Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire walks

A circular walk between two superb buildings: the Romanesque abbey church of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire and the church at Germigny-des-Prés, a former Carolingian oratory. The outward leg takes place in the countryside, mainly along quiet country lanes. The return leg follows the banks of the Loire, alternating between good footpaths and cycle paths.

Quite close to the Loire between Sully and Châteauneuf, on the edge of the Sologne region, a family walk in the countryside. Starting from a charming village where a Gallo-Roman treasure was found in the 19th century.

Close to the Loire, this fairly easy route runs alongside the Sologne region with its landscapes of woodland and farmland. Several points of interest (a pond, hedgerows, livestock farms) add a touch of variety to a route largely characterised by its woodland atmosphere. Best avoided during the hunting season from late September to February.

The juggler is one of the figures from the Gallo-Roman treasure found at Neuvy-en-Sulias in 1861 and displayed in the permanent exhibition in the garden adjoining the town hall. This very pleasant route offers a fine variety of landscapes typical of the Loire and Sologne regions, comprising three interwoven features: the wooded bocage and its meadows, the mixed deciduous and coniferous forest with few straight lines, and the open agricultural plain. The River Loire and the Leu stream provide a refreshing finale to the walk. A wealth of points of interest punctuate and enliven this route: a 16th-century château, the former port of Bouteille, a tile works listed as a historic monument, a windmill… The route is marked in yellow by the FFR and featured in the guidebook ‘La Sologne à pied’.

A hike offering great contrasts between the open fields of the first part and the wild banks of the Loire in the second part, with its unspoilt natural site known as "Entre les levées". Proposed by the tourist office as part of the Randonnée des Châtaignes (Chestnut Hike), this route was very popular with hikers.

Alternating between meadows, forests, ponds and farmland, this route presents no difficulties. It begins and ends majestically on the banks of the Loire. This is a shortened version of the former "PR® des Rauches" with 76% of the route on unpaved paths.

A very pleasant route, mostly along the banks of the Loire. Good view of the Château de Sully and the Basilica of Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire.

This short walk allows you to admire the medieval fortress in all its glory and stroll through the castle grounds and along the dykes that protect the town from the river. Many migratory birds take refuge on the castle's magnificent lake.

Nestled on the edge of the Sologne region, Viglain reveals the riches of its countryside, with its woods, heathland, ponds and streams, not to mention the Sully-sur-Loire golf course, a vast green space dotted with trees of various species.

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.

The walk follows the famous Chemin des Sables, with its heather, broom, mosses and lichens, and sections through mixed woodland. Beautiful farmhouses and homes dot the route.

An easy family walk through the typical landscapes of Sologne, featuring several hedgerows of pollarded oaks: these pollarded oaks served as the farmers’ timber supply and formed hedgerows on an embankment enclosing the pastures.

This circular route follows white sandy paths lined with broom-covered heathland and heather-filled undergrowth, crossing numerous streams. It passes through the Lamotte Beuvron State Forest and winds its way through the beautiful villages of Vannes-sur-Cosson, Souvigny-en-Sologne and Sennely.

The route follows the course of the waterways of Vieilles-Maisons-sur-Joudry near the Forest of Orléans, running sometimes alongside the Orléans Canal and sometimes alongside the ‘rigoles’, tributaries of the Orléans Canal which they feed. These still waters are a source of coolness and tranquillity.

A circular in the Orléans Forest along a pretty path that winds between the trees. You will discover a series of springs converted into fountains and end this walk at the Résistance crossroads, a place steeped in Second World War history. A monument has been erected there in memory of the resistance fighters who died for France.

Discover how the Canal d’Orléans draws its water supply from the forest. From forest ditches to channels and from channels to ponds, the water flows imperceptibly through the hydrographic network skilfully created by human hands to ensure its proper functioning.

Follow the very last few kilometres of the Rigole de Courpalet. Discover the Grignon locks on the Canal d’Orléans.

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.

A pleasant and easy hike offering varied landscapes. We walk along the Loire for over a kilometre before turning away from it to enter the forest, admire the beautiful Château de Chenailles, then return to Saint-Denis-de-l'Hôtel via the ponds.

From the Combreux lock, discover the Canal d'Orléans and its ponds in a forest where a rich and varied fauna will accompany you and allow you to observe them as you walk along the path. Be early, discreet and attentive to enjoy it. Don't rely on the photos showing the towpath. It has been replaced by a cycle path. The walk loses some of its charm but is still very pleasant.

A must-see route in the Forest of Orléans due to the diversity of its landscapes, ranging from ponds to dense or sparse forests, which are prime habitats for wildlife. The vast Vallée pond, which was originally created to feed the Orléans Canal, has become a leisure destination with its water sports centre, banks ideal for fishing, and paths perfect for a stroll.

The hike first follows the towpath of the Canal d'Orléans and then returns to Fay-aux-Loges via the Orléans National Forest. You will enjoy the still waters of the canal and its many reflections, its locks, its wildlife, then the wide forest paths, and finally the stone bell tower of the church as you approach the village. Please note that on 19 February 2023, I was informed that part of the route along the canal is closed for works for an indefinite period (no end date displayed).

A lovely circular route through the forests of Sologne, criss-crossed by streams feeding numerous ponds. This circular route goes around the Baillère Valley, through which the Tannerie flows before joining the Cosson, which you will cross twice.

A lovely circular walk along varied paths and through the Sologne forests with their diverse range of tree species. If you remain alert and keep a low profile, you can spot numerous animal species, including birds, deer and wild boar. Please be aware of hunting seasons!