The best traffic-free bike rides around Vouzon

The original church certainly predates the year 1000, not in its current form, but already in its design as a fortified church. The chancel was built in 1667. The church includes a large, square, keep-like tower, indicating a 12th-century origin. In 1881 and 1887, two chapels forming a transept were added at the end of the nave and in front of the chancel. The north chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was built in 1884/1885. The south chapel, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was financed in 1887/1888. Modern stained-glass windows, the one in the apse from the Dideron workshop and the others from the Lobin workshop in Tours, adorn several of the windows. All of these stained-glass windows were donated by prominent families of Nouan. Upon entering the nave, the first stained-glass windows are the work of Auguste Labouret, a renowned Parisian glassmaker and mosaicist. In the tower, above the entrance portal, is a 1930 stained-glass window depicting Our Lady of Mount Carmel (this is a listed work, included in the supplementary inventory of works of art). Then come the first two stained-glass windows, one on each side of the nave, one representing St. Anthony of Padua preaching to the fish, the other St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus entering the Garden of Carmel.

The lake covers 180 hectares, making it the largest in the Sologne. Originally created in 1864 to supply the Sauldre canal with water. Now partly developed as a recreational area: beach area, hiking trails, water sports (sailing, ski-nautique, pedalo), and an ornithological reserve. For nature lovers: you'll find a rich bird life (cendré heron, grèbe huppé, etc.) and diverse flora along the banks. For families: picnic areas, a beach area in the summer, and playgrounds.

"A very old church; two buttresses would allow us to date it to the 11th century," we learn. "Rebuilt in the 13th century, damaged during the Hundred Years' War, it was rebuilt again in the 16th century before being burned down during the Wars of Religion and then looted during the Revolution. Its last restoration dates back to 2014."

Built from 1900 to 1903 by Clavier, an entrepreneur in Vienne-en-Val, based on plans by Henri Rapine, an architect in Paris, this Saint Martin church is the second in Vienne-en-Val. The first church, dating from the 14th century, was destroyed. Inside, the base of the church's lectern depicts various scenes from the life of Saint Martin. The base bears the date 1613, while the eagle, which is said to have come from Férolles, is probably from the 19th century.

The Saint-André church, originally dating from 1154, was rebuilt under Henry IV. With its old-fashioned cackle, you will discover here the true characteristic of the churches of Sologne. The medieval Saint-Sylvain bell dating from 1403, initially installed in the bell tower, was visible at the reception of the town hall, just opposite, it has now returned to the church, protected from the passage of time. It is also one of the oldest bells in the Loiret department.

Listed as a historical monument in 1941, this church, dedicated to Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Jean-Baptiste, is one of the most beautiful in the diocese, dating from the end of the 12th century. In the shape of a Latin cross and ogival style, it was built under the impetus of the monks of the abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire. 37 metres long, 8 metres wide in the nave and 20 metres wide in the transept, this religious building has a monumental door of Sainte-Marguerite built in a remarkable flamboyant style. The original bell tower and portal were destroyed by fire in the 16th century during the Wars of Religion and rebuilt in 1681. The remains of the bell tower in brick and stone are unique in Sologne.

At this location, during sanitation work in 1968, a certain number of ancient and medieval remains were unearthed, witnesses to the occupation of this site since Antiquity. Vienne-en-Val is also located on the Roman road from Orléans to Sancerre. The presence of two churches, one Merovingian and one dating from the 10th century, was revealed by surveys. The remains found, in particular sculpted blocks reused in these later constructions, attest that a sanctuary from the Early Roman Empire existed in the area but its location has not yet been discovered. You can discover these ancient blocks nearby, in a community hall which serves as a lapidary museum.

The largest pond in Sologne which combines rich natural environments, with fauna and flora that can be admired for hours, and facilities conducive to relaxation and swimming, with its beaches and activities on offer.