Circular route in Sologne around La Ferté-Saint-Cyr

The walk starts at the car park next to the cemetery in La Ferté-Saint-Cyr, on the Route de Dhuizon (D13).

Old yellow-red markings

(S/E) Follow the Route de Dhuizon (D13) towards the village to the north. Leave the Route de Bonneville on your right and turn left onto the Route de Chambord at the entrance to the village. This section of^{the GR®} de Pays de Sologne is tarmac-surfaced. Ignore the various side paths. Pass the Étang le Paradis on your left; a bridge spans the Rau des Veillas.

^GR®3Cwhite-and-red markings

(1) Turn left at the ‘Les Coudrays’ sign to join the CR3. The path, initially tarmac, becomes a forest track used by the ‘Loire à vélo’ cycle route. Continue south-east, ignoring the various side paths. Pass the Bois Georget and Les Grands Coudrays on your right.

(2) At the crossroads, carry on straight ahead towards the track, the entrance to which is partially blocked to prevent motor vehicles from entering. Turn left onto the first track you come to. Go through the barrier to cross the D13 (take care) and head north-east-east. The tarmac gives way to bare earth at a place called La Ronce.

(3) Leave the tracks on your right and continue north-east, then north towards the Étang du Temple on your right.

(4) At the Fork in the road, follow the CR41, leaving the CR42 on your right. Turn left at the crossroads. The path turns left after Étang de Fambron, which is on your right.

(5) Ignore the path leading towards the Étang de Rhuys and turn right to walk alongside the Frelonnière on your left, then head north-west.

(6) Cross the D13 (take care) and take the CR22 opposite, which you’ll soon leave behind to take the CR23 on the right, leading you to cross the D13 once more.

(7) At the crossroads, turn left towards the north, then north-north-east.

(8) When you reach the hamlet of La Platine, turn left onto the Chemin de la Platine (CR20), which passes through a residential area before joining the Route de Dhuizon (D13); turn right onto this road to return to the car park alongside the cemetery (S/E).

The paths used, which are mainly forest tracks, can be recognised by their two clearly defined ruts (or their stabilised surface), which distinguishes them from most private side roads.

The^GR® signposting is old, so you should remain vigilant. Do not rely on the ‘La Loire à vélo’ signposting, as this only covers a small part of the walking route.

Avoid this route in wet weather and during the hunting season.

Watch out for signs indicating private property. There are many of them and their placement is often confusing. Stick to the route and do not take any shortcuts.

You will come across numerous ponds in a wooded area consisting of deciduous trees and a few scattered pine groves.

Nearby: Chambord Castle, about fifteen kilometres to the west.