Stay : The unusual Loire Valley

The first day is done by bicycle, following one of the itineraries of the Loire à Vélo. From Angers to Chalonnes-sur-Loire, we start the journey in Bouchemaine and on the site of the Maine-Loire confluence. The spectacle offered there is of any beauty, between the sand banks, the vegetation around, the islands and the rocky promontories. Along the route, which is 31 km long, one discovers with astonishment the presence of an island city on the Loire: Béhuard. With a hundred or so inhabitants all year round, it delights visitors on sunny days for the pleasure of strolling through the narrow streets and stopping to fish

Once in Touraine, one cannot resist another tufa stone setting with a stopover in Crissay-sur-Manse. You will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the charm that emanates from its flowered alleys and whose buildings display mullioned windows, pinnacles and other turrets. Only 20 minutes away by car, the escapade continues with a visit to the Château du Rivau. Located in the middle of a green countryside, one can observe its proud medieval look, before entering its elegant rooms and walking through its amazing gardens. Classified as a Remarkable Garden, these contemporary green spaces evolve with the seasons

On the eastern side of Touraine du Sud, the territory is also rich in treasures, starting with the village of Chédigny, classified as a remarkable garden. It is always surprising to see the visitors strolling in number in the few alleys to contemplate the houses with stone facades and the numerous plants which dress houses and gardens of the village of the roses! Here, artists do not hesitate to open their doors to present their works. Another village, classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", is also open to walkers. It is Montrésor, a medieval jewel with its tuffeau houses, its castle and its collegiate church Jean-Baptiste. The pedestrian stroll called "Balcons de l'Indrois" offers an overview of the town.

In the Loir-et-Cher, the escapade continues with a green stage in the heart of the Solognot ponds. There are more than 3,000 of them and they were built by man in the 10th century. They can be found in communes such as Marcilly-en-Gault, Saint-Viâtre and Neung-sur-Beuvron. Their heritage offers a gentle stroll along the water and the observation of aquatic plants and animal species. Later, in Romorantin, the capital of the Sologne region, you can end a day of relaxation in style. Its monuments such as the Carroie Doré, the Hôtel Saint-Pol and its mills are all treasures to be admired. The Matra car museum and the Sologne museum can complete the visit, before strolling along the Sauldre river and its footbridges allowing to pass from one bank to the other

For this last day in the Loire Valley on the theme of the unusual, we start with a bucolic walk along the banks of the Loiret. The walk of the Loiret mills starts in Olivet, and this one hour walk reveals pretty houses of the 17th century, mills as well as very typical boat stations. In summer, guinguettes and restaurants liven up the place. In the afternoon, you can ride a bike or a horse on one of the many paths of the Orleans forest, the largest in France. 35,000 hectares of forest for a setting conducive to the contemplation of the flora and fauna, particularly the 180 species of birds. It is also an opportunity to stop at the leisure center of the "Étang de la Vallée", for a picnic on the grass and a refreshing swim on the hottest days.