Finding a hotel in Vitry-Laché starts with the question of what kind of stay you have in mind. If you would like to explore ponds, forests and ecological connections, the Étangs de Vaux offer three trails with different themes.

Two walks with different time commitments

The Sentier du Héron Cendré is 750 m long; the round trip takes about 45 minutes. It starts near the hamlet of Vaux and follows the pond shore. The Sentier du Martin-pêcheur is 1.5 km long; its round trip takes about one hour and 30 minutes. It winds between ponds and forests and explains what makes this natural area special.

The timings make it easy to compare the routes directly: allow about 45 minutes more for the Martin-pêcheur, for a route that is 750 m longer. Both timings cover the round trip, so you can compare them directly. The trails also differ in what they focus on: the Héron Cendré follows the shore, while the Martin-pêcheur runs between ponds and forests and includes explanations of the natural area. This lets you weigh up the time required and the subject matter together.

Starting points and directions

For the Sentier du Héron Cendré, the car park at the starting point is at the Étang de Vaux, on the RD135 towards Vitry-Laché. The Sentier du Martin-pêcheur starts at the large separating dam between the ponds. Its car park is at the foot of the dam; from there, follow the signs on the large information board and then the dam. The starting-point descriptions differ: for the first trail, the car park is specified as being at the Étang de Vaux on the road; for the second, the route is described in terms of the car park, information board and dam. Keep the respective starting points distinct when planning.

Nature themes and fishing

The Sentier de la Libellule starts at the Vaux dam and explores the ponds’ food chain. It is equipped with fishing spots. This gives it a different focus from the Martin-pêcheur, which explains what makes the natural area special along a route between ponds and forests. The Étangs de Vaux area in the centre of the Nièvre department is known for the ecological richness of its fauna and flora. The trails therefore offer different ways to explore: a route along the shore, a nature walk with explanations, and an exploration of the food chain.

The Étang de la Perchette lies north of the Étang de Vaux. It covers 16 ha and, like the Étangs de Baye and de Vaux, is classified as a sensitive natural area. Only bank fishing is permitted at the Étang de la Perchette. As fishing rules can change, check the current local regulations before your visit.

On the peninsula of the Étang de la Perchette, there is a car park equipped for people with reduced mobility, as well as two fishing platforms for people with disabilities. As visitor facilities can change, it is advisable to check their current condition before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Ciez, Saint-Martin-Du-Puy, Saint-André-En-Morvan, Dun-Sur-Grandry, Clamecy, Cercy-La-Tour, Saint-Eloi, Menou.

Go to the broader travel overview: Nièvre.