The ponds of Sologne | Blois Chambord – Loire Valley Tourist Office

Created in the Middle Ages by Benedictine monks from natural depressions, Sologne’s ponds were used to water flocks and develop freshwater fish farming.

Thanks to these preserved bodies of water, Sologne is now home to a priceless array of flora and fauna: 220 species of birds (including 140 nesting species), 1,200 species of plants, some of which are remarkable, such as the royal osmund fern and drosera, some 50 mammals (coypu, muskrat, fox, badger), a dozen reptiles and as many amphibians.

Half of the ponds are public, while the others belong to large private estates or fishing groups who meet in their wooden huts for Sunday picnics.

To enjoy these peaceful havens, the easiest way is to get on your bike, and you’ll have a great overview onroute 5 of the Châteaux de la Loire à vélo, passing through La Sistière (Cour-Cheverny/Tour-en-Sologne).

From heron to garenne

At the Etang de Beaumont observatory, located in the communes of Neung-sur-Beuvron and Montrieux-en-Sologne, all you need to do is settle down with binoculars to watch the flight of purple herons, great crested grebes, whiskered terns and kingfishers.

The commune of Saint-Viâtre, located on Route 17 of the Sologne bicycle route, boasts no fewer than 135 ponds, a precious heritage that the Maison des Étangs invites you to discover.

The communal paths leading to the ponds are also an opportunity to discover the astonishing wealth of Sologne’s flora: purple and red orchids, cotton flowers, broom heaths or heaths carpeted with purple heather, where foxes and wild rabbits hide, and which you may spot, frolicking at sunrise or sunset…