Saint-Aubin-Sur-Loire brings two distinct themes into focus: the Château stands on a hill overlooking the town and the Loire Valley, while the Boucle passes through changing landscapes along the Loire. The Eglise Saint-Aubin adds architectural history dating back to the 12th century; canoeing and a cycling route offer their own ways to enjoy the outdoors. You can decide whether architecture or the Loire landscape should be the main focus of your trip.
The Château: architectural history and design
The Château de Saint-Aubin-sur-Loire was built between 1771 and 1777 by the architect Edme Verniquet for Charles des Gallois de la Tour. Neoclassical façades and outbuildings define the building; its interior layout and furnishings have been extensively restored. From its position on the hill, it offers views over the town and the Loire Valley. Its exterior architecture and restored interior design are therefore two distinct aspects of the same building.
Church and architectural details
The Eglise Saint-Aubin has a choir built in the 12th century, a semicircular apse with a half-dome and a transept. The apse forms the semicircular end of the choir; its half-dome describes the curve of the vault. The transept runs across the main part of the church. These terms help distinguish the choir, apse and transept as separate architectural elements. Together with the Château, the church and château represent two different periods of architectural history: the choir dates from the 12th century, while the Château was built between 1771 and 1777.
Walk between riverside paths, meadows and shade
The Boucle de Saint-Aubin-sur-Loire is an easy walk starting from Saint-Aubin-Sur-Loire and following the banks of the Loire. Its route alternates between paths by the water, meadows and shaded sections, with views of the river along the way. You can also observe the local wildlife and plant life along the route. The walk thus brings together river views and a variety of landscapes.
The Loire by canoe
The canoeing experience includes discovering a wild river rich in aquatic fauna, flora and numerous bird species. Compared with the Boucle, the perspective shifts from paths along the riverbank to the water and its wildlife and plant life. The canoe rental service provides the required life jackets and one waterproof container per boat. As the equipment provided may change, it is best to check the information before setting off. The two nature experiences also differ in how you get around: walking along the riverbanks or canoeing on the river.
A cycling route into the town
The “Voies Vertes, Loire et Canal entre Bourgogne et Auvergne” cycling route follows EuroVelo 6 to Saint-Aubin-Sur-Loire. This gives cyclists a specific route connection to the town. The cycling route differs from the Boucle, which is an easy walk that starts in Saint-Aubin-Sur-Loire and follows the banks of the Loire.
Plan your stay around what matters to you
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Saint-Aubin-Sur-Loire, your preferred focus can help guide your plans: would you like to concentrate on architectural history or experience the Loire landscape by walking, canoeing or cycling? These different themes can help you shape your stay around your interests.
Discover more destinations: La Chapelle-De-Guinchay, Saint-Eusèbe, Bouzeron, Melay, Azé, Montchanin, Saunières, Digoin
For the wider travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.
