The best walks and hikes around Mareau-Aux-Bois

on the main road

Big mistake! This is not a pilot shot down during the Second World War. This is a Mirage 4 co-pilot who ejected by mistake in 1969.

Nestled on the edge of the Orléans forest, the Château de Chamerolles is a magnificent Renaissance castle which retains its medieval heritage. It was built between 1500 and 1530 on the site of an old medieval fortress by Lancelot du Lac, chamberlain of King Louis XII and Governor of Orléans. He wanted to make the old medieval building into a real pleasure castle responding to the architectural fashion of the time. With its polychrome brick decor and its open gallery, the Château de Chamerolles is inspired by the Louis XII wing of the royal Château de Blois. It retains its moat and its layout of corner towers from the medieval period. During the wars of religion, Lancelot's grandson, Lancelot II, transformed the castle of Chamerolles into a center of Protestantism. From this period remains the chapel whose painted tables of laws are the oldest in France. Chamerolles remained in the du Lac family until the end of the 17th century. In 1672, the castle belonged to Jacques Saumery, brother-in-law of Colbert. A century later, the castle passed into the hands of the Lambert family and in 1924, into those of Gaston Jessé-Curély. Occupied, ransacked, stripped during the Second World War, the Château de Chamerolles was put up for sale in 1970. In 1976, the city of Paris found itself in charge of Chamerolles. Abandoned, the Château de Chamerolles fell into ruins. In 1987, it became the property of the Loiret Departmental Council which then undertook an ambitious restoration program. The five years of work allow us to discover a transitional architecture, between the medieval heritage and the innovations of the Renaissance. Today, the Château de Chamerolles is dedicated to the history of perfumery and offers a historical and heritage showcase to the Cosmetic Valley, located in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Chamerolles offers a visual and olfactory journey, in pieces reconstructed from the 16th century to the 18th century, allowing you to discover the history of toiletry and perfume. The castle is surrounded by a large park and a charming Renaissance garden, created by Lancelot II du Lac, after a trip to Italy. A garden where it is beautiful to stroll in the summer.

in memory of the liberators of France

The castle was built between 1500 and 1530 on the site of an old medieval fortress by Lancelot I du Lac, chamberlain of King Louis XII. It is surrounded by a large park and a charming Renaissance garden, created by Lancelot II du Lac.

Located on the right bank of the Loire between Gien and Orléans, the forest of Orléans is the largest national forest in metropolitan France. Borrowed by pretty forest roads and great hiking routes (GR 3 and GR 32), the forest is a delight for walkers. This mixed forest (populated with deciduous and thorny trees) is home to a rich fauna. During the fall, it is common to hear the roar of the deer, a hoarse sound supposed to seduce the deer that run through the woods.

On the edge of the forest of Orléans, the Château de Chamerolles is a magnificent building, the first constructions of which date back to the 16th century. It has been on the list of historical monuments since 1927. Accessible to the public, the castle also has a pretty body of water and a large garden where 75 varieties of roses grow harmoniously. History and nature lovers, a walk around the castle grounds will delight you! The castle is open all year except January.

The castle was built between 1500 and 1530 on the site of an old medieval fortress by Lancelot I du Lac, chamberlain of King Louis XII. It is surrounded by a large park and a charming Renaissance garden, created by Lancelot II du Lac.