In Huisseau-Sur-Cosson, three very different interests have specific points of connection: architectural history at the Église Saint Étienne et Saint My, wine and château interiors at the Château des Grotteaux, and Les chênes jumeaux in the Boulogne state forest. When planning your trip, it is important to decide which kind of discovery to prioritise: architecture can be explored through the building phases and the Caquetoir; the château offers a guided tour and a tasting held on Wednesdays; and the forest route to Les chênes jumeaux is described in detail. Three marked walking and hiking trails provide further ways to explore on foot.
Church and château history
The Église Saint Étienne et Saint My was built in two periods: the central section dates from the late 12th century, and the side aisle from the 16th century. The different building phases are therefore clearly distinguishable in the structure. There is also a wooden Caquetoir, a type of gallery common in Sologne and Berry. This feature links the local church architecture to a building form found in both regions. Visitors interested in architecture can look at two aspects: the church’s different periods of construction and the regional tradition of the Caquetoir.
The Château des Grotteaux also offers several historical points of reference. Guillaume Ribier had it built in 1620 on older foundations. The château has been listed in the register of historic monuments since 1954, and its park since 1997. These dates refer to different things: the construction of the château and the separate listings of the château and park.
Guided tour and wine at the Château des Grotteaux
A guided tour takes visitors through the listed park, the fully furnished château and its secret passageways. Currently, a tasting of local Loire wines from older vintages and regional specialities is held every Wednesday in the medieval cellars. The two offerings have different focuses: the guided tour highlights the park, furnishings and passageways, while the tasting centres on wine and regional specialities. Before your trip, check the tasting date and guided-tour schedule.
Les chênes jumeaux in the state forest
Les chênes jumeaux stand in the Boulogne state forest, within the boundaries of Huisseau-sur-Cosson. Each of the two oak trees is 32 metres tall and 110 centimetres in diameter; their age is estimated at around 350 years. Their matching height and diameter give the pair a shared scale, while their age remains an estimate.
To get there, at the exit from Huisseau-sur-Cosson in the direction of Mont-près-Chambord, follow Rue de la Charmoise to the entrance to the Boulogne forest near the forester’s lodge. Then walk about 400 metres and turn left at the sign for the oaks. Check the local signs when you arrive.
Marked trails and different destinations
There are three marked hiking and walking trails in Huisseau-sur-Cosson. They were created by the Communauté de communes du Pays de Chambord and the municipality, with support from the Comité départemental de la randonnée pédestre. The circular route to the Château de Saumery in Huisseau-sur-Cosson is marked by FFRandonnée 41.
There are different destinations to choose from: the directions to the oaks lead to a natural landmark in the state forest, while the circular route to the Château de Saumery has a château as its destination. The three marked hiking and walking trails offer further options for exploring on foot. Whether you plan to focus your stay on architecture, wine or the forest, Huisseau-Sur-Cosson offers specific points of interest—with special dates for the château’s activities and directions that advise checking the local signs on site.
Discover more destinations: Pierrefitte-Sur-Sauldre, Châteauvieux, La Colombe, Saint-Lubin-en-Vergonnois, Chémery, Dhuizon, Montrouveau, Oucques.
For the main travel overview: Loir-Et-Cher.
