Things to see and do Eure-Et-Loir

The main vestige of the th century drouaise architecture, the belfry was built by Clément Métézeau, who also gave his name to the place behind the building. Located in the heart of Dreux, this monument is the old town hall. It dominates the Grand Street Maurice Viollette, the city's main shopping street. Today it is used during the Flambarts, a local feast celebrating the winter solstice. From the window of the belfry, the mayor makes a speech and declares the Flambarts open. " Coco balls ", candy made with meringue and coconut, are then launched symbolizing mistletoe balls. The belfry also has bells whose sound is heard several times in the day. These bells bear a frise depicting the VI Flambarts procession. Currently under renovation, the belfry visits are unfortunately forbidden.

A motor and industrial heritage bringing together everything that is rolling on is presented in this museum. Enthusiasts discover motor vehicles in all their forms of body from 1910 to 1965, the cycles from 1885 to 1940 and the old garage area that will seduce more than one mechanical lover. 30 vehicles are exposed, the oldest dating from the late th century. You will also see motorcycles, bikes and toys, for the pleasure of children and the greatest!

It was in this house that the young Marcel Proust spent his vacation, and here is the first pages of the search for Lost Time, corresponding to the first part of The Side of Swann. From the kitchen where Françoise lazlo in the bedroom of the future writer, passing through Aunt Léonie's bedroom, which made him taste a champagne soaked in tea, one foot here the life of Marcel Proust remembering famous episodes of research. The interiors restored from furniture that belonged to the family invite us to apprehend his universe and to understand his inspiration. It's not in Chartres, you will tell me. But it's only 25 kilometers away, or about minutes by car, or even better, one hour by bicycle. For you know that from the rue de la Taye à Leonardo at the house of Marcel Proust in Illiers-Combray, the road is set for the bikes, provided you pass through the D 149: on the segment most frequented by cars, a bicycle track follows the road in parallel, and then it is road roads that will make you discover small villages and a typically beautiful panorama…

If you have the opportunity to walk in Dreux, you will surely be able to take advantage of the main shopping street in this city. Located in the heart of Dreux, the Grand Rue Maurice Viollette is composed of more than 40 shops. In addition to the shops, you can also admire one of the major monuments of Dreux: the belfry. Dating back to the th century, this former City Hall overlooks the Grand Street and marks the beginning. You will also find the old Hotel Dieu, with its chapel and its «Tour des enfants found», now converted into an exhibition room. These two buildings are part of the symbols of drouaise architecture.

Located at the exit of Auneau, direction Orsonville. The site was discovered by chance by hunters in 1978 who introduced a skeleton. From there, the excavation site began to reveal a human occupation from 9 000 to 2 500 BC. Workshops for the exploitation of the Fontainebleau sandstone, the housing remains and necropolis of the Mesolithic in Chasséen live on a plot of 1 ha.

The aqueduct of Maintenon is the last stretch of the gigantic canal Louis XIV wanted to build to divert the waters from the Eure to the fountains of Versailles. The remains still visible in the department, from Pontgouin and until this crossing of the valley of the Eure give an idea of the impressive size of this construction which will finally never be put into service. The aqueduct is about 30 metres high and surges over water over 950 metres.

An impressive castle of Louis XV style which was built in its present form in the middle of the th century for the Marquis d'Aligre. The estate has been occupied since 1946 by the student orphans of Auteuil and hosts a private agricultural school. French and English gardens, carpets, etc. it will delight lovers of classical architecture who can also admire its square courtyard and get lost in the maze of gardens and alleys. This gigantic area is the culmination of the valley walk and fortified farms that runs through La Loupe township and connects 15 communes.

A few steps from the railway, on the road to Rémalard. 14,30 meters of circumference at the foot. This large oak would have replaced a millénaire oak. He has a legend. He was reportedly planted by a knight of Montireau, a pledge of fidelity to his fiancée. A virgin's statuette would have been filed in a hollow. The revolutionaries would have removed him from his cavity, a fungus would have pushed it and would have taken the form of the virgin.

On the megalithic site, three dolmens and two menhirs remind us that the site was the necropolis of the first inhabitants of the valley. If you have the soul of an archaeologist, you can register for the excavations that are taking place in the summer, contact Dominique Jagu.

Just take a look against a glass window to discover a surprising place. A large vaulted hall, in the sandstone of the region, built in the early 30 th century, extended over metres long with two series of pillars, Les Presses were the wine cellar of Haute-Bruyères nuns who measured the products sold to the nearby market. In 1926, Les Presses are classified as a historic monument and are used to host cultural events.

Gabriel, Marquis de Laval, began building the castle in the th century. It was between 1728 and 1753 that Joseph Durey of Sauroy brought her current dimensions. In the th century, the «French» park was transformed into «romantic» park. This imposing castle is classified historic monument. The harmony of its brick roadside, the curvature of its skylights and its park interspersed with pieces of water and waterfalls invite to come and admire the exterior and the old kitchen.

Built in the th century, it houses a magnificent white marble sarcophagus that has contained the body of the local martyr. It also has a th century portal of finely carved wood, classified as historic Monument, as well as a remarkable structure by the sculptures that adorn the beams. At the end of one of them, above the chair, may recognize the profile of François I.

