The best road cycling routes around Sainte-Montaine

The church consists of two successive rectangles, formerly covered by a wooden barrel vault with exposed beams. The very prominent buttresses of the nave, doubled at the corners, date the construction to the 12th or 13th centuries. The bell tower is supported by internal timbers near the central gable. A document from 1489 informs us that at that time, the church of Sainte Montaine was in need of extensive repairs. The bell tower had to be rebuilt, perhaps following a fire. The current bell tower therefore dates from this period. The western door is also from the 15th century. Its leaves are adorned with nails of remarkable craftsmanship. The nave was surrounded to the north and west by a wooden porch, similar to that of Brinon, but of more refined and delicate workmanship. This extension, which serves as a hall and narthex, is called a "caquetoire" in the Sologne region. It dated back to the 16th century and was demolished during the years 1918/1919. The furnishings are very important in both quantity and quality. Among the 18th-century liturgical vestments are two dalmatics and an 18th-century pastoral stole. There is also a 16th-century statue of the Virgin Mary and a 17th-century statue of Saint Germain, a 17th-century painting of the miracle of Saint Montaine, and a 17th-century processional cross of Christ on the Cross.

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.

Cycle path on old railway line

A must see...

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.

The church of Thou dates from the 13th century. It has been remodeled many times, particularly in the 19th century with the construction of the bell tower.

Priory-rectory dependent on the abbey of Saint-Satur. The church was rebuilt from the end of the 15th century, starting with the tower forming a bell tower-porch, which can be attributed to a certain Hélias Ruellé, while the coat of arms appearing on the keystones of the nave vault indicate the participation of Guillaume de Ménipeny, abbot of Saint-Satur attested until 1527. The date of 1533 is shown on a keystone. The renovation of the church was probably completed around 1535. The first church was built in the 13th century, of which some remains and perhaps the bell tower-porch remain. The current construction dates mainly from the 16th century and represents one of the rare Renaissance religious buildings in this department. The renovation of the choir and the chevet (capitals) and the construction of the sacristy date from the 19th century. Keystone dated 1533 with the Rochechouart coat of arms.

15th century church renovated in the 19th century. This 19th century restoration consisted of the addition of two chapels to the north and south, which thus form two side aisles. The western bay and the bell tower also date from this restoration.