Chartres and Château de Maintenon
Château de Maintenon and Chartres: an escapade between royal heritage, Gothic masterpiece and exceptional destiny Just a stone's throw from Paris, Chartres…
Sully sur Loire and port of Grignon
an immersion between medieval castle and the navigation of yesteryear's bargemen
1 day
Fill up on discoveries
Transport
We organize your transport by coach, train or plane
Circuit découverte et savoir faire
Price upon request
Groups
All-inclusive prices for small and large groups
With guide
You won't miss a single detail - they know their subject inside out.
French
English
Other languages on request
English
Other languages on request
A day of Loire heritage and river adventure!
This getaway to Sully-sur-Loire and the port of Grignon offers an original experience combining historical discovery and immersion in river tradition. Between a visit to an emblematic Loire château and navigation on the Canal d’Orléans, this day offers a real journey back in time.
Particularly suited to groups, it combines culture, nature and conviviality.
Sully-sur-Loire: an emblematic Loire fortress
Majestically overlooking the Loire, the Château de Sully-sur-Loire is one of the most impressive monuments in the Loire Valley.
Listed as a historic monument, it contains over 7 centuries of history and bears witness to the evolution of medieval architecture.
Built from the 14th century onwards, it is distinguished by :
- Its massive towers surrounded by a moat
- Its fortified keep
- Furnished apartments and state rooms
The château was successively occupied by the de La Trémoïlle and de Béthune families, notably Maximilien de Béthune, Duc de Sully, Henri IV’s famous minister.
Great historical figures such as Joan of Arc, Louis XIV and Voltaire have stayed here, reinforcing the site’s importance in French history.
An immersive visit to the heart of the Middle Ages
A guided tour of the château provides an insight into the life of the lords and the strategic issues of the time.
Visitors discover :
- The spectacular 14th-century framework
- The walkway
- Art and tapestry collections
Immerse yourself in the castle’s role in defending the bridge over the Loire, a major strategic axis since the Middle Ages.
The port of Grignon: cradle of the Orléans canal
After the historical tour, we head for the Grignon port in Vieilles-Maisons-sur-Joudry.
This site is the historic starting point of the Canal d’Orléans, created in the 17th century to link Paris to the Loire basin.
A place steeped in memory, the port has been given a new lease of life by enthusiasts who are reviving the river tradition.
Mariniers d’antan: navigation by towboat, by barge!
The highlight of the day is boarding the “Belle de Grignon” for an authentic experience inspired by ancient techniques.
This traditional barge, a reproduction of a 19th-century boat, was built by enthusiastic volunteers to revive local inland waterway transport.
Navigation is based on the hauling principle:
- The boat is pulled from the shore by haulers
- An ancestral technique used before the industrial era
- A slow, immersive and authentic experience
This mode of travel gives a real insight into the navigation conditions of yesteryear, when boats were hauled up canals by human or animal power.
A human and convivial experience
Above and beyond the sailing, this activity is above all a chance to meet volunteer sailors, who share their passion and knowledge.
The cruise is punctuated by :
- Historical stories
- Anecdotes from the life of a bargeman
- Friendly exchanges
This human dimension makes the experience particularly authentic and enriching.
Immerse yourself in the Loiret’s river heritage
The port of Grignon and the Canal d’Orléans bear witness to a past when waterways were essential to trade and commerce.
On this tour you can discover :
- How canals and locks work
- Traditional Loire boats
- The history of French inland navigation
This heritage, which is now being developed, offers an original insight into the region’s economic and social history.
An ideal outing for groups
This day is perfectly suited to groups, thanks to a structured and accessible program.
It proposes :
- A guided tour of the castle
- An immersive activity on the water
- A balanced rhythm of discovery and relaxation
The diversity of experiences guarantees a rich and convivial day.
Why choose Sully-sur-Loire?
Opt for this outing and you’ll enjoy a complete experience combining history and nature.
It enables :
- Discover an emblematic medieval castle
- Experience authentic navigation by tow
- Understand the history of Loire bargemen
- To share a convivial and original moment
Between heritage, transmission and immersion, this escapade is a unique and memorable experience.
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Questions fréquentes (FAQ)
Why visit the Château de Sully-sur-Loire?
The Château de Sully-sur-Loire is one of the finest examples of a medieval fortress in the Loire Valley. With more than seven centuries of history, it offers an immersion into the seigniorial era, with remarkably well-preserved spaces such as the keep, apartments and ceremonial rooms. Its strategic position on the Loire also makes it a major historical site.
What is the port of Grignon and the Orléans canal?
The port of Grignon is the historic starting point of the Canal d'Orléans, designed in the 17th century to link Paris to the Loire. The site bears witness to the essential role played by waterways in transporting goods before the arrival of the railroads. Today, it is promoted through tourist and cultural activities.
What does navigation by tow involve with the bargemen of yesteryear?
Navigation by tow consists of pulling a boat from the bank using ropes, a technique used before the advent of motors. During the tour of the Port de Grignon, visitors embark on a traditional barge and discover this authentic mode of navigation, while listening to the tales of the bargemen. It's an immersive experience that allows visitors to understand the sailing conditions of yesteryear.
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Voir aussi tous nos programmes liés à Regional heritage tourism.
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