Sully-sur-Loire: Castle and Old Town

Begin at the Château de Sully-sur-Loire, a 14th-century medieval fortress where Joan of Arc strategized during the Loire campaign and Voltaire later staged theatrical performances in exile. Its four-meter-thick walls, 600-year-old timber roof truss, and 17th-century Psyche tapestries reward a thorough visit. A short walk along the Loire brings you to L'Arcatène, a free cycling museum housed in the original Helyett bicycle factory — the brand that carried Jacques Anquetil to three Tour de France victories. Finish at the Espace Culturel Saint-Germain, a restored 12th-century Gothic church with France's tallest wooden spire, now hosting art exhibitions and concerts. The castle is closed on Mondays, and the Saint-Germain space only opens during scheduled events — check the town website before visiting.