Étang du Puits is a focal point for nature and water sports in Cerdon; Sainte-Marguerite Church offers a different, cultural and historical perspective on the village. When looking for a holiday rental, this distinction can help with your initial planning: would you rather spend your time on trails and activities by the water, or exploring architectural history and art, and following a walking route through Cerdon?

Nature trails at Étang du Puits

Near Cerdon, Étang du Puits combines recreation and ecotourism as an interdepartmental sensitive natural area. The wooded grounds of the leisure centre are open for walks and water sports. On the Loiret side, a 2,500-metre trail leads from the leisure centre to the site known as “la pointe des Anglais”; from there, you can enjoy a wide-ranging view over the Étang.

If you prefer a circular route to a single viewpoint, you can take the Circuit de l’étang du Puits. It passes springs, streams, and abundant small and large game. The two trails have different focuses: “la pointe des Anglais” is a clear destination with a sweeping view, while the Circuit brings together several natural features along the way. As route conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out.

The different starting points are also useful when choosing a route: the PR de la Méridienne Verte – P1 begins at Sainte-Marguerite Church, while the 2,500-metre trail to “la pointe des Anglais” starts at the leisure centre. This makes it possible to plan a village walk and the trail to the view over the Étang as two separate options.

Water sports at Étang du Puits

The leisure centre offers sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, pedal boating, and swimming. The Club Motonautique du Loiret offers introductory sessions in water skiing, wakeboarding, and tube riding at Étang du Puits. If you are planning to take an introductory session, check its availability before your trip. Swimming is seasonal; check the current bathing conditions before your visit.

Church, art, and village walks

Sainte-Marguerite Church dates from the late 12th century and was listed as a historic monument in 1941. A surviving remnant of the brick and stone tower is unique in Sologne. The church’s age and the tower remnant offer distinct architectural highlights.

The church houses the monumental painting “La Nativité de la Vierge,” a work by Neapolitan Baroque painter Luca Giordano. The painting was listed as a historic monument in 1904. Its connection to art complements the church’s architectural history with a work of Baroque painting in its own right.

In Cerdon, the PR de la Méridienne Verte – P1 passes Sologne workers’ houses and the washhouse on Route de Clémont. Starting at Sainte-Marguerite Church, the route offers more than a single glimpse of village life: the church, workers’ houses, and washhouse are distinct stops along the way.

Cerdon is one of the 30 characterful villages in Loiret recommended for a visit. Cerdon is also linked to Louis Pasteur on the Route des illustres.

Discover more destinations: Meung-Sur-Loire, Saint-Péravy-la-Colombe, Douchy, Engenville, Faverelles, Chilleurs-Aux-Bois, Ouzouer-sur-Loire, Vennecy

For the main travel overview: Loiret.