My Experience at One of France’s Best Sporting Clays Destinations

 

Sologne Shooting Club — My Experience at One of France’s Best Sporting Clays Destinations

When you shoot sporting clays long enough, you hear whispers about certain places — legendary grounds where the experience goes far beyond a standard shooting range.
Sologne Shooting Club is one of those places.
Located in the heart of the Sologne region, this facility is widely known among competitive shooters, hunters, and clay enthusiasts across Europe.



I had heard a lot about it before arriving, but nothing prepared me for what I actually discovered.

What Makes Sologne Shooting Club So Special

A Massive, Immersive Shooting Environment

The moment I entered the grounds, I understood why shooters talk about it with such admiration. Sologne’s natural landscape — forests, ponds, marsh areas, and rolling hills — creates the perfect environment for realistic and challenging clay targets.

Here are the numbers that truly impressed me:

  • 27 Parcours de Chasse courses

  • 65 shooting stands

  • 210 trap machines

  • 5 high towers (Haut-Vol)

  • 7 elevated platforms above water and marsh zones

This is not a typical shooting club. This is a European-level clay shooting complex designed for realism, challenge, and diversity.

Parcours de Chasse — The Ultimate Hunting Simulation

My first experience at the club was on one of their Parcours de Chasse layouts. And let me tell you — it felt as close to real hunting as you can get without carrying a shotgun into the woods.

Targets came:

  • low and fast, like a rabbit

  • out of the reeds, like a duck taking off

  • through tight forest windows

  • from high towers, imitating tall pheasants

  • from behind hills and depressions

Every station was a surprise.
Every setup forced me to adjust.

The variety and realism of these hunting-style trajectories are what make Sologne Shooting Club one of the best training grounds for hunters and sporting shooters alike.

Sporting Clays — Variety, Challenge, and Pure Shooting Pleasure

Besides the hunting-style layouts, the sporting clays courses were a delight.

Here’s what stood out:

  • gentle warm-up shots to build confidence

  • long-range crossers demanding serious lead

  • fast, disappearing targets that punish hesitation

  • technical forestry shots requiring precision

  • tricky combinations designed to test reaction time

Some shots were so dynamic and visually stunning that I caught myself smiling mid-series.
That’s the charm of sporting clays at Sologne Shooting Club — you never feel like you're repeating the same routine.

Compak Sporting — A Professional Setup for Serious Competitors

One of the highlights of the club is its Compak Sporting area, built according to official FITASC standards.
Sologne Shooting Club regularly hosts major events, including the Grand Prix de France, and you immediately understand why.

The fields are:

  • perfectly marked

  • equipped with modern traps

  • set up with competitive trajectories

  • designed for both training and tournament use

I tried several Compak layouts, and each one was demanding, but fair — exactly what professional shooters need.

If you’re preparing for competitions, the Compak Sporting facilities here are unmatched.

Training With a Champion — Charles Bardou

One of the biggest advantages of training here is the opportunity to work with Charles Bardou, a multiple World, European, and French Champion.

I had the chance to take a short session with him, and it was genuinely eye-opening.

His coaching style is:

  • simple

  • direct

  • highly effective

  • focused on both technique and mindset

He immediately spotted my weak points and offered adjustments that made instant sense.
After just a few stations, my confidence grew.

Training with a shooter of his level is an experience that alone makes the trip worth it.

Competitions — A True Sporting Atmosphere

I was lucky to witness a local competition during my visit, and the atmosphere was fantastic:

  • professional organization

  • perfectly functioning machinery

  • challenging but fair target layouts

  • friendly shooters from across France and abroad

It felt like being at a European championship, but with the warm and welcoming spirit typical of Sologne.

Facilities and Comfort

Beyond shooting, the club offers:

  • an equipment shop

  • a rest and lounge area

  • rental options for groups

  • friendly staff ready to assist

  • nearby food options and services

The hospitality and professionalism stood out — even as a first-time visitor, I felt right at home.

Who Is Sologne Shooting Club For?

✔ Hunters

Realistic Parcours de Chasse trajectories make it one of the best training grounds in Europe.

✔ Competitive Shooters

The Compak Sporting and Sporting Clays setups are perfect for high-level practice.

✔ Beginners

Accessible courses and excellent instructors ensure a safe, enjoyable introduction.

✔ Groups & Corporate Events

Huge territory and great logistics make it ideal for team outings.

Final Thoughts — Why I Will Return

Sologne Shooting Club is much more than a shooting range.
It’s a place where nature, sport, technology, and passion come together.

Whether you shoot for fun, hunt, or compete, this club offers an experience unlike any other in France.

I came here expecting a good day of shooting.
I left planning my next visit.

If clay shooting is your passion, Sologne Shooting Club is a destination you absolutely must experience.

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