Along the banks of the Loire at Cinq-Mars-la-Pile

To reach the starting point, take the D952 roundabout and take the exit leading to a small dead-end track (accessible by car).

(S/E) Set off south-east, with your back to the D952, and head down a path that leads into the woods. At the junction that you’ll soon come to, turn left and carry on straight ahead.

(1) About a hundred metres before the end of the path, turn right and head towards the banks of the Loire. Turn right again and walk along the Loire on your left-hand side.

(2) Pass under the railway bridge, taking care as there is no guardrail to prevent a fall into the river. On the other side of the bridge, turn right and follow the path running parallel to the railway line, which is elevated on your right. Go round a pond on the left and return to the vicinity of the railway line to reach a second bridge.

(3) Turn right to go under the railway bridge. Carry on straight ahead, skirting the woodland on your right, to return to the starting point (S/E).

The walk can be shortened by 15–20 minutes by continuing straight on at the very first junction, shortly after the start (S/E), instead of turning left. Head for the banks of the Loire and turn right to continue the walk, following the Loire on your left.