Gîtes Insolites de Sologne

Drive for 15 minutes to reach the forest and wetland region of Sologne, covering part of the Cher department as well as those of of Loiret and Loir-et-Cher. Leisurely options include fishing in its many ponds and rivers, pottering around its ancient piles such as stunning Château de Chambord, or getting on the trail of the local wildlife: deer, wild boar, martens, polecats, foxes and over 200 species of birds have their home here. The French town with Scottish history, Aubigny-sur-Nère (25 minutes) is a popular destination for explorers from Scotland and elsewhere around the UK for its links with the Stuarts. It's the only place in France still to celebrate the Auld Alliance pact between France and Scotland at the start of the Stuart reign, every year on Bastille Day. For a scenic day trip, drive an hour or so to the medieval town of Sancerre, set on a hilltop surrounded by vineyards. Some of the vineyards offer tours, or you can set out from town on the 11-kilometre ride to Pouilly-sur-Loire, passing through Sancerre vineyards for spectacular views over the Loire Valley and Puysay forests. The handsome city of Orléans is 45 minutes' drive away.