HPB St Simeon: Doue

Use is made of part of the GR11 long distance route and some very minor road. One half mile section of rather long grass.

Doue is a pleasant small village, most notable for the bluff rising steeply for 40m. (131ft) behind the houses. The church on top is certainly worth a visit, either on foot or by vehicle. The views are extensive. 

WALK

From the car park turn left along the side of the D37 road, heading north. In less than 100 yards turn left into an alleyway behind a terrace of houses. A waymark confirms that this is part of GR11. Anyone reaching 'la Poste' has missed the turning! Follow the alley as it bends right then left before joining a little road at the edge of Eoue. Bear left then go straight on at a junction.

1. As the road bends to the left, turn right to follow a grass track, cross over a drainage ditch, and continue, with woodland on the right. At a 'T' junction of tracks, turn left. Go straight across the D19 road and carry on along a similar track. Reach the end of a surfaced road, turn left, now at the edge of le Croupet hamlet.

2. On reaching the D37a road, where the GR11 goes to the right, go straight across to take a minor grass path, with a wall on the left hand, reaching the Avanelles stream in a few yards. Cross the stream on a footbridge and rise to pass a ruined building. Cross the D37 road. The recommended route continues along a track with longish grass underfoot for nearly 1/2 mile. If the grass is really long, this section can be avoided by turning left along the side of the road for about 300 yards and then turning right along a very minor road, later rejoining the main route. On the main route, turn left at a cross tracks at the end of the rough section, now heading towards Doue and the le Taillis farm complex.

3. Join a very minor surfaced road (and those walkers who have used the alternative route), turning right to pass le Taillis. Turn left at a 'T' junction to walk by the side of the quiet road direct to Doue.

For further details about HPB Le Mont de St. Simeon, a development of 39 beautiful holiday properties overlooking the valley of the river Grand Morin, please click here