Discover Gien in the Loiret

Gien, known as the « treasure of reconstruction » via its architecture is famous for its earthenware factory (Museum and factory outlet) and its castle (1st castle of the Loire) made of red bricks that houses the hunt museum among others with its famous trophy hall and its upended-hull roof structure. The church completely reconstructed with red bricks is also worth the detour.

The barges of the « bargees of the Loire », "toues cabanées" and "fûtreaux" (specific local barges) liven up the banks of this charming well-known river and the proximity of the canal of Briare and its famous canal bridge enhance the attraction for « water » activities with rides in "bateau-mouche" (boat for sightseeing) and going through locks. Just as the site of the "éluse de Mantelot" in Châtillon sur Loire, a listed UNESCO world heritage site that must be visited. "L'Etang du Puits"( 30 km away) is a very popular marina and bathing spot during summer.

Mentioning gastronomy means famous wines (Sancerre, Vineyards of Gien, Pouilly, Menetou-Salon and so on...), cheese ("Crotins" of Chavignol), famous sweets (Tatin tart, shortbread biscuits of Nancay, almond biscuits of Sancerre and the Berry …) we also think of fish (pike perch of the Loire) or game (in season).

Anglers will manage to find the « right spots » either in the Loire or in the local numerous ponds where you can go fishing « on a daily basis ».

To visit in the Val de Loire