48 hours in Sologne

Centre-Val de Loire - Pays de la Loire/2022

Just 1h30 from Paris, the Sologne region conjures up dreams of wide-open forests, wildlife of all kinds and wilderness. We invite you to join us on a loop that leaves from and returns to Romorantin, its capital.

In Romorantin, visit the Musée de Sologne, with its exhibitions and heritage presentation: this region, famous for its forests, ponds, abundant wildlife, game birds and game animals, represents a very rich ecosystem. The museum presents the region's geography and history, traditions, arts and crafts. It is spread over three sites, former mills on the Sauldre, linked by a footbridge, for a delightful introductory tour. Romorantin is also a town with an important culinary heritage, with the famous Grand Hôtel du Lion d'Or, in the hands of the same family for three generations. From Romorantin, drive north along enchanting roads to Marcilly-en-Gault, then Saint-Viâtre, with superb views over the ponds, where you'll no doubt admire wild ducks and herons, swans and cranes as they migrate. Admire the church of Saint-Viâtre, where you can stop for a drink at Sécalonia, the village's liveliest nightclub. Visit Vincent Hennequart's caviar farm, the only one of its kind in France. Continue left towards Neung-sur-Beuvron, which you reach after seeing the Etang de Beauregard. We'll pick up some charcuterie at Jolibois, rue Henri-de-Geoffre. From Neung, take the D925 towards Villeny, before turning right onto the D104 to reach Yvoy-le-Marron and its Cheval Blanc inn. Follow the D35 to the right towards Chaumont-sur-Tharonne. Chaumont-sur-Tharonne is a typical village of the region, with its brick and half-timbered houses. We follow the road to Lamotte-Beuvron past Center Parcs, between ponds and beautiful landscapes. We arrive at the Parc Equestre Fédéral, an immense 400-hectare estate (the largest in Europe) in the heart of the Sologne. Lamotte Beuvron is also home to the Hôtel Tatin, where two sisters, Caroline and Stéphanie Tatin, serendipitously invented the famous upside-down tart that bears their name. The house has recently been completely renovated, and now offers a charming hotel and an interesting restaurant. In addition to the renowned pork butcher, Pascal Fresnel, you can try the "Langues de femme" (women's tongues) at Ayrole, a century-old cookie - a croquet with almonds and hazelnuts - originally made in Jargeau, in the main street, and buy meat and poultry from Éleveurs de la Charentonne, a little further down the main street. The next stop is Souvigny-en-Sologne, in the footsteps of Eugène Labiche, the town's former mayor. It's one of the most typical and charming Sologne villages, with its beautiful church and picturesque houses around the square. The tradition of good food and a hunting village has been lost over the years, but it's still a good place to stop. On the way out, on the road to Pierrefitte-sur-Sauldre, you'll pass a lovely pond, and then Chaon, for its Maison du poaching, a museum on the road to Vouzon, dedicated to hunting and poachers, which grew out of a live show based on Maurice Genevoix's novel Raboliot. This tender, picturesque work will also provide you with a reading perfectly suited to these charming landscapes. After Chaon, you cross the river Beuvron and follow a pretty road, where wildlife is all around. If you happen to venture out at night, keep your foot on the brake, as wild boar and roe deer don't know the rules of the road. From Pierrefitte, take the road to Aubigny, then right onto the road to Souesmes. You'll reach a village whose local celebrity is the hairdresser Jacques Dessange, who was born here and attended the local elementary school. See its brick church. Enjoy a drink at L'Escapade, before setting off for Nançay. Another pearl of Berry and Sologne, Nançay is both a romantic and scientific site. Romanticism can be read in the surrounding nature, and in the pages of Le Grand Meaulnes, dreaming of the meeting of Yvonne de Galais and Augustin Meaulnes. Alain Fournier's father was born in Nançay, and the château's outbuildings house a highly evocative Musée imaginaire du Grand Meaulnes. Nançay is also home to one of the country's most important radio astronomy stations. The Pôle des Étoiles invites you to discover the sky, with 250 m2 of exhibitions and planetarium shows. In addition to the Girault bakery, Corine Bordes at the village grocery store sells fruit and vegetables, wine and regional products in a welcoming environment. Continue towards Salbris, which you pass to continue on the road to Romorantin. We pass through La Ferté-Imbault, stopping at the Tête de Lard inn, then Selles-Saint-Denis and its Cheval Blanc.