the most beautiful castles and monuments of the Loiret

To kick off this great four-day weekend, heading towards the Gâtinais, between Montargis and Gien, to discover the La Bussière Castle.

Built starting in the 12th century, this castle surrounded by water now reveals its finest features inherited from the 17th century, when the du Tillet family transformed the old medieval fortress into an elegant country residence. During your visit to the Château de La Bussière, immerse yourself in the refined world of an elegantly furnished home. A dozen rooms open their doors to you, unveiling an astonishing collection dedicated to freshwater fishing. Among works of art, antique instruments, and curiosities, you might even encounter a coelacanth, a fascinating prehistoric fish! It is, in fact, this aquatic passion that earned La Bussière its nickname of "fishermen's castle".

After the visit, take some time to stroll around the vast park of 60 hectaresStart with the vegetable garden, which should be certified organic. Remarkable Garden A veritable living tableau where heirloom vegetables, edible flowers, fragrant roses, and medicinal plants mingle. Budding gardeners will love it!

Extend this idyllic interlude with a stroll around the 6-hectare pond at the foot of the castle. A path dotted with interpretive panels reveals the richness of the local biodiversity. Along the way, try your hand at forest bathing, participate in wooden games, children's workshops, or embark on a boat trip. Ideal for the whole family! Before leaving, take one last look at the castle reflected in the pond.

After your visit to the fishermen's castle, drive west to discover the Gien castle-museumBuilt at the end of the 15th century for Anne de Beaujeu, regent of the kingdom under Charles VIII, this Renaissance castle now houses the hunting museumThat makes sense, since we're in this situation. at the gateway to Sologne, the Orléans forest and PuisayeRenovated and redesigned in 2017, the museum offers a modern and immersive scenography. Visitors can discover a rich collection dedicated to the different practices of hunting with firearms, on horseback or with birds of prey, through works of art, weapons, clothing and trophies.

After spending a night in Gien, continue your getaway with a visit to the Sully-sur-Loire CastleA true gem of the Loire Valley. Discover the home of Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, in this imposing fortress built between the 14th and 15th centuries by Guy de la Trémoïlle. Explore the richly furnished rooms, including the great lower hall, the hall of honor, the grand salon, the king's chamber, and the ramparts. Don't forget to climb to the top of the castle to admire a breathtaking view. broken cradle-shaped roof frame built 600 years ago made from local oak trees. Outside, stroll through the 42-hectare nature park and discover the surrounding nature.

After lunch, we head towards Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire to visit the Benedictine Abbey of FleuryThis important spiritual site, founded in the 7th century, is a jewel of Romanesque art with its porch-tower featuring twelve historiated capitals, its nave, and its monumental portal. The crypt houses the relics of Saint Benedict, patron saint of Europe. The abbey church and the crypt are open to visitors, while the monastery and workshops remain closed to the public. reserved for Benedictine monksExtend your visit to Belvedere, Romanesque Art Interpretation Centre Located nearby, it offers an interactive tour to better understand 1,400 years of history and the architecture of the abbey. From the 3rd^e Upstairs, enjoy a breathtaking view of the magnificent apse of this iconic monument.

To begin this third day in the Loiret, leave for Germigny-des-Pres and its unique treasure: the the only Carolingian mosaic still preserved in FranceThat's all! Visit the Carolingian Oratoryerected in 806 by Bishop Theodulf of Orléans, a close associate of Charlemagne. Originally, it was part of a sumptuous villa of which only the private chapel, the oratory, remains today.

The Carolingian oratory is unique in France: it is one of the oldest churches in the country, a rare example of Carolingian architecture, and above all, the site of an exceptional Byzantine mosaic of 130,000 tesserae depicting the Ark of the Covenant. a true gem to discover in the heart of the Loiret !

After this historical immersion, let's head towards Châteauneuf-sur-loire and Loire River Maritime MuseumHoused in the castle's former stables, this museum, opened in 1961, will tell you everything about the royal river: the LoireUpon exiting, you will know the whole history of the Loire, navigation, traditions, boats and the life of the boatmen!

For this last day on the road to Most beautiful castles and monuments of the LoiretHead to the Pithiverais region, between Orléans and Pithiviers, to discover the Chamerolles Castle, in Chilleurs-aux-Bois. This elegant Renaissance residenceSurrounded by superb French gardens, it captivates with its verdant setting and brick architecture with covered galleries. Built at the beginning of the Renaissance by Lancelot du Lac, chamberlain to kings Louis XII and Francis I, he is a true jewel of the Loiret.

Don't miss the Perfume Walk, a fascinating journey that traces the history of hygiene and perfumes from the 16th century to the present day. Continue your exploration in the Renaissance gardenswhere the rose, with its therapeutic and cosmetic properties, is omnipresent. Did you know that? Chamerolles Castle is one of the 13 sites of excellence of the Loiret Rose RouteA circuit that celebrates the rose in all its forms. A must-see!