?

The best spots for a picnic in the shade

  • Mezilles: at the Ribaudin garden
  • Charny: at the municipal pond
  • Druyes the beautiful fountains: at the spring basin
  • Andryes: picnic area at the Marais d'Andryes
  • Villiers Saint Benoit: picnic area at Pâtis
  • Saint-Fargeau: at the Bourdon lake
  • Bléneau: at the P.Doudeau water gardens
Nathalie Jard / Puisaye Tourism
le Pâtis, picnic and play area in Villiers-Saint-Benoit


Le Bourdon Lake is an ideal place for swimming, with supervised beaches in July-August and picnic areas. You can also go to the Bléneau swimming pool which is open in summer.

In addition to Bourdon Lake, you can enjoy the many shaded forests for a hike. Where enjoy the ponds (Moutiers-en-Puisaye, Toucy and Bléneau) and peaceful rivers (the Loing, the Ouanne and the Vrille).

Yes! For example, the castle of Saint-Fargeau and Colette museum offer cool spaces and are perfect for escaping the heat while discovering history. Not to mention the Aubigny Underground Quarry and our Churches of the Mural Painting Network.

Absolutely! Families can enjoy Lac du Bourdon, the Boutissaint animal park but also the Wolf Pyramid which is a place where the interior space remains cool. The treetop adventure park is 100% in undergrowth.

Take care of yourself !

During this period of intense heat, we advise you to take care of your hydration regularly. It is important to think about putting some crème solaire during exposure to the sun while wearing a hat. The well-being of your four-legged companion is equally important. Avoid walking on urban ground, refresh it regularly and do not leave it in a closed vehicle.

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