We started this section walking along the banks of the Loire (or the lateral canal thereof), as we had done for the previous three days, then turned up the Allier briefly, leaving the main rivers altogether after Aprémont. But our canal-walking was not over. Most of the rest of the section was beside the disused Canal du Berry, which we eventually left at Saint-Amand-Montrond.
We were in the old province of the Berry, with its rich, undulating fields enclosed by great hedges – the landscape known as “le bocage”. One odd feature of the area was the lack of camping grounds, perhaps because it is not a very famous tourist district. We stayed in one hotel and two gîtes, which actually suited us very well, as the weather had taken a turn for the worse.
Day 4: Fourchambault to Sancoins
Day 5: Sancoins to Charenton-du-Cher
Day 6: Charenton-du-Cher to Loye-sur-Arnon