The Sully valley abound with natural treasures, for the pleasure of visitors off all ages.
A vast number of sites dotted along the banks of the Loire are listed for their exceptional wealth and, as such, they benefit from protection and tender loving care. Throughout the year, the coordinators from the Centre-Val de Loire region’s CEN (nature conservancy) propose demonstrations and activities aimed at increasing our awareness and knowledge of these remarkable sites.
Sites open o the public
> L’Étang du Puits (small lake) and its banks – Cerdon du Loiret: An interdepartment (Loiret and Cher) site. This artificial lake is the perfect spot for bathing in the summer season and for fishing the rest of the year. Activities subject to regulations.
> Benne nature area – Dampierre-en-Burly : Located opposite the former fishmermen’s hamlet of Benne, this site has successfully preserved a wealth of natural treasures.
> Les Friches des parterres – Germigny-des-Prés: The site is opposite the Guilly meander.
> Le Hameau du Port – Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire: A listed site since the 27th of March 1947. A natural harbour has been formed by the water, the wind and the sand. It was once the only exploitable waterway in the region and was used to unload firewood and consumer goods for the village inhabitants. In 1857, it was among the 20 largest Loire River ports in Loiret.
> The Basilica site – Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire:
This vast landscaped area comprises the Loire and its banks, the quaysides, the shores, the odd woodland, the crop fields and the village of Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire, with its famous Abbey-church
> Entre les levées – Saint Père sur Loire :
A nature conservancy information panel and three educational panels produced by the St-Père-sur-Loire school pupils have been installed along the 2.5km discovery trail.
> The Château de Sully park – Sully sur Loire :
This site, comprised of a vast aquatic area (the moat) and the park, is a pleasant spot for walking.
Sites accessibles uniquement lors de sorties accompagnées
> The Villaine plaine – Ouzouer sur Loire :
Home, on either side of the Loire embankment, to grasslands and a mosaic of natural alluvial habitats.
> Les Mahyses (Saint Benoît sur Loire) :
Shaped by the Loire between Sully and Châteauneuf, the Mahyses in Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire are a continuation of the Guilly meander.
Sites visibles from the roadside
> The Druids’ mound (Lion en Sullias) :
An artificial burial mound of particular interest in terms of archaeology and local folklore.
> The toad stone (Lion en Sullias) :
A natural rock situated in the middle of a meadow, in the amusing form of a seated toad. This stone is of noteworthy historic and archaeological interest.