Accueil Discover Nature and gentle mobility The GR3®: A legendary route
You want to go hiking in France? Two hours from London, set off to explore the GR® 3. The GR3®, the Loire trail, covers almost 1300 km from Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc to the Atlantic Ocean. This was the very first “GR” hiking trail to be created in France! It will reveal all the facets of the Loire Valley: emblematic towns, Loire fauna and flora, Loire châteaux, vineyards and troglodyte dwellings.
Suitable for everyone, follow it however you like, whether for a short walk or a longer hike. Here are a few ideas for short walks to satisfy your desire for adventure and revitalising getaways and hikes in France! Off you go!
The GR® 3 and the Loire between Briare and Orléans
Open your eyes wide: here the Loire unfolds its landscapes between wild islands and golden sandbanks. Follow the aerial ballet of the birds and watch out for the wooded banks where the beaver, the little river architect, sometimes leaves its footprints.
D. Darrault – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Château de Saint-Brisson
From Briare and its famous canal bridge spanning the Loire, take the path for a 6-kilometre walk to Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire. There, don’t miss a visit to the château and its elegant state apartments. Games and activities are regularly organised there.
A little further on, starting from Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, discover Fleury Abbey, a jewel of Romanesque architecture. This short 7-kilometre hike follows the wide meanders of the Loire and leads to the Carolingian Oratory of Germigny-des-Prés, one of the oldest churches in France, built by an advisor to Charlemagne.
D. Darrault – Petites Cités de Caractère®
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The GR® 3 and the Loire between Orléans and Chaumont-sur-Loire
Did you know that the materials used to build the Château de Chambord were shipped from the port of Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, 7 kilometres away? Before you set off on your walk, take a look at the Maison de la Loire. This centre is dedicated to the Loire and nature, and features interactive exhibitions that are sure to spark children’s interest.
Les Coflocs
Léonard de Serres – Domaine National de Chambord
Then continue your walk towards Chambord to admire the gigantic castle of Francis I. This Renaissance masterpiece captivates its visitors. Climb the famous double spiral staircase where you can have fun going up without ever coming across anyone coming down. From the terraces, the view over the estate is impressive! Further on, between Candé-sur-Beuvron and the castel of Chaumont-sur-Loire, the hiking trail winds for 9 kilometres between the Loire and the forest. At the end, the castle terrace offers a breathtaking panorama!
After visiting the château and its sumptuous stables, stroll among the works of art on display in the grounds. From April to October, be amazed by the creativity of the International Garden Festival!
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The GR® 3 and the Loire from Amboise to Azay-le-Rideau
Follow the GR® 3 for 8 kilometres between Amboise and Lussault-sur-Loire. In Amboise, walk in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci. At the Château du Clos Lucé, where he spent the last years of his life, explore his reconstructed workshops and discover his ingenious models. In the park, young and old can handle some of his most fascinating inventions, such as the aerial screw or the tank. An interactive experience that allows everyone to dive into the world of the brilliant inventor! Right next door, the Royal Château of Amboise, a veritable balcony over the Loire, charms visitors with its elegant gardens and majestic towers. The Gothic chapel of Saint-Hubert, adorned with refined sculptures, houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.
J.C. Coutand – ADT Touraine
Léonard de Serres – ADT Touraine
Continue your walk towards Lussault-sur-Loire and stop at the Grand Aquarium de Touraine for an unforgettable underwater journey among exotic fish and ocean dwellers. Children will be amazed!
Fancy a longer hike? Walk the 13 kilometres between Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau. Start by visiting the Château de Villandry and its famous Renaissance gardens. Admire the incredible mosaic of colours in the vegetable garden and have fun in the hornbeam maze. Then head to the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, built on an island in the Indre. With its reflections in the water and elegant lines, it embodies all the charm of the Renaissance.
V. Nobilleau – ADT Touraine
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Whichever route you choose, the GR® 3 will take you as close as possible to the Loire and its legendary châteaux. Between unspoilt nature and exceptional heritage, this UNESCO World Heritage Site promises you beautiful walks and unforgettable memories.
J.C. Coutand – ADT Touraine
