Mer walks

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.

Suèvres, a former fortified town, is home to numerous springs and rivers which fostered the development of water mills from the Middle Ages onwards, powered by wheat from the Beauce region. Wash houses, mills and castles abound in this rich region of the Loire Valley.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

This circular route starting from Beaugency is half in the Loire Valley and half in Sologne. It takes place mostly on quiet, relatively uncrowded paths.

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.

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.

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.

On foot or by mountain bike, this is a mainly woodland route, dotted with numerous ponds. Ideal for nature lovers seeking peace and quiet, offering total immersion in the heart of the “Sologne des étangs”.

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.

A varied route that begins near the natural swimming area, where the water is purified without the use of chemicals, then winds its way through the vineyards before crossing the Forêt Domaniale de Boulogne with its majestic trees and long, straight avenues, ideal for spotting large wild animals.

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.