4.1
(82)
460
hikers
121
hikes
Hiking around Houssay, a commune in the Loir-et-Cher department of France, offers trails through rural landscapes and woodlands. The region is characterized by gentle hills and river valleys, typical of the Centre-Loire Valley. Elevation changes are generally moderate, providing accessible walking experiences. The terrain primarily consists of paths through forests and open countryside.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
4.4
(5)
17
hikers
16.4km
04:19
140m
150m
Hike a moderate 10.2-mile (16.4 km) loop from Lavardin, exploring the historic Château de Montoire and Château de Lavardin.
4.6
(7)
36
hikers
18.1km
04:53
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(6)
34
hikers
13.1km
03:33
180m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
33
hikers
2.25km
00:34
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
10
hikers
9.36km
02:30
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Lavardin is a very pretty little town, where medieval, Renaissance and troglodyte styles mix. The Saint-Genest church is particularly beautiful, with its colorful paintings. Concerts take place there in summer. Just opposite you will find a café-bakery, carved into the stone, which serves delicious ice cream. You won't be able to miss the remains of the castle and its 26 meter high tower. Note that it is possible to pitch your tent on the banks of the Loir, at the bottom of the village. The spot is very pleasant.
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Montoire Castle is a ruined castle. Construction began in the 11th century; there was further construction work in the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries.
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Built by the lords of Montoire in the 10th century, the castle and its keep are today in ruins.
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The Château de Montoire is a ruined castle. You can run around the remains of the 11th century fortress, which was once a strategic site during the wars between the kings of France and England. From the top of the hill, you can also admire the view of the Loir and the town of Montoire-sur-le-Loir. The castle is open to the public and is classified as a historic monument. Happy racing everyone!
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Château de Lavardin is a ruined castle dating from the 11th century. You can explore the remains of the fortress, including the dungeons, towers and chapel, and enjoy panoramic views of the Loir Valley. The castle is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and the entrance fee is 4 euros for adults and 1.5 euros for children under 14 years old. You can also visit the medieval village of Lavardin, classified among the most beautiful villages in France.
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There are over 110 hiking trails around Houssay, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 400 times, providing valuable insights and ratings.
Hiking around Houssay is characterized by gentle hills, woodlands, and rural paths. The region is part of the scenic Centre-Loire Valley, so you'll encounter varied terrain typical of the French countryside, with generally moderate elevation changes.
Yes, Houssay offers plenty of easy hiking options. Out of over 110 routes, 51 are classified as easy. An example is the Lavardin – Lavardin loop from Lavardin, an easy 2.6 km trail that takes about 44 minutes to complete.
The trails in Houssay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 70 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, charming rural paths, and the opportunity to explore historical sites and picturesque villages like Lavardin.
Yes, many of the trails around Houssay are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Lavardin – Château de Lavardin loop from Sasnières is a moderate 18.1 km circular path that offers views of the local countryside and historical sites.
The region around Houssay is rich in history and natural beauty. You can explore charming villages like Lavardin, known for its medieval castle ruins. Other notable sites include the Saint-Georges Gate in Vendôme and the Château de Montoire.
Absolutely. The Centre-Loire Valley is famous for its châteaux. The Trail of the Castles is a moderate 16.4 km route specifically designed to take you past several historical sites. You can also find trails near the ruins of Lavardin Castle and Château de Montoire.
The Loir-et-Cher department, where Houssay is located, generally experiences mild weather. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery as the foliage changes. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it's advisable to start earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat.
Yes, many of the easier trails are suitable for families. The gentle terrain and numerous short, easy routes, such as the 2.6 km Lavardin – Lavardin loop from Lavardin, make for enjoyable outings with children. The region's charming villages and historical sites also add interest for all ages.
Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in rural France, especially if kept on a leash. However, it's always recommended to check local signage or specific trail regulations, particularly if passing through nature reserves or private property. Most of Houssay's woodland and rural paths are suitable for walks with your canine companion.
While Houssay is known for its gentle terrain, there are longer moderate routes available. For instance, the Lavardin – Château de Lavardin loop from Sasnières is an 18.1 km moderate trail. There is also one difficult route among the 114 available, offering a greater challenge for experienced hikers.
Houssay's trails wind through typical Loire Valley landscapes, including woodlands, open countryside, and gentle river valleys. You'll experience the serene beauty of the French rural environment, with opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.


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