Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs - Top 20

The area is renowned for its cycling opportunities, particularly along the Loire River. The Cycle path along the Loire is a superb section of the “La Loire à Vélo” network, offering a route far from motorized traffic and surrounded by nature. Another highly popular section is The Loire à Vélo from Pouilly-sur-Loire to Sancerre, a dedicated cycle lane passing through the heart of the Loire Valley nature reserve.

Yes, Saint-Martin-Des-Champs and its surroundings are rich in history. A notable cultural spot is Là Où Dort le Chat Bookstore, La Charité-sur-Loire, located in a town of art and history. La Charité-sur-Loire itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its 900-year-old bell tower and historic priory. You can also visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame-Et-Sainte-Croix, a medieval church built around 1070 and a major stopover on the Camino de Santiago.

Beyond cycling, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'In the Wheel of Albert Bourlon Trail' (12.7 km, moderate) or shorter, easy loops like 'La Cour du Château – The Black Hen Inn' (4.9 km). For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Pont Canal du Guétin – Ducal Palace of Nevers loop' (98.3 km, difficult). For more options, explore the dedicated guides for Hiking around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs, MTB Trails around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs, and Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs.

Many attractions in the region are suitable for families. The cycling paths along the Loire, such as the Cycle path along the Loire, offer a safe and enjoyable way to explore nature together. Historical sites like the Basilica of Notre-Dame-Et-Sainte-Croix and the town of La Charité-sur-Loire, with its ancient bridge (Pont de La Charité-Sur-Loire), provide educational and scenic experiences for all ages.

Visitors particularly appreciate the serene and natural environment, especially along the Loire River. The well-maintained and car-free cycling paths are a highlight, offering relaxing rides with beautiful views. The historical charm of towns like La Charité-sur-Loire, with its ancient architecture and cultural significance, also receives high praise. The blend of outdoor activity and rich history makes the area appealing.

The Loire River itself is the primary natural feature, offering picturesque landscapes. The cycling paths provide continuous scenic views of the wild Loire and surrounding fields. The Pont de La Charité-Sur-Loire offers breathtaking views of the city of La Charité-sur-Loire and the river. The section of the Loire à Vélo from Pouilly-sur-Loire to Sancerre also passes through the heart of a nature reserve, showcasing the region's natural beauty.

La Charité-sur-Loire is a town of significant historical and cultural importance. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, primarily for its 900-year-old bell tower and its historic priory, which once housed 200 monks during the Cluniac era. The town is also a major stopover on the Camino de Santiago, attracting pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. Its ancient stone bridge, dating back to 1520, adds to its charm.

While not explicitly a wine route, the section of The Loire à Vélo from Pouilly-sur-Loire to Sancerre is highly recommended. Sancerre is renowned for its white and red wines, making a stopover there an absolute must for wine enthusiasts. The dedicated cycle lane provides a pleasant journey through the Loire Valley nature reserve to reach this famous wine region.

The area boasts impressive historical architecture, particularly religious buildings and bridges. The Basilica of Notre-Dame-Et-Sainte-Croix, built around 1070, showcases the structural development of Cluny III and the evolution of 11th and 12th-century sculpture styles. The Pont de La Charité-Sur-Loire, originally from 1520 and rebuilt in stone in 1731, is another significant historical structure.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. For example, the 'La Cour du Château – The Black Hen Inn loop from La Charité-sur-Loire' is an easy 4.9 km route, and the 'La Cour du Château – Rue des 84 Marches loop from La Charité-sur-Loire' is another easy option at 6.5 km. These trails offer a chance to enjoy the scenery without strenuous effort. You can find more details in the Hiking around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs guide.

The cycling experience along the Loire is unique due to its dedicated infrastructure and natural setting. The “La Loire à Vélo” network, including sections like the Cycle path along the Loire, provides a well-maintained, wide track that is entirely separate from motorized traffic. This allows cyclists to fully immerse themselves in the wild Loire landscape and surrounding fields, offering a peaceful and scenic journey.