Sully
Sully sur Loire (45600)
At the westernmost border of the classified area, Sully-sur-Loire is the gateway to the Loire Valley, UNESCO World Heritage Site. The municipality includes several tourist attractions, starting with its castle, medieval fortress and former home of the Dukes of Sully. The municipality includes other attractions such as the sailors’ district, around the church of Saint-Germain, and its traditional houses whose facades feature anchors that recall the major past floods of the wild Loire River. In the immediate vicinity of the village, the meandering streams in Guilly offer fauna and flora typical of the Loire Valley. It is a perfect introduction to the discovery of the natural environment that the Loire Valley has to offer.
Tourist Office
Place du Général de Gaulle, 45600 Sully sur Loire
Website - tel : 02 38 36 23 70.
Opening time
From October to March: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday: 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
April, May, June and September: Monday to Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m./ 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. (closed on Sunday, in April and September).
July and August: Monday to Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Accessible to those with disabilities. Free wifi. Boutique.
The tourist office offers guided walking routes and thematic tours.
For those who are exploring the Loire by bike, the Tourist Office sells Eurovélo 6 maps no. 3 (€4). Materials available for repairing bicycles.
Visit of the hitorical city available in English, German end French.
For children: tours and treasure hunts.
Château de Sully sur Loire
45600 Sully sur Loire
Website - tel : 02 38 36 36 86.
Price: €8 / 6 to 17 years old : €5. Free for children under 6 years old.
Guided tour : €10/ 6 to 17 years old: €6.
Open from February to December :
October through April : Tuesday to Friday: 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. / 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
May, June and September : 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
July and August, daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Overlooking the Loire and strategically positioned at a commercial crossroads between the Sologne and Berry regions, the castle of Sully-sur-Loire was designed by Raymond du Temple (architect of the king and the duke of Orleans) at the order of Guy Trémoïlle, lord of Sully, on the site of an ancient castle at the end of the 14th century. In 1602, Maximilien de Bethune, minister of Henri IV, bought the lordship of Sully. In 1606, he became Duke and Peer of France. He took the name of his estate and became the first Duke of Sully. For nearly four centuries, the castle remained in the family of the descendants of the 1st Duke of Sully. It housed some famous visitors such as Joan of Arc, Louis XIV and Voltaire. Although rebuilt many times over the centuries, a visit to this medieval fortress immerses you in the heart of the Middle Ages, especially during the many cultural events that take place for the Festival de Sully.
Visit
From the private apartments, refurbished in the 19th century, to the medieval castle including the dungeon and the structure of the 14th century, the castle tour takes you back over six centuries into the history of France. Visitors will learn about Maximilien de Bethune (1559-1641), first Duke of Sully and minister of King Henry IV. The decoration of the apartments is particularly remarkable in the King's Chamber, in a Louis XIV style, as well as in the 18th century apartment with tapestries of Psyche. Also features a beautiful dining room.
For children: Coloring booklet (under 6 years old) and booklet games (for children between 7 and 12 years old). Activities during school holidays.
The mariners district is organized around the Church of Saint-Germain. Rich with many traditional houses, the district also includes the wharf and old fishermen's houses.
Eglise Saint Germain
2 Place Saint Germain, 45600 Sully-sur-Loire
By open or guided tour.
The first traces of the church date back to the 12th century. The massive current building dates from the 14th and 17th century. You cannot miss its spire, which rises high into the sky. For centuries it was parish of sailors the Loire. But, being too far outside of the medieval city, it was gradually abandoned in favor of the Chapel of Notre Dame de Pitié in the 16th century, which later became the Church of Saint Ythier. Partly destroyed in the bombardments during the Second World War, it came back to life after a major restoration was undertaken in the mid 2000s. It then became a dynamic cultural center, offering many exhibitions and concerts throughout the year, especially on weekends in May and June when concerts are programmed during the Music Festival of Sully.
The collegiate church of Saint-Ythier
Place Maurice de Sully, 45600 Sully Sur Loire
The Collegiate Church of Saint-Ythier succeeded the Church of Our Lady of Mercy. It owes its name to the former bishop of Nevers. The church contains magnificent furniture dating from the 15th to the 17th century. It is decorated in particular by two beautifully crafted windows from the 16th century. One of them, located in the choir, is the Tree of Jesse, the other, above the Pieta of the same period, is dedicated Notre Dame de Pitié and recounts the legend of the pilgrims to the route to Saint Jacques de Compostela. The nave features the vault of the Lords of Sully and their family crest.
Bicycle rental in Sully
Passions Deux Roues
10 rue des Epinettes, 45600 Sully sur Loire
Tel : 02 38 35 13 13.
Cycles Vannier
Chemin de la Levée, en bord de Loire, 45600 Sully sur Loire
Tel : 02 38 36 24 78
.
