Saint-Denis-de-l'Hôtel walks

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.

This circular will take you along the left bank of the Loire to Châteauneuf-sur-Loire. You will cross the castle grounds and its arboretum. The return to Jargeau is via the right bank. This circular route is known as thePR® des deux ponts (Two BridgesPR® ), modified to include access to the Loire Marine Museum and a stroll through the arboretum and the pretty Rhododendron Avenue.

Between the Canal d'Orléans and the meanders of the Loire, not forgetting a short detour along the Cens, the route opens up onto the town of Chécy, perched on the banks of the Loire.

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 family walk between the Loire and the Canal de la Loire. Alternating between woodland, fields and canal banks. The canal banks and locks welcome us with open arms. We can see barges moored on the banks of the Loire, the bird island with the different species of our region and, if we are there at the right time of year, we will be lucky enough to see them nesting. Sandy beaches welcome us for a short break. And finally, we can enjoy the tranquillity of the canal banks.

Starting from Traînou, with its distinctive bell tower, this idyllic walk through countryside and woodland is home to a particularly rich variety of flora and fauna.

Starting from Charbonnières Park in the Orléans Forest, also known for its château, the route leads along the banks of the Bionne, a pretty stream with silvery reflections, and to the gates of the Château de Plissay, built in the pure Restoration style.

A stroll between the Loire and former gravel pits where nature has quietly reclaimed its rights. The water bodies have gradually been colonised by a diverse range of wildlife, making the Bois de l'Île a rich nature reserve. The ruins of the Château de l'Isle, witness to the wrath of the Loire, are sure to amaze you.

This walk begins at Morchêne Park in Saint-Cyr-en-Val, with its château, tennis courts, pétanque and beach volleyball courts, and fitness trail, then follows the stream of the same name. A tree-lined route, very pleasant for a family walk south of the Orléans conurbation.

Between the plains and the forests, the route winds its way through game-rich countryside that is reminiscent of Maurice Genevoix’s novel *Raboliot*, named after a Sologne woodcutter with a passion for poaching. This is what the hamlet of La Rabolière recalls.

In the heart of the Forest of Orléans, with its fern-filled undergrowth ideal for spotting wildlife, this short, shaded walk passes numerous ponds.

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.

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 walk under the canopy of majestic trees, following the greenway through the grounds of the remarkable Château de Charbonnière and the national forest.

A short 10 km walk in Sologne, taking in the lovely Château de la Turpinière.

Circular route, or almost a circular route, to be covered mostly along grassy paths. If you remain alert and quiet, you are almost certain to spot wildlife, which is very common in this area. Indeed, red deer, roe deer and wild boar have made this their territory.