Ménétréol-sur-Sauldre walks

Mainly on dirt, sand or gravel paths, this fairly easy circuit takes you through the peaceful and varied landscapes of the Sologne: ponds, forests, hedgerow-enclosed pastures and interspersed crops. At the start and finish, the pretty village of Villemurlin offers a typical Sologne charm with its brick houses and blue ladders, reminders of a time when the attic was accessed from outside. Initially shared with the family path of Villemurlin (the "chouette promenade" or "owl walk"), this route then takes a shortened version of the former "PR® des domaines de chasse et cultures" (hunting grounds and farmland), of which a few signs remain.

On the edge of the Sologne, this circuit brings together the typical landscapes that make up the charm of this natural region near the Loire: meadows, ponds, forests, interspersed with crops and pretty brick houses. The little river Sange brings it to life and gives it a little relief. Marked in yellow, this route is also signposted in places as "PR® de la Vallée de la Sange - P 11". Despite two sections on the road, 70% of this circuit is on unpaved paths.

This route will allow you to discover the marsh, which has been shaped since 1640, when the city of Bourges sold part of its communal land to create gardens for cultivation. The maraitiers surrounded these marshes with outer ditches, dug inner ditches and built service roads. You will discover this work and these gardeners on a superb family walk.

This walk combines a tour of the old town and its main points of interest (including the cathedral, the Palais Jacques Cœur, and streets and alleys lined with beautiful half-timbered houses) with the classic route through the Bourges marshes at the foot of the medieval town (with its many waterways and small market gardens developed since the 17th century). The route through the old town is a minimum loop for those in a hurry, but there's nothing to stop you zigzagging around it to discover little gems around every corner.