Douy walks

Walk starting from the car park at Douy church to explore Courgain Mill, situated at the bridge over the Loir. The route then passes near a castle at La Boulidière, descends along the road between the ponds and then follows a path towards the Vouvray footbridge to the old wash house and Saint-Pierre Chapel. The return journey follows the same route for part of the way, then veers off to skirt the ponds of the Basse Plaine, where you can spot coots and grey herons. The end of the walk leads to another bridge over the Loir, then past the Château du Prieuré before returning to Douy church.

The Yerre river approaches, accompanied by scents and sounds that it seems to have carried from the depths of the forest, before flowing along the edge of the Perche region and joining the Loir river above Cloyes.

Located between Beauce and Perche, at the crossroads of the Loir Valley and the Route du Blé, Cloyes-sur-le-Loir is a sleeping beauty on the banks of the Loir. This pretty town combines modernity and heritage. The hike takes you through the countryside with its valleys, forests and rolling hills, which are sure to charm you.

Located on the natural border between Beauce and Perche formed by the Loir River, Châteaudun is built on a rocky spur. The route circles the remarkable natural site of the Bois des Gâts or Gas. Open to the public, this 23-hectare site is protected by the Natura 2000 programme.

This is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable hikes in this wood. At the start, there is a beautiful view of Moléans Castle, followed by a lovely walk through the forest. Then there is a very pleasant crossing of the fords and a walk along the banks of the Loir. The return through the forest allows you to finish in peace and quiet.

A pleasant and easy walk on either side of the Loir.

A beautiful walk in the former fiefdom of the turbulent Gouet barons. Like Brou, La Bazoche continues a long tradition of fairs and markets. For over 100 years, the Percheron foal fair has been held on thefirst Saturday in November.

Walk through the woods and along the Houzée valley with its beautiful mills. Very beautiful valley.

The "Terres Douces" countryside reveals a heritage full of charm: the former Priory of Les Châtaigniers and the Manoir de la Guillerie.

The Étang des Panses lake can be seen along a path where it is not uncommon to encounter forest animals. After the forest, you will discover Percheron fruit trees at the Miermaigne conservation orchard; in mid-November, you can take part in the Apple Festival.

This route will take you from the world of vineyards to the defence line of the Saint-Rimay Tunnel. From cellars to blockhouses, you will also discover two restoration projects led by the Résurgence association along the way. A beautiful view of the Loir valley will accompany you for much of your journey.

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.

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.

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.

Pleasant walk except at the start. Beautiful valleys and woods.

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.

Circular loop around the Bois des Tertres and the ponds of Fontenay-sur-Eure.

Beautiful views of the hills of Perche and the Vinette Valley. This route follows paths and small roads with little traffic.

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.

Although many birds can be found here despite global warming, parakeets have not yet colonised the site! Discover these ponds, an integral part of the Perche landscape. Although medium-sized (20 hectares), they constitute a wetland of great importance. Starting from the hamlet of Perruchet between the ponds, the route offers beautiful views of the lakes from the small road overlooking the valley. A road, believed to be Roman, the Chemin de Jules César, approaches the Étang de Perruchet. Leave it to go around it to the south. The route then leads to the Touraille farm and returns via Haut Coudray and the heights of the Teillière Pond, where an information board provides a better understanding of these landscapes between Beauce and Perche.

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.

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.