Aubigny-sur-Nère - The Sainte-Montaine itinerary
Description
This is a lovely walk through the Sologne woods where you can often encounter game and wild animals. Sainte-Montaine is the smallest village in the Sauldre and Sologne territory. Very little is known about that Saint after whom the village was named. According to a legend, some mirraculous water springs at the Belle Fontaine (the Fine Fountain) which is the last stop of a pastoral pilgrimage on Whit Mondays amidst a lovely setting.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Start and finish
Start and finish at the airfield de la Théau. Drive along the D924 in the direction of Ménétréol-sur-Sauldre. 4 kilometres further on, turn right on to the path which leads to the airfield (l'Aérodrome de la Théau) and leave your car there. (The airfied is signposted). Come back on yourself towards the D924 and just before you get there, you will see the yellow and red signposts for the GR de Pays.
Step 1
Turn sharply to the right to come back alongside the end of the runway. The path avoids "Le Domaine de la Théau" (private property) and you have to go through the woods.
Step 2
When you arrive at the country path ("Chemin rural de Tempête") turn left on to the GR and follow this path up to the D924 that you follow on your right for about 1,5 km in the direction of Ménétréol-sur-Sauldre.
Step 3
Then take the "Chemin des Brocards" on your right in the direction of the D79 which lead you back to Sainte-Montaine (the GR de Pays goes off on the left with the D171).
Step 4
Come back on the D13 in the direction of Aubigny. On exiting the village, leave the road and take the "Chemin de Beauvais" on your right.
Step 5
Four km further on, shortly before reaching the D924, turn left on to the "Chemin de la Tempête" where you will find the GR de Pays signposts. Just follow these to get back to the airfield.
Points of interest
The Sainte-Montaine church
Sainte-Montaine, healer of all ailments and abbess in the region, gave her name to the village and its church. The legend speaks of a beautiful miraculous fountain on the edge of the village which would make all child-seeking couples fertile. The church is closed to the public.
The Marguerite-Audoux museum
An orphan shepherdess who became a seamstress before reaching literary glory (Marie-Claire, Prix Fémina 1910): Marguerite Audoux (1863-1937) had an astonishing destiny, that her museum traces over 240 square meters, with a completely new scenography.
The Fine Fountain
A legend says that one day a young maid came back from the fountain and did not see the brambles at her feet, stumbled and broke her pitcher. Yet it was necessary to return to the house where reigned a bad boss. Angry, this one reproached the servant for her clumsiness and, to mock her, sent her back to fetch water with a wicker basket. The girl obeyed, her tears fell into the fountain... But in all confidence, imploring the Saint, she plunged into water her wicker basket, and MIRACLE ! The basket retained water like the most waterproof bucket and on the path, the brambles were gone forever... You won't find a single one today. So the water from the fountain is said to be miraculous ! Montaine has since become the patron saint of Sologne.
The Stuarts' Castle - Centre d'Interprétation de l'Auld Alliance
Discover the Centre d'Interprétation de l'Auld Alliance situated at the ground floor of the Stuarts' Castle. Learn and improve your knowledges on the history that links Aubigny to Scotland thanks to this playful and interactive visit.
Galerie François 1er - Art Gallery
One of the most beautiful and one of the oldest house of Aubigny-sur-Nère, built in 1519 after a big fire (1512). Nowedays, it welcomes the art gallery François 1er where you will appreciate multiple exhibitions.
Maison Victorine
The Maison Victorine offers a journey through time to discover Aubigny. Annuals exhibitions present souvenirs and objects collected by the population. Open from April to September.
The Stuarts' Castle
Béraud and Robert Stuart, formerly Lords of Aubigny, contemporaries of Leonardo da Vinci, built the Aubigny castle in the XVIth century. Visit without delay the Interpretation Center of the Auld Alliance which is located in the enclosure of the castle to learn more about this incredible story that links Aubigny-sur-Nère to Scotland !
The Church "Saint-Martin"
This church is attested from the IXth century, it is dedicated to Saint-Martin (bishop of Tours in the IVth century). During the Hundred Years War, the church was burnt down by the English twice (in 1356 then in 1412). The side chapels and the choir were built by Robert Stuart, following the fire of 1512. A keystone bears his coat of arms and could be dated to the years 1517-1527.
The Tourist Office Sauldre and Sologne
Find all the tourist information at www.aubigny-sologne.com/en/
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