Tour of Sologne (Loiret, Cher, Loir-et-Cher)

Starting in Lamotte-Beuvron, the trail passes through villages of red brick and half-timbered houses, such as La Ferté-Beauharnais and Villeny, where traditional architecture blends seamlessly into the landscapes of moors and ponds. The heritage highlight is reached at Chambord, whose Renaissance château appears like a mirage in the middle of a unique, enclosed forest estate. Following the Cosson River towards Ligny-le-Ribault, hikers discover unspoiled nature, a refuge for deer and grey herons in the heart of wetlands. The route then reaches the Cher River at Aubigny-sur-Nère, the town of the Stuarts, bearing witness to the deep historical ties between France and Scotland through its half-timbered houses. At Sainte-Montaine or Souesmes, the atmosphere becomes wilder, amidst Scots pines and purple heather, offering total immersion in this land of hunting and legends.

The forests of Sologne are an essential element of the Sologne landscape. They cover around three quarters of the region, or around 500,000 hectares. Sologne is a region rich in biodiversity. It is made up of forests of oaks, pine and chestnut trees. It is also home to many animal species, including deer, wild boar, roe deer, pheasant and duck. Sologne was occupied by the Gauls, the Romans and the Franks. In the Middle Ages, Sologne was a royal hunting region.