La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin: Loire, Trails and History

La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin combines the Loire with several walking trails, historic buildings and a weekly market. If you are looking for a hotel in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, these local features can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Trails along the Loire: routes of varying lengths

The municipality borders the Loire for more than five kilometres. In La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, the GR3 long-distance hiking trail follows the former towpath along the Loire.

Le Balcon de Loire is 9.7 kilometres long, with an estimated walking time of around three hours and 15 minutes. The Sur les traces du passeur route covers three kilometres and includes 16 points of interest or stages. Directly compared, Sur les traces du passeur is the shorter route; Le Balcon de Loire pairs the longer distance with an approximate time estimate. This allows you to compare the two trails by distance, estimated time and number of designated points.

Church, cave and château

Construction of the Church of Saint-Mesmin began in the 11th century, and it has been listed as a historic monument since 1862.

The Grotte du dragon is a natural cave of around 80 m² that has been adapted by people.

In the 15th century, Le Château des Hauts was a simple manor house. According to tradition, King Charles VII is said to have restored the building; Henri II and Charles IX are also said to have stayed there.

Market, train and exercise

The La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin market takes place every Saturday morning, with around 20 vendors. If you would like to plan your stay around a market visit, check the date again before your trip.

The TER train on the Blois–Chambord–Orléans route stops at La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin station. Include the train in your travel plans and check the current timetable before you depart, as schedules may change.

The La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin fitness trail has eleven outdoor BODYBOOMERS® exercise machines. This provides another way to incorporate exercise into your stay alongside the walking routes. As the facilities may change, check the current details if you plan to use the trail.

Guided trips and accommodation

Odyssée en Val de Loire offers trips from La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin to the Loire châteaux. The offering includes trips to the Loire châteaux, accompanied by an officially accredited driver and tour guide. The itineraries can be customised; guided tours of landmarks and historic buildings are also available. As programme and operating details may change, check the current offering before making plans.

Domaine du Château du Rollin offers accommodation in a château dating from the 15th century, which was expanded in the 19th century. Twelve rooms are located in the château’s outbuildings. The Domaine is situated at the source of the Rollin and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Cléry-Saint-André, Châtillon-Coligny, Bonnée, Dordives, Beaulieu-Sur-Loire, Nogent-Sur-Vernisson, Donnery, Neuvy-en-Sullias

For the regional travel overview: Loiret.