Contres (Loir-et-Cher) walks

Fougères-sur-Bièvre combines exploration of its historical and architectural heritage (castle, church, wash house) with its varied landscapes, and takes pride in its rich wine-growing tradition.

One of three walks created by the municipality of Chitenay and the French Hiking Federation.

This lovely, easy walk, perfect for wildlife spotting, is ideal for families, taking in the banks of the Bièvre and its ponds, as well as varied landscapes including vineyards, woodland and farmland.

Monthou-sur-Bièvre, a village nestled amongst the vineyards of the Touraine appellation, boasts an abundance of gently rolling wooded areas that are a delight for nature lovers.

In the heart of the "wine-growing" region of Sologne, this route is mainly through forest, dotted with numerous ponds and offering some beautiful heritage sites.

A ‘favourite’ hike that captures the authentic essence of Sologne, taking in the heritage treasures of the village of Fontaines-en-Sologne, the vast, shimmering ponds and the ancient, diverse forest, rich in flora and fauna.

This route, starting from Tour-en-Sologne, is steeped in history, crossing the Ponts d’Arian, whose construction dates back to the Middle Ages but whose origins are Roman. You will also appreciate the dense vegetation of the Boulogne State Forest on the edge of the Chambord National Estate.

The route offers a glimpse of the architectural and natural riches of the commune of Courmemin, and more broadly of the Sologne region: half-timbered houses in the village, Sologne farms, deciduous and coniferous forests, and numerous ponds.

A lovely circular route rich in numerous buildings weathered by time—houses and farms from the Sologne of yesteryear—as well as landscapes typical of this region: sheep pastures, but also marshy areas, forests, hedgerows and ponds teeming with a wide variety of wildlife.

Setting off from Bracieux, a pretty village torn between its typical Solognot heritage and its royal history directly linked to the Château de Chambord, nature offers some lovely surprises in the Forêt de Boulogne, where the flora and fauna are particularly rich.

The walk leads into the heart of the Boulogne Forest. Separated from the Chambord estate in 1523 by order of François I, its main purpose is the production of high-quality oak. It is the perfect habitat for does, stags and wild boars, which can be spotted from the long, straight avenues. Best enjoyed in summer to make the most of the forest’s coolness.

Start from the small village of Bourré, which was once a source of tuffeau stone for the construction of the Loire Valley châteaux. On the way back along the path, you overlook the village with a lovely view and pass by a few cave dwellings. Most of the route is through woodland, with a very easy, unchallenging route. At the start or end of the day, it is not uncommon to spot roe deer, does, foxes...

Bauzy, a pretty village with Sologne characteristics, invites you to discover its paths and its secret heritage: manor houses, large stately homes and small châteaux.

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.

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.

Neuvy, at the gates of the Domaine de Chambord, lies in the heart of the Boulogne Forest. This is a great walk for families to observe the large animals of the forest and the many birds on the Étang de Montperché lake.

As soon as you leave the village of Saint-Claude-de-Diray, the walk takes you past vineyards belonging to the Cheverny AOC production area. It then follows the banks of the Loire, with the Château de Ménars, situated on the opposite bank, where the Marquise de Pompadour spent her final years. On the way back, the old viaduct with its many arches can be admired from every angle before the village bell tower comes into view on the horizon, signalling your arrival.

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.

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".

A walk in the Cisse valley with its natural spaces and woodlands! Peaceful and quiet! The landscapes in Molineuf are strongly structured by the Cisse river and by wooded hillsides overlooking the valley with its more or less steep slopes. Several mills punctuate the course of the river and reinforce its presence.