The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Forêt De Saint Paul

Don't expect a Stonehenge scene here, but rather a handful of weathered stones that have stood in place for thousands of years. To be honest, it's not much to look at visually. But with a little imagination, you can find yourself face to face with prehistory, all set in the tranquil French countryside. Stop for a moment, smile, and then continue your walk.

Built in the 1760s, the Château de Bouges located near Valençay elegantly illustrates the arts of the 18th century. When Claude Leblanc de Carnaval bought the estate in 1765, the old building present until then was razed to make way for an “Italian-style house”. This new, up-to-date construction displays the ambition of the rich ironmaster, who managed to rise in the world of Parisian finance and was recently ennobled. Ruined twelve years later, his castle was seized and sold. During the 19th century, successive buyers included the Prince of Talleyrand and Henri Dufour, who restored the castle and had the park landscaped in the English style. The Château de Bouges owes its transformation above all to the Viguier couple: Henry, director of a Parisian department store, and his wife Renée. Acquired in 1917, the Château de Bouges regained its initial vocation as a sumptuous residence. The Viguier couple brought the castle back to life with the acquisition of exceptional furniture dating from the 18th century, which wonderfully expresses the taste for well-being and refinement specific to the society of that era in harmony with the setting. Left without descendants, they bequeathed the castle to the State in 1967. Of elegant Italian construction, the charm of this castle lies in its inhabited appearance. A visit that will transport you to the elegance of the 18th century! After visiting the castle, be sure to discover the English-style park designed by the landscaper Achille Duchêne at the beginning of the 20th century. The winding paths allow you to discover varied views of the Château de Bouges all along the walk. The stone balustrade separates the park from the French garden where boxwood embroidery and trimmed yews are bordered by lime trees. The old vegetable garden, transformed into a flower garden by Madame Viguier, is today dedicated to the cultivation of flowers used for the composition of the bouquets which adorn the rooms of the castle. A visit to the outbuildings made up of the stables, the saddlery and the orangery allows you to discover Henri Viguier's passion for horse riding.

This castle has a rich history. The castle has many historic pieces of furniture, as well as a large park of around 50 hectares, alternating gardens and forests. It also played an important role during the Second World War, as a warehouse for the Louvre's works of art.

If you are looking for a relaxing and scenic hike, you can visit the Parc du Château de Bouges. This park surrounds an elegant 18th century residence, often called "the little Trianon du Berry". You can discover the 80 hectares of the park which include an arboretum, a French garden, a flower garden and a carriage museum. The park is open from March to November, with hours varying depending on the season.

The Château de Bouges is an 18th century residence surrounded by 80 hectares of greenery, with a pond where you can admire the reflections of the different trees. You can also discover the outbuildings where the stables, saddlery and horse-drawn carriages are located. The castle itself is open for guided tours, where you can explore its elegant rooms and furnishings. Opening hours vary depending on the season, do not hesitate to check them before traveling.

The dolmen is 6 m long and 4.20 m wide with a maximum height of 1.60 m. The whole forms a funerary chamber 5.80 m long and 2.30 m wide, which reaches 1.30 m at its greatest height under the slab. All the slabs are in sandstone and come from Bagneux or Dun-le-Poëlier, towns more than 30 km away.

A beautiful building with all the amenities for a break

By following the bridle path visitors discover with amazement the replica of the Petit Trianon of Versailles in Berry. An 80-hectare park with arboretum, saddlery, stables, horse-drawn carriage museum complete this set.