Cerdon: Nature at Étang du Puits and Cultural Heritage

Cerdon is one of the 30 distinctive villages in the Loiret recommended for a visit. The natural surroundings of Étang du Puits and the heritage around Sainte-Marguerite give a trip two clearly distinct focuses. When planning, you can therefore decide whether you are mainly looking for time by the water and on trails, or a cultural connection.

Nature and water sports at Étang du Puits

The interdepartmental Étang du Puits sensitive natural area near Cerdon combines a recreational function with an ecotourism function. The leisure area by the pond is set in wooded grounds and is open for walks and water sports. Operating details may change; check them before your visit.

The leisure area offers sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, pedal boating and swimming. Seasonal rules for swimming may change. Check the conditions in force before your visit. This will help you choose activities on the water to suit your interests, without treating swimming and water sports as the same thing.

For introductions to specific water sports, the Club Motonautique du Loiret at Étang du Puits offers water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing. If you would like to plan one of these introductory sessions, check availability with the club before your trip.

Trails with different focuses

On the Loiret side, a 2,500-metre trail leads from the leisure area to the place called la pointe des Anglais. From there, you can enjoy a sweeping view across Étang du Puits. This makes the trail a specific option if you would like to focus on views of the water during a walk.

The Circuit de l’étang du Puits loop passes springs, streams, and a variety of small and large game. These natural features distinguish it in character from the trail to the viewpoint. Conditions on the loop may change; check them before setting out.

Another trail starts in the village: the PR de la Méridienne Verte – P1 walking loop begins at Sainte-Marguerite Church in Cerdon and passes Solognot workers’ houses and the washhouse on Route de Clémont. The church, houses and washhouse give this route a different connection to the village from the trails at Étang du Puits.

To narrow down your options, you can distinguish the trails by their described features: the 2,500-metre trail leads to the viewpoint and views across Étang du Puits; the Circuit de l’étang du Puits is characterized by springs, streams and wildlife; and the PR de la Méridienne Verte – P1 passes houses and a washhouse and starts at Sainte-Marguerite. This lets you choose between views, natural features and local history.

Church, art and historical connections

Sainte-Marguerite Church dates from the late 12th century and was listed as a historic monument in 1941. Its surviving tower remnant, made of brick and stone, is unique in Sologne. The church brings together architectural history and a distinctive architectural feature.

The church houses the monumental painting La Nativité de la Vierge by Neapolitan Baroque painter Luca Giordano. The painting was listed as a historic monument in 1904, and a restoration project is also underway in 2026.

The dates refer to different aspects: the late 12th century is when the church was built, 1941 is when it was listed as a monument, and 1904 is when the painting was listed. Keeping these dates distinct helps avoid conflating the history of the building with that of the artwork.

Another cultural connection is the Route des illustres, which links Cerdon with Louis Pasteur. Together with Sainte-Marguerite, the painting and the surviving tower remnant, this connection forms a distinct focus alongside the trails and activities at Étang du Puits.

Discover more destinations: Nangeville, Combreux, Châteauneuf-Sur-Loire, Engenville, Château-Renard, La Cour-Marigny, Châtillon-Coligny, Sennely

For the main travel overview: Loiret.