Avaray walks

Walking and hiking trails winding along the hillside above the Loire floodplain between Lestiou and Avaray. An excuse to discover two pretty little villages on the Loire, it also offers the surprise of six wash houses in just five kilometres. Very discreetly located, you have to take the time to look for them: the walk then becomes a treasure hunt with well-hidden treasures. The commune of Lestiou has two, while Avaray has four, including one oval wash house.

A small stream originates in a place called Bausdisson. It flows through the town from north to south and joins the Loire after a journey of around twelve kilometres. This small river, called the Tronne, gives the town of Mer a certain charm. In fact, Mera means "marsh" or "place covered with water" in Latin, which is the origin of the name Mer.

Starting in Beaugency, a medieval town rich in heritage, this hike leads to the Eaux Bleues de Tavers, the Ver Chapel and various wash houses, offering superb views of the Loire River.

Like many villages in the Sologne region, Crouy-sur-Cosson combines forest landscapes, ponds and architectural heritage. The first part of the walk takes place on wide paths on the edge or in the heart of the forest; the second part is more varied, dotted with ponds, the Cosson river, grassy paths and hamlets.

The route is varied, sometimes overlooking the Loire or running along its banks, sometimes taking forest paths or paths through fields. A superb opportunity to get some fresh air and relax while reliving a page of history.

Forests and ponds stretch out around La Ferté-Saint-Cyr, a typical village in the wooded and game-rich Sologne region, which has preserved its vast network of communal paths.

During this walk, you will see numerous ponds that are bird sanctuaries (herons, ducks, etc.), the Veillas stream and its fords, the typical brick castle of Les Rhuys, and perhaps large wild animals in this region of Sologne, which is rich in game.

La Ferté-Saint-Cyr has preserved its many communal paths, all of which are marked and mostly protected from motorised vehicles. This circular route takes you along a variety of paths, skirting meadows, woods and ponds, before entering the heart of the forest, an ideal place for wildlife watching. The unique feature of this circular route is that it crosses the Cosson river twice, first via a narrow bridge and then via the Gué du Moulin Lauray ford; as you can imagine, you will need to take off your shoes.

This beautiful hike begins with an approach to the Château de Chambord along the left bank of the Cosson, then leaves the Chambord park to join the Chaussée le Compte before returning to it. The route offers beautiful views of one of the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley, while winding its way through cultivated fields, woods and the vegetation associated with the Cosson, known as "ripisylve".

This walk in the grounds of Chambord begins by approaching the château along the left bank of the Cosson, continues along a small path winding through the forest and finally returns to the starting point via the right bank of the Cosson and the Pont Saint-Michel, offering a final, unforgettable view of the château.

There is no better way to discover the beauty and mysteries of the royal river between Meung-sur-Loire and Beaugency, two towns remarkable for their castles, than to follow the Loire à Vélo route on its right bank and the flood defence embankment on its left bank. The first part of the route is very busy, but further on you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Loire Valley and a peaceful atmosphere.

TheGR®®3offers beautiful views of the royal river and its islands. Running along the right bank of the Loire, it reveals some vestiges of the Loire's maritime past, the cellars where wine was stored and the wine press house, not to mention the magnificent church of La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin overlooking the river.

A discreet beauty that is often overlooked, the Mauves de Meung-sur-Loire branch is nonetheless a curiosity. The hike runs alongside and crosses the riparian forest, a corridor of vegetation consisting mainly of alders, ash trees and poplars. Consisting of three circular loops, the hike offers several possible variations.

This circular route offers varied landscapes, sometimes crossing the "Cheverny" vineyard, sometimes following the banks of the Cosson. It provides a feeling of well-being along the high walls covered with vegetation that surround the grounds of the Château de Saumery.

This walk through vineyards and cultivated fields offers beautiful views of the Cosson river and the Château des Grotteaux, which is in a stunning location. Suitable for all seasons.

The highlight of this walk is the magnificent Château du Mesnil, an exceptional site thanks to the beauty of its buildings, which watch over the Muids forest in the heart of the Sologne region. The path crosses a wide variety of landscapes: plains, oak and pine forests, and birch forests. The hike ends in the territory of a commune that no longer exists: La Motte Bonneville.