From Sully-sur-Loire to Orléans between Loire and forest, the Loiret is a delight
Enjoy a visit and turn the pages of the history of the Middle Ages: battlement walk, machicolation, arrow slits and loopholes will no longer hold any secrets for you.
The monument reserves some new surprises for visitors, with 4 rooms recently restored in 18th-century style and illustrating the atmosphere and living conditions of the times. Three of them are named "Psyche's apartment" and boast tapestries of the same name.
Follow the meanders of the Loire towards the Forest of Orléans and the Château of Chamerolles. There are canoe trips along the river or excursions in the footsteps of the wildlife of the Loire. Perhaps an opportunity to see one of those shy beavers?
On your way, take the time to admire the basilica of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire and the church of Germigny-des-Prés, one of the oldest in France, built by a close counsellor of Charlemagne.On the edge of the Forest of Orléans, the Château of Chamerolles was once the property of a certain Lancelot of the Lake, named in honour of the famous knight of the Round Table.
Visitors are taken on a voyage into the world of hygiene and perfume of the Middle Ages, through a magnificent collection of objects, such as a perfume cabinet and precious bottles...
Outdoors, the grounds offer an insight into the soul of the Renaissance garden.
If you want to get a breath of fresh air, the many tracks through the public forest of Orléans, the largest in France, offer countless possibilities for outings on foot, horseback or by bike.
It is the ideal spot to get away from it all in its 34,700 hectares of greenery!
In Orléans, there is no lack of possibilities for excursions, in town this time. Go along the quaysides on the Loire - recently redeveloped to offer the atmosphere of times gone by.
The museums too house many a surprise: Roman treasures at the Museum of History and Archaeology or paintings and pastels at the Fine Arts Museum.
If you are into gardens, the Parc Floral de la Source is just the place for you. Depending on the season, irises, roses or dahlias are the stars of the show, and then there is also the Jardin de la Source with the source of the Loiret. In the Butterfly House, brightly-coloured exotic specimens flutter about in liberty.
Orléans is lively all year round, from the traditional celebration of Joan of Arc through to the Orléans Jazz Festival, not to forget the Loire Festival held every other year.