The best traffic-free bike rides around Sainte-Montaine

This lock was once part of the Canal de la Sauldre. Water from the Étang du Puits was regulated here to allow ships to pass and maintain the canal's water level. Now it's simply a beautiful spot to pause for a moment...

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.

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.

Romanesque church from the 12th century, remodeled in the 19th century. Of the old building, only the choir remains.

Castle built during the Renaissance by Robert Stuart then Louise de Keroualle, Duchess of Aubigny and Porsmouth. Only the facade and one of the two wings exist today. It is one of the major witnesses to the historical presence of the Scots in this city of character. It can be visited and is worth a look, notably with the ceiling of its large room which is all made of wood, shaped like the hull of an upside-down boat. Good to know: Franco-Scottish festivals take place every year in July.