The best traffic-free bike rides around Sainte-Thorette

It was therefore under the patronage of "Saint Firmin," the first bishop of Amiens in the 3rd century, who evangelized the land of Méry and became its patron saint after drinking from the miraculous spring that now bears his name, that the church was given in 856 to the Abbey of Saint-Sulpice (formerly the monastery of Notre Dame de la Nef, founded by Saint Sulpice II, known as "the Pious") by the Archbishop of Bourges, Raoul de Turenne, at the behest of Charles the Bald. Like so many others, the church includes parts dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, notably the north wall with a small, high, round-arched window with small voussoirs. The south chapel appears to date from the 14th century, with its mullioned window with trefoil arches at the top and an oculus above it. But the entire apse dates from the late 15th century; it is three-sided and lit by three large windows. The side windows have only one mullion, while the central one has two that intertwine at the top. The apse is vaulted internally, with ribs featuring openwork profiles, resting either on round pilasters or on corbels formed by reclining angels. The keystone of the chancel vault depicts the Eternal Father blessing and holding the orb surmounted by a cross. Also present is a blank escutcheon supported by a bear and a lion (the coat of arms of the Orsini Princes, one of whose members was Abbot of Loroy Abbey). The cornice rests on a torus molding supported by a molding. The original bell tower stood above the first bay of the choir. It was moved closer to the west gable end during the construction of the Sacred Heart Chapel, donated in 1881 by the Clermont-Tonnerre family, who resided at Loroy Abbey. The date 1525 is inscribed on one of the bells. In 1824, Henry François, the priest of Méry-ès-Bois, blessed a second bell. The bell mechanism was electrified on August 23, 1968, by decision of the Municipal Council.

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Much more than a city lake... This large lake appears to be a nature reserve, but it was artificially created in the 1970s as a water buffer and recreation area for Bourges. It has since grown into a green oasis where you can spot a surprising number of migratory birds. An added bonus: in summer, concerts and events are regularly held around the lake.

Walking around Lake Auron is one of the locals' favorite activities. With its 5.5 km circumference, it is an ideal loop for family walks as well as for experienced athletes. Connected to the city center by the green ring road, whether walking, running or cycling, the layout is suitable for all styles of walks. It is not uncommon to come across migratory birds that have taken up residence on the island on your way. The geese and ducks have their own beach, not shy, they will welcome you. For more information: https://www.bourgesberrytourisme.com/2021/08/20/autour-du-lac-dauron/

Easy trail with plenty of fona & flora

It's amazing to find a place like this just a stone's throw from the city. It has everything for everyone.

Garden created in the 1930s, on the former grounds of a Benedictine abbey, in an "Art Deco" style by Eugène-Henry Karcher, with the presence of industrial materials of the time, concrete, steel and ceramic, on an area of 6000m² between the Berry canal and the Yèvre.

It will be impossible for you to miss the Saint-Palais church with its seemingly endless bell tower, unless you don't look up from your handlebars. For the record, it is in the town of Saint-Palais, at a place called Les Combles, that the center of the great big circle that can be drawn in continental France is located. It is therefore the furthest place, precisely 291.3 kilometers, from any border.