Vitry-aux-Loges is a locality of Loiret, in region Center-Val de Loire, about twenty kilometers east of Orleans.
The vast communal territory (44 km²) lies in the heart of the Orleans forest, between the Lorris and Ingrannes mountains. The activity related to the exploitation of the wealth of its woods and agriculture have been for centuries during the pillar of its development. The river transport and trade, with the canal of Orleans dug since the end of the seventeenth century, and which crosses the south of the town, then contributed to its growth.
This prosperity and the proximity of the Loire have prompted noble families to settle in castles since the Middle Ages, and the King of France himself, Henry I, died there in the eleventh century.
With nearly 2,000 inhabitants, the pleasant town remains rich in this historical and environmental heritage that makes it a popular stop, especially for hikers in the forest.
In terms of built heritage, Vitry-aux-Loges has several buildings and sites of interest that can mark a discovery walk.
After the Saint-Médard church, whose foundations date back to the 15th century and which houses a 17th century altarpiece, there are some rare vestiges of the royal castle (moats) nearby.
On the other hand, other castles have been preserved.
This is the case of the Château de Vaux, to the east of the village, built at the end of the 15th century by the Bridiers family. Built in brick and covered with slates, this seigneurial building was initially a defensive vocation (square plan, corner towers, moat). Several subsequent rearrangements give it a more residential character. The ensemble was more recently exploited as a hotel establishment then a cultural center.
At the southern entrance to the town stands the castle of La Motte. Modernized and remodeled after a fire during the first third of the 19th century, surrounded by moats and high grilles, with a main courtyard, the house has only one floor. The foundations of the building are however older (XV), and there remains some testimonials (such as a dovecote as nested in the "Commons"). Among its successive owners, an artillery controller close to the king in the seventeenth century.
Finally, the castle of Plessis, after crossing the canal, stands at the end of an alley that opens a grid adorned with two pavilions. Although it has been remodeled several times, in the heart of a magnificent park, the building preserves testimonies of its seigniorial bases of the Middle Ages. This is the case of round towers that frame the main building and a dovecote. From the twelfth century, the owners of the place enjoyed rights over the surrounding forests.
The other wealth of the town is its exceptional natural environment, protected and classified Natura 2000 as its remarkable flora and fauna. This is the case for the forest sectors, wetlands and the many ponds that are discovered over the many possible hikes.
Many marked trails have been affixed along the forest paths, at the level of which lodges (lumberjacks) are still visible. Other routes connect the ponds or along the canal.
For hiking or mountain biking, documentation and information at +33 2 38 78 04 04.
It is also possible to walk through horse teams. Contact the K Rouge association at +33 6 10 28 22 60.
On the town again, a bowling alley and tennis courts can be reserved by the visitors. Contact the +33 2 38 59 47 26.
Finally, at the cultural level, exhibitions are regularly scheduled at the library. Information on +33 2 38 59 40 89.
In mid-June, canal festival and fair at the lodges: the program, fairground attractions, flea market, fun and musical entertainment, local market.
Moreover, every Wednesday morning, Place de la République, the market is a good opportunity to discover the richness of the terroir of the region.
