With three walking trails, each with an estimated distance and walking time, Poilly-lez-Gien offers practical guidance for planning your day. Other highlights include the story of Joan of Arc, the 1,833-meter-long viaduct, and a Natura 2000 site in the Loire region. Local landmarks such as the Fontaine Berton and the Moulin Godard add further points of interest. You can tailor your stay to whether you want to focus on the time available for walking or on history and landscape.

Walking trails by distance and time

The Circuit du Val de Loire is 8 kilometers long, with an estimated walking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. The same figures apply to the Circuit des Bois du Bardelet. The Circuit Val et Coteaux is 12.6 kilometers long, with an estimated walking time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The two shorter routes are therefore the same length and have the same estimated time; Val et Coteaux differs by an additional 4.6 kilometers and an extra hour of walking. If you want to allow less time for a walk, the two 8-kilometer trails offer a straightforward comparison. Their shorter estimated times leave more room for other activities in the area that day; the longer walking time for Val et Coteaux is clearly stated. Choosing a route therefore depends not only on the number of kilometers but also on how much time you want to devote to walking in your daily plan. Add other activities and breaks at your own pace.

History and architecture

Joan of Arc passed through Poilly in 1429 on her way to Chinon. The Poilly Viaduct, also known as the Gien Viaduct, belongs to a later period: it was built between 1888 and 1893 and is 1,833 meters long. A specific historical passage and a structure from the late 19th century thus offer two distinct ways to explore the area's history.

Loire landscapes and local landmarks

Poilly-lez-Gien includes the Vallée de la Loire de Tavers à Belleville-sur-Loire Natura 2000 site. The Fontaine Berton is a smaller-scale landmark: an old washhouse fed by a spring in a wooded area. A protected area along the Loire and a specific local structure thus represent different aspects of the landscape and heritage.

The Moulin Godard can be visited on certain occasions. Check in advance when visits are possible.

Horse-riding activities and getting there

Etrier Wallon is an equestrian center and pony club that welcomes riders of all ages and ability levels. Activities include horses, ponies and Shetland ponies, as well as lessons and rides. Program details may change over time; check in advance for the latest offerings. Horse-riding is a distinct activity alongside the walking trails.

To travel by train, take a service to Gien station; from there, Poilly-lez-Gien can be reached by REMI coach. Check the connections and timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Bonnée, Gien, Lailly-En-Val, Cernoy-En-Berry, Château-Renard, Jargeau, Bonny-sur-Loire, Vrigny

For the broader travel guide: Loiret.