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IN BRIEF
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Set your sights on the Loiret, just steps away from Orléans and its cathedral: between the Loire Valley and deep forests, one alternates between castles and nature escapes, away from the crowds. On the agenda, two wonders — the mysterious Sologne and the elegant Briare Canal Bridge — plus a curiosity to slip into your notebook: the immense Orléans Forest, the largest state forest in France.
Between enchanting nature, engineering prowess, and forest secrets, the Loiret unfolds an ideal backdrop for alternating walks and discoveries. On the program: immersion in the mystical Sologne, a stroll on the spectacular Briare Canal Bridge, and a close look at a lesser-known but major curiosity, the Orléans Forest, the largest state forest in France. All just steps away from Orléans and its cathedral, at the gates of the Loire Valley, far from the crowd and close to happiness.
Head to the heart of the Orléans region, where the gentle Loire Valley begins towards the west and where Sologne stretches to the south. Here, one can quickly switch from castles (don’t miss Sully-sur-Loire, Chamerolles, or la Ferté) to forest paths, from charming villages to banks where it’s nice to wander. To plan your stops, the official site of Loiret tourism is full of ideas. And if you feel the urge to explore other cultural horizons, let yourself be tempted by illustrated travels or explore legends from Tokyo to nourish your imagination between two Sologne excursions.
Sologne, a natural wonder to explore
Thousands of ponds, marshes, heaths, and a sea of trees as far as the eye can see: the Sologne unfolds its 5,000 km² of plains across the departments of Cher, Loir-et-Cher, and Loiret. In the early morning, the mist often clings to the roofs of scattered hamlets, giving the landscape a fairy-tale feel. It’s no wonder that ancient stories circulate here: if myths intrigue you, take a literary detour through these Japanese legends that echo, in their own way, the tales of old.
A territory long preserved and sparsely populated, Sologne has retained the spirit of a land of forests where wildlife – deer, roe deer, wild boar – weave their way between pines and oaks. It’s the perfect destination to slow down: one can walk along the dikes, ride a bicycle under the canopies, and glide in a canoe when the water permits. Local traditions, still very much alive, can be approached in some eco-museums and village fêtes. To enrich your quest for roots and stories, let yourself be surprised by these paths from elsewhere on the roots of an Old South.
And when the allure of noble stones calls to you again, head towards the nearby castles: Sully-sur-Loire reigns over the water, Chamerolles emanates the scent of the Renaissance, and la Ferté (La Ferté-Saint-Aubin) adds a touch of human-scale chateau life. One of the joys of the Loiret lies in this smooth alternation: a morning in the shade of forests, an afternoon in front of historical façades, and the evening discussing in a village square.
The Briare Canal Bridge, an engineering marvel with Belle Époque charm
A masterpiece from the late 19th century, the Briare Canal Bridge is a feat of magic: a 600-meter-long walkway where a navigable canal flows traverses the Loire like a ribbon of steel and stone. Its water basin, barely twelve meters wide, is bordered by elegant sidewalks, rhythmically adorned with old-fashioned lamps. At its ends, two ornate columns recall, by their appearance, the ornamental spirit of the Alexandre III Bridge in Paris. The result: a timeless stroll, with slow-moving barges and photogenic sunsets.
People come here to walk above the river, to admire the Loire from above, and to enjoy a Belle Époque interlude, sketchbook in hand. Moreover, if the art of travel inspires you, take a look at these illustrated travels. And if symbols and emblems fascinate you as much as architecture, here’s a delightful read about the stories of a Swiss flag that is not so sage: perfect for sparking conversation during a picnic on the banks.
Practical tip: set out early or late in the day to enjoy the calm and the best light. Nearby bridges and locks complete the excursion, just like a gourmet break in Briare, known for its industrial heritage and enamels.
Curiosity to know: the Orléans Forest, the largest state forest in France
No, you are not in the largest forest in France – that honor belongs to the Landes – and the Loiret is not the most wooded department in the Hexagon either. But here is the curiosity that changes everything: the Orléans Forest is the largest state forest in the Hexagon, with about 35,000 hectares managed by the National Forestry Office (ONF) – even more if one counts the neighboring parcels not directly managed by the ONF.
Imagine a checkerboard of oaks, pines, and ponds, pierced with trails where one can hike, bicycle, fish, or simply picnic to the sound of birds. The network of marked paths is generous, the wildlife discreet but well-present, and the seasons play a colorful symphony: golden gold in autumn, velvety greens in spring, resinous scents in summer. Want more ideas just a stone’s throw from Île-de-France? Check out some getaway plans with these attractions in Essonne, perfect for combining nature weekends and urban curiosities.
To organize your loops and choose your starting points, contact the information offices in Orléans and browse the tips from the ONF. And if the desire to embrace other cultural horizons teases you, a detour through tales of distant roots or contemporary legends wonderfully prolongs the spirit of exploration that lives in the forest.
