From Châteauneuf-sur-Loire, take in the Orléans forest. 35,000 hectares await you for mountain biking, walking or horse riding, particularly along the towpath that runs alongside the Orléans Canal and its many locks.
The Orléans forest, formerly known as the Loges forest, is made up of three massifs: the Lorris massif, the Ingrannes massif and the Orléans massif, which are criss-crossed by a multitude of hiking trails.
First of all, the Bois Bézard trail. Starting from the Belvédère des Caillettes discover the flora and fauna around the étangs de la Vallée, Les Liesses and Etang Neuf.
In Combreux, the Carnutes sensory and educational trail, also accessible to the disabled, is located near the Etang de la Vallée. There are plenty of activities along the way. You’re in the Carnutes forest, the forest of the Druids, which stretches from the Loire to the Seine.
You can also discover the “Brin d’Amour” walk. A very pretty 10km circuit starting from Sury-aux-Bois and passing by the Etang de la Vallée and the Orléans Canal.
The Arboretum des Grandes Bruyères is a breathtaking natural site in the Orléans forest. Discover the classified botanical collections: roses, heathers, dogwoods, etc.
Finally, with RDV en Terre animale, spend an unforgettable day in the company of Muriel Bec’s large cervids or wolves, and her film star animals.
First of all, the Sources trail. It will take you to springs and fountains, crosses and other witnesses to the mysterious past of this thousand-year-old forest, at the heart of many legends.
Then there’s the GR3 “La Loire sauvage”. A 1243-kilometre hiking trail running alongside the châteaux of the Loire from Mont-Gerbier-de-Jonc to the Atlantic Ocean. This trail offers a host of alternative routes, including visits to vineyards, the Loire bargemen’s trail and numerous forest paths.
You’ll be amazed by the richness and diversity of the flora and fauna as the seasons change. There are over 760 species of animal and plant to discover.
In spring, observe the animals of the forest: squirrels, roe deer, foxes and wild boar…
In autumn, hold your breath and listen to the bellowing of the stag. And when the time comes, keep your eyes peeled for chestnuts and mushrooms under the branches…