The fifteenth century Château de Gien is now home to the Musée International de la Chasse (International Hunting Museum), exhibiting various forms of hunting.  Much of the original building was destroyed during World War II, with only the towers remaining.  The museum's website is at www.tourisme.fr/musee-chasse-gien.

One of the more interesting bridges in the world can be found here.  Built in 1890 by Gustave Eiffel, the Pont-Canal de Briare is a 700-yard long aqueduct that transports the Canal Latéral de la Loire across the Loire to the Canal de Briare.  With a walkway along the bridge that is illuminated by lamps, you can view the town's riverboats. 

Also worth visiting is the castle of St-Brisson on the opposite shore of the Loire.  Built in the 1100's, the castle holds a collection of giant catapults called mangonels that are capable of heaving rocks over the castle to land 150 yards away.  Locals display this medieval artillery on Sundays in the summer.

On the last Sunday of July, Verdigny holds their annual Fête des Grappes Nouvelles.

Originally settled in Roman times, Sancerre occupies a strategic hill overlooking the Loire River.  Surrounded by vineyards, Sancerre is definitely one of the most scenic walking towns in Francs.  On the last weekend of August, you can attend the Foire aux Vins de France.  Be sure to visit the nearby village of Chavignol to sample the goat cheese, Crottin de Chavignol.

On August 15th, the town holds its annual Wine Fair.

If you're in the area for the wine, stop off at the Château de Menetou-Salon (Ph: 011 33 02 48 64 80 54), a gorgeous estate built in the 1400's.  Although it deteriorated after the French Revolution, it has been restored over the past century and is now worth visiting to see the tapestries, artwork, and furniture.

Every Easter, Reuilly holds its annual Wine Fair.