Nature with the family – walks around Orléans

Once the capital of the kingdom of France, Orléans owes its prosperity to trade along the Loire, the longest river in France. Today, the Val de Loire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a tribute not only to its exceptional heritage but also to its remarkable ecological wealth.

This Collection brings together seven beautiful walks to explore the nature and history of the Orléans region as a family. These are short hikes over varied but accessible terrain, sure to please young and old alike.

The Loire is a central feature of the city, and the first three Tours are dedicated to it. Start with a stroll between the river and the canal, following in the footsteps of the Loire navy at Combleux, a former bargemen's village. Closer to Orléans, Ile Charlemagne offers beautiful views over the city, and a stroll to Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Mesmin lets you discover the wild landscapes downstream, as well as the superb confluence with the Loiret.

Next, you can travel back in time and explore the historic paths of the Mauves at Meung-sur-Loire and the Loiret at Olivet. These picturesque walks follow in the footsteps of two communities of monks in the Middle Ages who developed the waterways to power mills.

For the last two Tours, you leave the river for the forest. To the north, you'll discover the Orléans forest, the largest state-owned woodland in France, and the Château de Charbonnière. To the south, you can wander through woods, fields and vineyards to discover the mysterious Butte des Élus, hidden in the canopy of trees at the gateway to the Sologne.

This Collection is inspired by my adventures with my sons, and the Tours are tested and approved by the whole family. To make your outings easier, I've added advice for children in the Tour descriptions, including pushchair and bike accessibility, play areas, refreshments and more. Although most of the trails are accessible to pushchairs, I recommend using a baby carrier for the little ones.

There are plenty of accommodation options in the centre of Orléans, as well as several family-friendly campsites in the area. I highly recommend the small campsite at Olivet, on the banks of the Loire. Remember to book as early as possible, especially if you're coming during the summer holidays or one of the city’s festivals.

The region's climate is very temperate, and the Tours are accessible all year round. The landscapes change with the seasons, and each period has its charm. However, at the height of summer, it can be very hot. Remember to protect yourself from the sun, stay well hydrated and, if possible, avoid going out in the middle of the day.