The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Aignan

This place exists and is wonderful, but it is many kilometers further west than indicated here, just off the A85, in the hamlet of Pichonnerie.

On the cycle path to Thésee, a little paradise nestled in a wooded garden... you'll be welcomed by charming owners who offer shaded bike parking, lounges under the trees, and original drinks, as well as a selection of local specialties at more than affordable prices... A true delight, highly recommended to our cycling and touring friends!

Or more precisely above the Sauldre a little before its confluence with the Cher

The Collegiate Church of Saint-Aignan is a French church located in the center of the city of Orléans, on the north bank of the Loire River, in the Loiret department in the Centre-Val de Loire region. It is dedicated to Saint Aignan, Bishop of Orléans. This beautiful church was originally built for the cult of Saint Aignan, whose relics were kept in the crypt. The current basilica, begun by Charles VII in 1438 but completed in 1509 by Louis XII, is not the first construction, as traces of buildings dating from the 6th, 9th, 11th, 14th, and 15th centuries have been found. They were all destroyed by fire, floods, or human hands. The people of Orléans, and in particular the canons, have always been keen to rebuild this building because Saint Aignan is an important figure in the history of Orléans, due to the role he played against the barbarians in the 5th century. While bishop of the city, he is said to have miraculously defended it against the Hun invasion in 451. https://www.tourismeloiret.com/fr/diffusio/visites/collegiale-saint-aignan-orleans_TFOPCUCEN045V501HHG

History: In the 10th century, Eudes I, Count of Blois, built a castle on the hills. Of the old building, only the so-called Agar Tower, or keep, remains, with some wall removals. The current castle, set at right angles, was rebuilt in the 16th century by the Beauvilliers. The north facade is divided by two brick and stone pavilions. The attic is decorated with pedimented dormers. To the south, in the main courtyard, the two buildings intersect at right angles. They are pierced by cruciform mullioned windows, separated by pilasters and bands on which figures are sheltered in small niches. Stone dormers with pinnacled and shell pediments adorn the roofs. A modern polygonal tower, outside the building, connects the two main buildings. It is highly decorated with pilasters and twin columns. The west pavilion is the most richly decorated. A frieze decorated with Italianate medallions supports an openwork balustrade. The ruins of the original castle are located opposite the current castle. The building was extensively restored in the 19th century.

Saint Aignan, who died in 453 after defending the people of Orleans against the Huns, was buried in a first tomb. As veneration of his relics grew, a basilica was built. A community of monks settled there, and canons replaced them in the 9th century. Following the damage caused by Norman attacks and the fire of 999, Charles the Bald began reconstruction, and Robert the Pious completed the Romanesque church with its crypt housing the relics of Saint Aignan. This church was consecrated on June 14, 1029. We will soon celebrate its millennium. https://collegiale-saintaignan-dorleans.fr/la-crypte/

Castle of Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher https://www.sudvaldeloire.fr/offres/chateau-de-saint-aignan-saint-aignan-fr-2608592/

Collegiate Church of Saint-Aignan https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coll%C3%A9giale_Saint-Aignan_de_Saint-Aignan