Main events in Sully sur Loire
The Historical Hours
(Mid-May)
The castle and the park serve as a natural setting for this medieval festival with period costumes, entertainment, dueling knights, and a medieval market ... The whole city is plunged back into its glorious past and revisits history with stunning realism. For the whole family. Information available at the Tourist Office.
Markets
On Mondays, along the Boulevard Jeanne d'Arc and on the Champ de Foire (fairground).
From April to october the 4th Sunday of each month : local products market on the Place de Gaulle in front of the Tourist Office. Features artisanal and local producers.
Restaurant in Sully sur Loire
Hostellerie du Grand Sully ***
10 Boulevard du Champ de Foire, 45600 Sully-sur-Loire
Website - tel : 02 38 36 27 56.
Menu from €28.
Saint Benoît
Saint Benoît sur Loire (45730)
Tourist Office
44 rue Orléanaise, 45730 Saint Benoît sur Loire
Website - tel : 02 38 35 79 00.
Opening time :
January and December , Monday to Saturday: 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
February, March, October and November, Monday to Saturday : 10 a.m. to 12 :30 p.m. / 1:30 to 5 p.m. ; Tuesday 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday.
April, May, June and September, Monday to Saturday : 10 a.m. to 12 :30 / 1 :30 to 6 p.m. ; Tuesday starting from 10:30 a.m. Closed on Sunday.
July and August, daily : 10 a.m. to 12 :30 p.m. / 1 :30 p.m. to 6 p.m. ; Sunday : 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Books, shop with local products.
Free wifi. Accessible to those with disabilities.
Guided tours of the village organized by the Tourist Office are held on weekends during the high season (April through September). Full price / reduced price: €3.50 / €2
. Free under 12 years old.
Fun visit for the whole family : treasure hunt in the city to discover and explore the heritage of the area.
Booklet available at the Tourist Office.
Abbaye de Fleury
Place de l’Abbaye, 45730 Saint Benoît sur Loire
Website - tel : 02 38 35 72 43.
Open daily during the summer : 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. ; winter : 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Open visits, except during services and ceremonies.
Guided tours possible on Saturday and Sunday afternoon from April to October. Inquire at the abbey.
The Fleury Abbey was founded in 651. All that remains today is the church. But what a church! This stunning achievement is a masterpiece of Romanesque art. In the 11th century, at the abbey’s religious and intellectual height, the construction of the porch tower embodied the intense artistic activity of the abbey at that time. It became the symbol of the abbey and remains so today, and along with its magnificent sculpted capitals, transept and choir, a major work of early Romanesque art. The relics of Saint Benedict are kept in the crypt in the middle of a hollow pillar.
Events in Saint Benoît sur Loire
Local Farmers and Artisans Market
From April through October : the third Sunday of the month in the morning on the Place du Martroi, at the foot of the Romanesque basilica. Traditional music and entertainment.
Restaurant in Saint Benoît sur Loire
Restaurant Le Grand Saint Benoît (restaurant of the Hôtel du Labrador)
7 Place Saint André, 45730 Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire
Website - Tel: 02 38 35 11 92
"Lunch formule" : €21. "Menu" from €33.
Germigny
Germigny des Prés (45110)
Tourist Office
6 Route de Saint-Martin, 45110 Germigny des Prés
Website - tel : 02 38 58 27 97.
Opening time :
January and December , Tuesday to Sunday : 1:30 to 5 p.m. ;
February, March, October and November, Wednesday to Sunday :10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. ; Tuesday : 1:30 to 5 p.m.
April, May, June, September, every day: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ; Tuesday starting from 10:30 a.m.
July and August, daily: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ; Tuesday starting from 10:30 a.m.
Wifi on site.
Carolingian Oratory
Route de Siant Martin, 45110 Germigny les Prés
Open every day from April to September : 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ; October to March : 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guided tours organized by the tourist office on weekends in season in French (April to September). Full / Reduced price: €3.50 / €2.
Audio-guide (English, German or French): €3.
When it was built in 806, the Oratory was a place of worship, an annex of the house of Théodulfe, advisor of Charlemagne. Then it became a parish church, and is now a rare testimony of Carolingian construction.
It is without a doubt the mosaic of 130,000 tiles from this period that is the emblem of this religious monument. The scene represents the Ark of the Covenant that keeps the Tables of the Law entrusted to Moses by God, surrounded by two angels.
Chateauneuf
Châteauneuf sur Loire (45110)
Tourist Office
3 Place Aristide Briand, 45110 Châteauneuf sur Loire
Website - tel : 02 38 58 44 79.
Opening time
April through October, Tuesday to Saturday : 10 a.m to 12:30 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
, Sunday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
November through March, Wednesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m./ 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Tourist Office organizes a treasure hunt for children.
