Five(-ish) things to do and see around La Danasha
Depending on your mood and interests, and on the weather, there is a variety of activities and places to do and see within 30 minutes of La Danasha.
Here are just a few out of a veeeery long list – in no particular order of importance:
- Walk or cycle around
La Danasha is a great starting point for walks or bicycle outings. While the forest immediately around it is private – and unfortunately, therefore, not accessible to guests – from the centre of Viglain you have a choice of four marked paths for either walking or cycling through the forest. (Maps are at your disposal to find your way around.)
One of them passes near the small but pretty castle of Baffou, where a local noble man, Gabriel de Jaucourt, initiated a rebellion of peasants against taxes in 1659, at the beginning of Louis XIV’s reign, and, err… it did not end very well for Mr de Jaucourt. More information is to be found (in French) here if you’re interested.
2. Visit Sully-sur-Loire castle
Sully-sur-Loire has an impressive medieval castle which used to be home in the 17th century to one of Henri IV’s key ministers, Maximilien de Béthune, also known as the Duke of Sully.
You can visit the castle and learn about its historical significance, then take a pleasant walk in its park (which, fun fact, harbours a miniature replica of the Lourdes grotto (!)) and onward to the path along the Loire.
The river banks are a nice spot for a picnic, weather permitting. A path takes you also through the fields behind the castle and through a Natura 2000 classified site comprising several ponds and usually full of birds, which is a bit unexpected in the middle of the city! (Click here for more information about the park). Another way to get there is to walk along the Sange river, a prime spot for fishermen.
Don’t leave Sully-sur-Loire without getting a drink or ice-cream at the terrace of L’Arcatène. Bicycle aficionados will love the collection of old bicycles kept in this former factory where Helyett bikes used to be produced. L’Arcatène also rents out bicycles for a half-day or by the day, so you can get a taste of the Loire à Vélo from Sully-sur-Loire.
Even if you’re not a bicycle fan, you will still surely enjoy this place, with its relaxed atmosphere and great view over the Loire (FYI just below it, there are some picnic tables too).
In the spring and summer, go and sit with your apéritif (or picnic) on the bicycle bridge (but keep to the side so as not to disturb the traffic) – you’re sitting in the middle of the Loire, so it’s magical to watch the sunset there! (And we will happily lend you a picnic kit).
3. Check out the abbey and Hameau du Port at Saint-Benoît sur Loire
About 20min from La Danasha by car (but also accessible by bike via the ‘Loire à Vélo’ route) is Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire. It’s a nice place to walk around with its little shops and its abbey (where you can admire magnificent Roman carvings) and adjacent museum, Le Belvédère.
Once you’ve visited those, walk for about 15min to the river banks at Le Hameau du Port (via rue du Port, by the camping site). It’s a cute area, with lovely houses just by the Loire. And picnic tables (- do you notice a pattern?).
Also, if you’re into kayaking, this is an easy place to aim to land after a short ballad from St Père-sur-Loire, which is upstream and just across Sully-sur-Loire.
There’s a great walk also in St Benoît that takes you along the little canal running behind a number of houses that used to be navigated by boat, offering a fascinating glimpse into how St Benoît was in old times.
4. Discover one of France’s oldest churches in Germigny-des-Prés
Just 10 minutes from St Benoît sur Loire, in Germigny-des-Prés, go and visit the Carolingian oratory. The earliest structure recorded here dates from the IXth century and it harbours a very special feature. I love this small church and its hidden treasure…
5. Take a boat tour on the Loire from Sigloy
About 15min from La Danasha, in Sigloy, the Passeurs de Loire will take you on a boat tour on board a typical, shallow Loire boat. The basic tour is 90 minutes long but there are other, longer ones, such as a tour with apéritif or even picnic dinner, or sunset tour to try and spot some beavers (not easy).
The guy running this is passionate about the Loire and boating on the Loire, and so are his fellow boatsmen. We’ve taken the tour on several occasions and absolutely loved it every time because it’s just you, the river and the birds. It’s beautiful, relaxing and interesting. We strongly recommend it!
6. Go swim in l’Etang du Puits, in Cerdon
For families, l’Etang du Puits is a lake (or mega-pond?) 20min from La Danasha where you feel (a little bit) like being at the sea, with its windsurfing and waterskiing.
It can get a bit crowded in summer when the sun is out, so better get there early as spots in the shade are in high demand. One area has big inflatable structures which can be fun for kids who can swim (and adults too). There is a nice walk around the Etang, as well as a beach restaurant.
7. Walk around Châteauneuf-sur-Loire
You can easily spend half a day in Châteauneuf, which is located 20min from La Danasha. It’s a lively city, you can take a walk along the Loire as well as enjoy the bustling main street and its many shops (including two great cheese shops).
Châteauneuf also has a small but interesting Musée de la Marine de Loire, which is set in an amazing, vast park with centenary trees – in itself an attraction. For families: there is within the park a playground for children, and it’s also a great spot for a summer picnic.
And, because we love our food, book a table at La Méditerranée, an Italian trattoria with a cosy atmosphere (and a terrace in spring / summer), run by a lovely Roman lady who is passionate about her menu. Try the polpette or the pinsas, they are authentic. The whole menu is cooked generously and with tasty, fresh ingredients.
8. Learn about the region’s Scottish-related past in Aubigny-sur-Nère
Aubigny-sur-Nère, nicknamed ‘City of the Stuarts’, and located exactly 30min away, has a nice, lively city centre full of small shops and restaurants, and strong ties with Scotland.
Namely, in the 15th century, the Scots came to the rescue of King Charles VII by virtue of the Auld Alliance treaty during an English invasion that forced the king to take refuge in nearby Bourges (more on its history here). The Stuart family owned Aubigny-sur-Nère, which was ceded to them by way of a ‘thank you’ gift, until the second half of the 17th century.
During the ‘Fêtes franco-écossaises’, held around 14 July every year, it gets literally invaded by visitors. Concerts, with a Celtic vibe (some of which are free to attend), Scottish-themed markets, activities and ceremonies usually feature on the programme.
Even without the festival, Aubigny-sur-Nère is a nice place to spend a few hours and have dinner in. In a field near the city centre, last time I checked, there were some interesting woolly cows with horns, and (of course)… they were of the Scottish Highlands breed. The city also has its own pipe band!
There are many other things to do/see, so just ask and we’ll give you more suggestions, depending on your interests and the time that’s available to you!
