The best running trails around Chaon

Nestled in the heart of the peaceful Sologne countryside, the church of Souvigny-en-Sologne, a testament to the region's millennia-old history, is an architectural gem dating back to the 12th century. Built under the aegis of Guillaume de Bussy, Bishop of Orléans, it has survived the ages, preserving its charm and mystery over the centuries. Shrouded in legend and imbued with spirituality, this church contains artistic and religious treasures that captivate the imagination of visitors. Perched in the heart of Souvigny, an architectural treasure awaits visitors eager for historical and artistic discoveries: the church of Souvigny. Its aura of beauty has earned it official recognition as a Historic Monument since 1979, adding a touch of prestige to its timeless charm. This medieval gem gradually reveals itself to those who venture outside. Upon entering its gate, visitors are greeted by the majesty of its 12th-century nave, adorned with a semicircular arch that seems to invite further exploration. Its red and black brick walls form diamond patterns, adding a touch of elegance to its architecture. But it is the 16th-century choir that truly captures the attention, with its three-sided apse, testifying to the artistic refinement of the period. The molded pointed windows let light filter through, creating an atmosphere of mystery and serenity inside. Outside, the 16th-century timber-framed porch stands elegantly, enveloping the west and south facades of the nave in a remarkable architectural embrace. Also known as the promenade or the caquetoire, this porch offers a welcome pause to contemplate the surrounding beauty. The joists that compose it bear witness to the expertise of the craftsmen of yesteryear, captivating the admiration of visitors. The roof, crowning this architectural marvel, is a spectacle in itself, covered with tiles and supported by low posts and a balustrade with crossed timbers in an X shape, adding a touch of character to the ensemble. Finally, the gaze rises to the slate spire overlooking the church, a work of art in its own right. While access to this marvel was once reserved for the bravest, today its charm remains accessible to all those who wish to delve into the fascinating history of Souvigny.

Built in the 16th century then reworked in the 19th century, this castle surrounded by a moat belonged to Napoleon III after passing into the hands of his ancestor, François de Beauharnais and then the French ambassador to Constantinople, the Count of Choiseul-Gouffier. It is now private property.

Built in the 16th century and remodeled in the 19th century, the Château de la Grillère was successively the property of François de Beauharnais, ancestor of Napoleon III, of the count of Choiseul-Gouffier, French ambassador to Constantinople on the eve of the Revolution, then of the Emperor Napoleon III. Now privately owned, the pink and black brick construction reveals the various interventions that the castle has undergone, both on the facades and on the roofs. Composed of two main buildings, the whole is structured around an open courtyard, surrounded by a moat. Characterized by singular architectural fragments, either from a medieval vocabulary (pepper shakers, archers, etc.), or brought back to the 19th century by Anglo-Saxon borrowings (strains of twisted brick chimneys, cross bricks and stones, pepper shakers), this castle has required successive work campaigns since 2008, intended initially for its conservation and secondly, for its transformation into a family residence.