The best traffic-free bike rides around Courmemin

Le Vervier: Very nice bistro!

The parish church, dedicated to Saint Stephen, belonged in the 13th century to the Abbey of Micy near Orléans. It was rebuilt at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries. It consists of a long nave, 35 meters in length and over 9 meters wide, ending in a three-sided apse. Its walls, built of rubble and rendered brick, are reinforced by dressed stone buttresses. The cornice at the base of the roof and the window and door surrounds are also made of molded dressed stone. The double-lancet windows with trefoil topped by a figure-eight shaped bilobe are identical, except for those on the west facade and the central window, which are more elaborate, featuring three lancets while retaining the same molding. An addition was made at the beginning of the 16th century. On the north side stands an imposing seigneurial chapel and a massive bell tower with eight flat buttresses, two on each face, all built of brick. Ashlar is reserved for the buttresses of the bell tower and alternates with brick in the buttresses of the chapel; it is used for framing the openings, the windows, and the sloping sides of the chapel's gable. A lozenge-shaped decoration of black bricks on a background of pink bricks has been preserved on the lower level and on part of the gable of this chapel. The chapel was the only vaulted part of the church, undoubtedly financed by Jean or Claude d'Estampes, lord of La Ferté-Nabert. The rest of the building was covered by a panelled vault, the replacement of which with a false ribbed vault of plaster resulted in the disappearance of the tie beams and king posts and ruined the structural integrity of the roof frame. This artificial, cold, and superficial decoration of the upper sections deprives the interior of the interplay of tie beams and king posts. These, in their rhythm, corresponded to the lateral openings and reflected the robust structure of the timber frame that protected the building. A comprehensive restoration is planned. Initially, for the north chapel—masonry, roofing, and timber frame—the French Heritage Society (Sauvegarde de l’Art français) provided €30,490 in 2001.

Great cani-mountain biking route with a section of road

Beautiful, definitely do it!

Near the castle there is a walk to do along the pond of the Bonshommes and the pheasant farm. This short circuit can take you to the magnificent viewpoint of the castle at the end of the lake.

It is the largest Renaissance hunting lodge on the Loire. A visit is highly recommended. There is a paid parking lot. The park is 55 hectares in size. Chambord Castle impresses with its architecture, the beautifully furnished rooms and art. It is recommended to rent a Histopad for 6.5 euros. From the terrace you have great views of the landscaped garden and the extensive park.

Small bridge along the Cosson, then it climbs steeply!

In the heart of Sologne, the Château de Chambord has continued to dazzle its visitors for five hundred years. A true architectural work, Chambord is the emblem of the French Renaissance throughout the world. An affirmation of royal power, but also an evocation of an ideal city, the monument remains an enigma that has not yet finished revealing all its secrets. The unique and magical atmosphere is felt upon arrival, after crossing the forest, when you find yourself facing this castle with its extraordinary architecture imagined by François I and on which floats the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci. Built from 1519 at the request of François I, a lover of the arts and hunting, the Château de Chambord is a palace that the king liked to show to sovereigns and ambassadors as a symbol of his power inscribed in stone. Built in the heart of the marshy lands of Sologne, Chambord represents a true architectural feat. The plan of the castle and its decorations were designed around a central axis: the famous double-revolution staircase, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. The castle was completed under the reign of Louis XIV. In the 18th century, work was undertaken to develop the interior of the castle. The need to bring warmth and comfort to the building prompted the various occupants to furnish the castle permanently. By visiting the Château Chambord, you travel through 500 years of French history in a few hours. Stairs, galleries, terraces, large rooms and small offices are all solicitations to wander for pleasure. Chambord is not a castle like the others. Visiting Chambord is accessing a world apart, filled with mystery, which opens the doors to the genius of the Renaissance. The Château de Chambord has been dedicated to the arts from the outset. Molière's Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme was performed there for the first time, in front of Louis XIV in 1670. True to this tradition, the estate has set up a quality cultural program since 2010 (music festival, exhibitions, readings, shows, etc.). The Château de Chambord cannot be dissociated from its natural state, the forest. With its 5,440 hectares and 32 kilometers of surrounding walls, the national estate of Chambord is the largest enclosed park in Europe. Coming to Chambord also means exploring kilometers of hidden paths, admiring preserved landscapes, having the chance to come across wild animals or discovering the magnificent French gardens designed under Louis XIV and completely restored in 2017. Chambord offers many nature activities in the park: equestrian show, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits to the reserve in 4x4, boat trips, on foot or by bike. For lovers of the terroir, come and discover the Chambord vineyards and taste the 500-year-old vintage. Also, don't miss a visit to the vegetable gardens, inspired by permaculture, in the former stables of the château. An opportunity to discover the world of market gardeners and the benefits of this agriculture. In Chambord, everyone can build their day according to their desires.