Château de Châteauneuf
1 Place Aristide Briand, 45110 Châteauneuf sur Loire
The castle now houses the offices of the city of Châteauneuf. Only the lobby is accessible. The current castle was built in the 17th century on the site of an ancient Capetian castle. The following century the Duke of Penthièvre, grandson of Louis XIV, bought the property and created orangery.
The gardens
The beautiful English garden surrounding the castle dates back to 1821. Adorned with trees, a river and the Temple of Love, the park offers visitors a chance to explore and daydream. A nature trail was created to help visitors learn more about the place. A visitors’ guide is available at the Tourist Office.
The gardens feature a playground for young children, as well as marked footpaths that lead to the Loire River. More information available at the Tourist Office.
The orangery
With a beautiful collection of fruit trees – orange, lemon and exotic varieties – the town continues a tradition of fruit production that has existed since 1695. It is said that at its creation the orangery of Châteauneuf rivaled that of Versailles!
Musée de la Marine de Loire
Castle stables
1 place Aristide Briand, 45110 Châteauneuf sur Loire
Website - Tel : 02 38 46 84 46.
Full price / reduced price : €5 / €3. Free for children under 7 years old.
Opening time:
April through October: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Tuesday.
November through March : 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed on Tuesday.
Guided tour included in the ticket price in July and August.
Accessible to those with disabilities.
The Museum of the Loire Navy was created in the stables of the castle, built in the late 17th century and is a perfect introduction to the ancient history of the navy on the river. The history of Châteauneuf-sur-Loire is intimately linked to that of the river flowing through it. Themes including the different aspects of navigation on the Loire and the lifestyle of sailors are presented. A major trading port in the 19th century, evidence from this period is still present in the local heritage and architecture. A beautiful, modern museum with many high-quality collections (Nevers ceramics and prints). Visitors are presented with a perfectly studied scenography that evokes the historical, geographical, technical and artistic aspects of the region.
For children: games and educational workshops on Wednesday during school holidays (€3 per kid).
Eglise Saint Martial
Grande Rue, 45110 Châteauneuf sur Loire
Built in the 12th century, the Church of Saint Martial was profoundly transformed over the centuries, and was extensively renovated and rebuilt, in particular after the Second World War. Some historical gems can still be admired: the baptismal font from the 16th century, the altarpiece decorated with statues of Saint Martial and Saint –Pierre from the 17th century, and a marble mausoleum from the same period, a fine example of classic Italian funerary art.
Halle Saint Pierre
Place de la Vieille Halle, 45110 Châteauneuf sur Loire
Curiously, the Saint Pierre Hall, or Old Hall, was a former boathouse located on the lateral canal of the Loire that was moved near the Church. Thereafter, it served as a wheat market (19th century).
Nouvelle Halle
Place de la Nouvelle Halle, 45110 Châteauneuf sur Loire
More recent than the other, as its name suggests, the New Hall dates back to 1903. The style of the time (metal frame) is easily recognized. Created as a marketplace for local producers, it continues its function today by hosting a weekly market on Fridays.
Cruise on the Loire
Passeurs de Loire
Jetty is located at La Tuilerie, 45110 Sigloy
Website - tel : 06 74 54 36 61.
Cruise with traditional boat.
Bicycle and Canoë rental
Absolument canoë
Quai Penthièvre, 45110 Châteauneuf sur Loire
Website - Tel : 06 08 31 44 01.
Jargeau
Jargeau (45150)
Tourist Office
« La Chanterie », Boulevard Carnot, 45150 Jargeau
Website - tel : 02 38 59 83 42.
Opening time:
June through September, Wednesday to Saturday : 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The rest of the year, Wednesday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m./ 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Maison de Loire and the Loiret
« La Chanterie », Boulevard Carnot, 45150 Jargeau
Website - tel : 02 38 59 76 60.
Same address and opening times as the Tourist Office.
Venue for exhibitions. Boutique, documentation center. Offers walks along the Loire and discovery trails.
Eglise Saint Etienne
In the 12th century the Bishop of Orleans, Manassès de Garlande, dedicated the Saint-Etienne church. It houses the relics of Saint Vrain (bishop of Cavaillon, canonized around the year 1000). Its portals date from this period, except for the north portal, damaged and rebuilt in Renaissance style in the 16th century. Most of the furniture and decorations date back to the 19th and 20th centuries. However, the stalls and the font are from the 17th century, and the wrought iron pulpit is from 1752.
Musée Oscar Roty
3 place du petit cloître, 45150 Jargeau
Website - tel : 02 38 59 80 13.
Open from May through July: Saturday : 2 :30 p.m. to 6 p.m. ; Sunday : 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. / 2 :30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
A former Episcopal palace, the Oscar Roty Museum retraces the life and work of this engraver to whom we owe "The Sower" that adorned the franc coins.
Traditional market
Wednesday afternoons in the hall on the Boulevard Carnot, and around City Hall.