Maisons en briques de Marcilly-en-Villette, village de Sologne © Jean PUYO

Heritage at the
Portes de Sologne

In addition to staple castles such as Chambord, Cheverny or even the Castle of la Ferté Saint-Aubin, discover many Sologne mansions or private castles during your stay. Enjoy an unusual visit by taking one of the area's many hiking trails and take the time to contemplate its wildlife and the magnificent castles hidden in our forests, visible only through our communal paths. Do not hesitate to stroll in the typical Sologne villages, all located within our territory, where you will enjoy museums, curiosities, and beautiful buildings.

Hidden Castles in Sologne

The Portes de Sologne offers unknown castles or private mansions. They are not all open to the public, but are nevertheless worth the detour, just for the pleasure of the eye! Thus, the Castle of Bon Hôtel, the Castle of Lude or the Tuilerie de la Bretèche will no longer have secrets for you. Therefore, if you are staying in Sologne think about walking around the area, riding a bike or a horse, and see real hidden treasures.

Chateau de la Bretêche à Ligny-le-Ribault, village de Sologne © Jean Puyo
Château de Bon Hôtel, le © Jean Puyo

The Castle of Bon Hôtel

Nicknamed “Le Petit Chambord”, the Castle of Bon Hôtel is a miniature replica of the mythical Castle of Chambord. A real gem, located at the Portes de Sologne, in Ligny-le-Ribault,

just a few kilometers from Orléans. Dating back to the 19th century, this building was built in 1882 by Parisian architects for an aristocratic Orléans family. It was used for hunting with hounds or for social gatherings. Its style is directly inspired by the Renaissance times. The Castle of Bon Hotel was listed as a historical monument in 1991.

Useful Information

See it from the outside, on the Saint-Laurent path, not far from the departmental road 19 in Ligny-le-Ribault

Practical information
  • Visible from the outside by the chemin de Saint-Laurent, not far from the departmental road 19 in Ligny-le-Ribault.
Château de Bon Hôtel, le © Jean Puyo

The Castle of Lude

Located in Jouy-le-Potier, a charming Sologne village, the Castle of Lude was built between the 15th and 16th centuries (medieval type construction). Moats, drawbridge, postern, inner courtyard, It will take you back into the Renaissance times. Also discover a beautiful English park and a small, enclosed garden. Accessible through our beautiful Sologne hiking trails, be amazed by this private mansion, a true hidden treasure at the Portes Sologne.

Useful Information

Free group visits of the gardens upon request
Average duration: 30 minutes

Free outside visits for single visitors at all times

Practical information
  • Self-guided tours of the exteriors for groups on request
  • Average duration of individual visits: 30 mins
    Exterior visits for permanently free individuals
Château du Lude à Jouy-le-Potier, village de Sologne © Tourisme Loiret

La Tuilerie de la Bretèche

Don’t miss out on the Tuilerie de la Bretèche! It is the last brick factory still in operation in Sologne. This 19th century craft business was awarded the "living heritage company” label in 2007 and is classified as a historical monument. True building of character and a living memory of Sologne’s bricks and tiles manufacture. These bricks can be seen in unmissable places such as the Palace of Versailles, the Invalides, the Loire castles or beautiful Sologne houses.

Useful Information

Tours are available throughout the year, by reservation, only for groups from 5 people and up. Reservation or information at: +33 2 38 45 43 88

Practical information
  • Visit possible throughout the year by reservation only for groups from 5 people.
  • Reservation or information on: 02 38 45 43 88
Tuilerie de la Bretèche de Ligny-le-Ribault © Jean PUYO