Attractions and Places To See around La Selle-En-Hermoy - Top 20

The region offers several historical points of interest. You can visit the Bardin Mill, an old wheat mill with a history dating back to the 16th century, which has been moved and rebuilt over time. Another significant site is the Former Ursuline Convent, with buildings from 1644 that served as a hospital for centuries. Additionally, the nearby town of Montargis, known as the 'Venice of Gâtinais' with its numerous canals and bridges, offers a rich historical atmosphere.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Briare Canal Cycle Path is a very smooth and flat route, perfect for family bike rides or walks. The Junction of the Canal d'Orléans and the Canal de Briare is an interesting spot where three canals meet, offering a pleasant setting for a family outing. The historical Bardin Mill also provides an educational and engaging experience for all ages.

The area is excellent for various outdoor activities, especially along the historic waterways. You can enjoy cycling on the Briare Canal Cycle Path, which features smooth asphalt. For more extensive cycling, explore the road cycling routes or gravel biking trails available. Hiking is also popular, with several hiking routes, including easy and moderate options, that allow you to explore the natural landscape and canal banks.

Yes, the Briare Canal Cycle Path is noted for being wheelchair accessible. It offers a very smooth, new asphalt surface and is necessarily very flat, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenic canal-side environment.

The best time to visit for outdoor activities is generally during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant for cycling, hiking, and exploring. Summers can be warm, which is also suitable for outdoor pursuits, especially along the canals where breezes can be refreshing. Winters are typically cooler and might be less ideal for extensive outdoor activities, though the historical sites remain accessible.

The primary natural feature is the extensive network of canals, particularly the Canal de Briare. This historic waterway, along with the Canal d'Orléans and the Loing River, creates a unique landscape. The towpaths alongside these canals offer beautiful routes for walking and cycling, allowing you to enjoy the tranquil waters and surrounding greenery. The Junction of the Canal d'Orléans and the Canal de Briare is a notable spot where these waterways converge.

Visitors particularly appreciate the smooth and well-maintained paths along the canals, especially the Briare Canal Cycle Path, which is praised for its new asphalt and flat terrain, making it ideal for cycling and walking. The historical significance of sites like the Bardin Mill and the unique meeting point of canals at the Junction of the Canal d'Orléans and the Canal de Briare are also highly valued for their charm and historical context.

Absolutely. Montargis, often called the 'Venice of Gâtinais,' is just 12 km away and is famous for its picturesque canals and over 130 bridges. Further afield, you can visit Bellegarde (34 km west) with its attractive moated castle, or the significant Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire Abbey (49 km west-south-west), renowned for its Romanesque architecture from the 12th century.

Yes, the area offers easy hiking options. The towpaths along the Canal de Briare are generally flat and well-maintained, providing accessible routes for leisurely walks. You can find several hiking routes around La Selle-En-Hermoy, including easier loops like the 'Hiking loop from Paucourt' which is approximately 4.5 km.

Many of the outdoor trails, particularly the towpaths along the Canal de Briare, are suitable for walking with dogs. These flat, open paths provide ample space for pets to enjoy the outdoors alongside their owners. Always remember to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them to maintain the natural beauty of the area.

The Canal de Briare is a historic shipping canal that played a crucial role in connecting the Seine to the Saône and ultimately to the Mediterranean via a chain of canals. It historically served Parisian waterways and is now used by inland waterway vessels and pleasure crafts. Its towpaths are a major draw for cyclists and walkers, offering a beautiful paved greenway through the landscape.