The best walks and hikes around Courson-Les-Carrières
4.4
(171)
601
hikers
34
hikes
Hiking around Courson-Les-Carrières offers diverse landscapes in the Yonne department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France. The region is characterized by extensive forests, covering a significant portion of the area, alongside varied rolling countryside with agricultural lands and vineyards. Limestone formations are also present, hinting at the area's geological history. The terrain features a mix of valleys and hills, with altitudes ranging from 188 meters to 345 meters.
Best hiking trails around Courson-Les-Carrières
- The most popular hiking route is Porte de la Ville…
Last updated: May 23, 2026
4.7
(10)
23
hikers
4.03km
01:06
60m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(11)
32
hikers
9.93km
02:41
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.6
(5)
22
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
13.4km
03:49
300m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The village of Charentenay in which we find the Saint-Laurent de Charentenay church, a church topped by a fortified tower. The aisles of the church were redone in the 16th century. Small
0
0
City of character which deserves to be among the most beautiful villages in France with a little more development. To have : 1 - the castle and the small surrounding village after a beautiful climb from the village. 2 - the pond hidden behind the houses in the center. A quiet corner with a beautiful overview of the village. There you will understand where the name Belles Fontaines comes from.
0
0
It was only at the end of the 12th century that the current castle of Druyes appears in the texts. Previously, during the 11th century, a first wooden castle would have been built on the site of the said castle. Druyes is part of the first generation of castles from the time of King Philippe Auguste. It is built on a square plan of 52.3 meters per side. It is an imposing building which is one of the most important specimens of military architecture from the Romanesque period in Burgundy. Private property, the castle is open to visitors. It is reached by crossing the postern which is the gateway to the fortified village, where absolute calm seems to reign. The castle dominates the town of character of Druyes Les Belles Fontaines, which deserves to be listed among the most beautiful villages in France, if it were a little better highlighted. Note a beautiful climb to climb from the village to the castle
1
0
beautifull short walk mainly under the trees. The climb is steep with a staircase, but feasable with small children (+3 year). Coming back is easier.
0
0
Very nice walk made in May 2019. I recommend!
0
0
Fortified Gate - classified as a historic monument. This gate is part of the enclosure of the lower courtyard of the castle which crowned the rock overlooking the valley and dominating the only possible crossing of the river. A second gate existed on the current rue de la Rampe. The enclosure dates from the 12th century. It was protected, to the east, by four still visible towers, one of which has just been restored. On the west coast, the enclosure appears as a very large wall, 2 m thick and 4 m high. It is incorporated into gardens and houses, but still visible. It was lined with a dry ditch. The postern did not include a drawbridge. It was closed by a heavy double door, the stone pivot cups of which can still be seen in the lower part. The machicolations made it possible to throw stones at the attackers. They probably date from the 14th century. This door has been classified as a historic monument since May 9, 1888.
7
0
6th century: primitive church built by Saint-Romain, destroyed by a fire at the end of the 11th century. 12th century: current Romanesque church: very pure plan, three-bay nave with apses in the extension. Flat transsept. 14th century: construction of the Notre-Dame de la Pitié chapel on the lower north side. 15th century: construction of the defense tower enclosing the staircase, raising of the transept with the incorporation of Gothic glass roofs. 19th century: construction of the sacristy, installation of stained glass windows, transfer of the cemetery surrounding the church. Decoration in the portal and capitals, borrows from Arab and Roman styles. Bell installed in 1881 "Constance", diameter: 1.215 m, weight: 1066 kg replaces "Perette", dating from 1642. The church was classified as a historic monument on May 9, 1888.
6
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Courson-Les-Carrières?
There are over 30 hiking routes in Courson-Les-Carrières, offering a variety of experiences. These include 12 easy trails, 19 moderate routes, and a couple of more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every skill level.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes around Courson-Les-Carrières?
The region offers diverse landscapes, characterized by extensive forests, rolling countryside with agricultural lands, and vineyards. You'll also encounter limestone formations from ancient quarries, providing unique viewpoints. The terrain features a mix of valleys and hills, with altitudes ranging from 188 to 345 meters, offering varied paths without significant difficulty.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers?
Yes, Courson-Les-Carrières has 12 easy trails perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. A popular choice is the Porte de la Ville Parking Loop, an easy 4 km route that takes just over an hour to complete, offering a convenient way to explore the local surroundings.
Can I find circular hiking routes in Courson-Les-Carrières?
Absolutely. Many of the trails in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the The Druyes Viaduct – Bridge Over the Druyes loop from Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines is a 6.2 km circular path leading through picturesque countryside, typically completed in about 1 hour 42 minutes.
What are some interesting landmarks or natural features to see while hiking?
The region is rich in both natural beauty and historical sites. You can explore the unique landscapes of ancient limestone quarries, which give the village its name. Hiking routes often lead past charming washhouses and through wooded areas. Notable landmarks include the Château de Druyes and the Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines. For climbers, the Saussois Rocks near Merry-sur-Yonne offer impressive limestone cliffs.
Are the hiking trails in Courson-Les-Carrières family-friendly?
Many trails in Courson-Les-Carrières are suitable for families, especially the easier, shorter loops. The varied topography with gentle slopes makes it accessible for different ages. The Porte de la Ville Parking Loop is a great option for a family outing, being relatively short and easy.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Courson-Les-Carrières?
Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in Courson-Les-Carrières, especially in the natural wooded areas and countryside paths. However, it's always advisable to keep them on a leash, particularly when passing through agricultural lands or near livestock, and to respect local regulations regarding protected areas.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Courson-Les-Carrières?
The best time to hike in Courson-Les-Carrières is typically from spring to autumn. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, especially along routes like the Basseville Rocks – Prachtige bloemen loop from Andryes, while autumn offers beautiful foliage in the extensive forests. Summer is also pleasant, though it can be warmer, making the shaded forest paths particularly appealing.
Is there parking available at the trailheads in Courson-Les-Carrières?
Yes, parking is generally available near popular trailheads and in the villages surrounding Courson-Les-Carrières. Many routes, like the Porte de la Ville Parking Loop, are designed with convenient access to parking facilities.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Courson-Les-Carrières?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 170 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the blend of natural beauty with historical elements like ancient quarries and viaducts, and the well-maintained network of trails suitable for various abilities. The peacefulness of the extensive forests and rolling countryside is frequently highlighted.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes in the area?
While many trails are easy to moderate, there are options for longer hikes. For instance, the Migé loop from Migé is a moderate 13.4 km route that involves more elevation gain and takes approximately 3 hours 40 minutes to complete, offering a more extended exploration of the countryside.
Can I combine hiking with cultural excursions in the region?
Absolutely. The hiking routes often connect to charming nearby villages and their attractions. For example, the village of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, known for its character and a castle overlooking the town, is accessible to walkers. While a bit further afield, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vézelay and its basilica can complement an outdoor activity-focused trip.
Most popular routes around Courson-Les-Carrières
Most popular attractions around Courson-Les-Carrières
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
