Tourist news near Gien and Briare

There is so much to do in the Loiret and neighbouring regions. Here is a selection of events not to be missed.

Click on the month you are interested in to find out what's happening that month.

The location of L'Échappée Belle B&B will make it easy for you to enjoy them.

Rendez-Vous aux Jardins 1st weekend in June

The first weekend in June in France is when the ‘Rendez-vous aux jardins’ takes place. It's a chance to explore the region's many parks and gardens while enjoying special events throughout the weekend. You can also benefit from advice from gardeners and owners who will be present during these days. Among other things, there will be guided tours of the personal garden of André Eve, a famous rose grower, and activities at the Château de la Bussière.

The Rose Route Festival

Nature lovers will be delighted in the Loiret with its magnificent parks and arboretums to visit. But the Loiret is also known for its roses, and there is a tourist route dedicated to them: the Rose Route. L'Echappée Belle, with its rose garden, is one of the accommodations listed on this route. The roses are in bloom from May to October, but the best time to admire them is between late May and June. Numerous parks, rose gardens and rose growers welcome you and show you their most beautiful roses. And, just like at L'Echappée Belle's table d'hôte, roses feature on the menus of the restaurants along the route.

Find out more about the Rose Route

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Heritage Days

On the third weekend of September, numerous events take place in the area. Entertainment, conferences, open days, themed guided tours, private châteaux open to visitors on an exceptional basis... This is your chance to immerse yourself in the region's rich history. Some examples of exceptional events: unusual tours of the Château de la Bussière, guided tours of the Barres National Arboretum, guided tours of the personal garden of André Eve, the famous French rose breeder...

The Deer Rut

Come from mid-September to mid-October to enjoy the deer rut in the forests of Orléans or Sologne. Specialists organise excursions and can accompany you to observe and listen to the rut up close. It is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the forest at dusk, and sometimes these outings are accompanied by a country meal.

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Magnolia blossoms at the Arboretum des Grandes Bruyères

This event marks the beginning of spring. Every year, the Arboretum des Grandes Bruyères reopens its doors in mid-March for the occasion. And what an occasion! The arboretum has a nationally classified collection of magnolias, with over 400 varieties. There's plenty to feast your eyes on in this splendid garden. This phenomenon takes place in the second half of March and reaches its peak in April.

Find out more about the Arboretum

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Learn the art of floral design

April is the month of flowers! Take the opportunity to do a floral design course. One afternoon a month, La Ferme de l'Alisier Blanc in Beaulieu sur Loire invites you to discover this art. In April, spring will be in the spotlight.

News from L'Alisier Blanc

Sancerre Wine Fair

A must-see event during the Pentecost weekend, 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the fair and the 90th anniversary of the Sancerre appellation. Take advantage of this event to visit the beautiful village of Sancerre and enjoy some wine tasting. You can buy a glass for €6 and go from stand to stand tasting wines from different producers. In moderation, of course.

Iris Cayeux Flowering in Gien

In May, the large Iris Cayeux producer located in Poilly lez Gien opens its doors to visitors so they can admire its irises in bloom. Classic or modern creations, dwarf or tall, early or late, repeat-flowering or not, you will discover the rich variety of this magnificent flower. A veritable explosion of colour. You will also have the opportunity to purchase some on site if you wish

3rd weekend in May, Les Heures Historiques

As every year, Sully sur Loire hosts Les Heures Historiques. More than 1,000 people in costume evoke history, from the Middle Ages to the Vietnam War. A real journey through time around the château of Sully sur Loire. Parades, re-enactments, demonstrations, but also a market and shows.

Find out more about the Château de Sully sur Loire

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Saint Amand en Puisaye Pottery Fair

On the weekend closest to 14 July, opposite the Colette Museum, the pottery fair takes place in Saint Sauveur en Puisaye, not far from the Château de Saint Fargeau. More than 70 exhibitors await you in this region where pottery has a long history. Take a stroll through the town of Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye, renowned since the 14th century for the quality of its pottery thanks to its exceptional clay soil.

Pyromelodic show in Rogny les Sept Ecluses

On the last Saturday in July, as it has done every year for over 50 years, the international pyrotechnician Ruggieri puts on a magnificent show above the Briare Canal in Rogny les Sept Ecluses. Forty-five minutes to dazzle you in a friendly, family atmosphere. You can enjoy the site before the show, eat on site or bring a picnic to enjoy on the grass by the water.

Franco-Scottish Festivities in Aubigny sur Nère

On the weekend closest to 14 July, Aubigny sur Nère hosts the Franco-Scottish Festival. Pipe band parades, fireworks... This part of France was a Scottish enclave for several centuries. The King of France gave it to the Stuarts as a thank you for their help in the war against the English. It's a fascinating story, and you can learn all about it at the exhibition at the Château des Stuart in Aubigny.

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Workshops at the Gien Faience Museum

From 19 August, the Gien Pottery Museum will be opening its doors to the public. Every Wednesday from 9.30am to 11am, there will be a guided tour of the workshops and museum. This is your chance to go behind the scenes and discover this traditional craft. You can then continue your morning by visiting the pottery's factory shop to see the wide range of designs produced by this famous pottery.

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Caves Ouvertes à Menetou Salon

Take advantage of the Open Cellars event on the first weekend of August to visit Menetou Salon, meet the producers, tour their cellars and taste their wines. You can choose between traditional or modern cellars, such as the brand new one pictured here, belonging to L'Echappée Belle's supplier, Fraiseau-Leclerc. The beautiful Château de Menetou Salon, on the Route Jacques Coeur, will also be open to visitors during the weekend and will offer tastings!

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