The Illiers-Combray Tourist Office is an essential information point for visitors to the town. The site also offers information on the surrounding villages, must-see castles, cycling and hiking routes. Visitors can also find information on current events and exhibitions in the region. For those wishing to stay in Illiers-Combray, the site also offers information on accommodation and restaurants in the area.

It was extensively restructured in the th century. The bell tower, previously in the centre of the roof, was rebuilt in the th century. At that time, the eleven windows were enlarged. Near the Meuvette, in the north-east of the village, lies the ruins of a former castle destroyed in 1793.

It dates back to the th and th centuries. Above the porch on the facade of the church, a wooden sculpture depicting Saint Martin on horseback, restored in 1981, deserves a visit. Close to the church, a small polygonal building guides the St. Martin source. His very famous water was served at the table of the Marquis de Laborde.

It probably dates back to the end of the th century, but the current building is much more recent. The portal dates back to 1770 and the collateral of 1556. There was a rich statuary of the first half of the th century and two th and th-century stained glass windows and a th-century carved wooden balustrade offered by Duke Louis de Saint-Simon.

Swann, Aunt Léonie, "François le Champi"… if you are an amateur of French literature in general and Marcel Proust in particular, these names necessarily tell you something. And the spirit of these characters of the novel undoubtedly floats in the house of Illiers-Combray in which young Marcel Proust went through his vacation, his uncle and his aunt Jules and Elisabeth Amiot, and that it is possible to visit. The discovery begins with the garden, by the Orangerie then it is the visit of the house: kitchen, dining room, rooms, music room with piano… On the second floor, the attic of the house is devoted to a collection of black and white portraits of Paul Nadar, son of the Grand Nadar, representing all the personalities of the th century, most of whom were used to the Salon salon. Some probably inspired the characters of the Lost time Search. Finally, it should be noted that the "Tante Maison House" recently received the label of the Maison des Illustres.

Surrounded by walls, it was built in 1665 on Vauban's plans. There is then a large body of houses with ditches and railings that have recently been restored. In the summer, the Summer Vauban gathered, in this place now dedicated to culture, local talents. In the program, concerts, conferences, exhibitions and different animations.

It was built in 1659 by the father of the Duke of Saint-Simon. It is a beautiful baroque style. Inside, a th century organ is beautifully restored, with several paintings and a golden wooden reissue. According to the Duke's wish, he was buried with his wife in the church of La Ferté-Vidame. In the Revolution, the burial was desecrated and their bones thrown into the communal pit.

Take the RD 24. In a green setting, on the edge of a creek, the Chapel Chapel was built in the th, th and th centuries. Classified Historic Monument, she retained a collection of th century murals of exceptional wealth. In the upper register there is a frise of arabesques where flowers, fruits and birds blend in the median register,

The saying of the dead and the three alive, The story of Christ's passion, The temptation at Ascension, and the lower register The life of Saints and Martyrs.

It is a well-known reserve for ornithologists. The walker heron, a bird of Africa, nest there, while other migratory species are on call. With a range of 110 hectares, the lake is the largest expanse of water in Eure-et-Loir. A large number of palmipèdes, passereaux, wading… have been elected to the house. In winter, on the islands and marshes, we observe the tadorne of belson, the great pappus… With patience, one can discover the shy and tiny ringer crapaud toad, originating in the Evreux forest. For years, this very rare species has been installed in ponds. Since 1985, it has received special attention and is protected by the first French order to safeguard a amphibian.

This circuit is indicated at the beginning of Senonches. The route leads from the, forest to the charming little woods from the top of the Perche through the Domaine de La Ferté-Vidame.

This city owes its prestigious past to illustrious hosts, including the Duke of St. Simon, the Marquis de Laborde, the Duke of Penthièvre and King Louis-Philippe. Between wood and ponds, magnificent buildings are distinguished. Ancient fortresses of the Middle Ages and Mansions of the th and th centuries reflect the prosperity of the activities of the day. This circuit gives you a chance to walk through the forest and to discover the local producers who open their doors for original visits.

Built in the th century, enlarged in the th century, it dominates the old town on its rocky spur; she kept her portal. Inside are two statues from the abbey of Arcisses, Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastic. Leaving the village, the Bell valley sees the winding rivers bathing many pastures where grazing cattle and horses, often emigration race.

Circuit of sites and abbeys. Follow the signs from Nogent-le-Rotrou. You will cross the percheron landscape by taking small winding roads and crossing the hills. The ancient Abbey Saint-Denis in Nogent, Notre-Dame Abbey of the Val d'Arcisses in Brunelles, Abbaye Abbey Abbey in Thiron-Harboring, Saint Peter priory in Ceton and the former Royal Abbey of Clairets are Forced passages. At the same time, with beautiful valleys, you will discover the religious buildings, farms and mansions of which Le Perche is full.

The castle of Goury became the acquisition of a state councillor and hotel master of the king circa 1650. The whole is set around a large rectangle surrounded by buildings with four pavilions at each angle. Dry moat are partially filled. During the battle of Loigny against the Prussian army in 1870, the castle took many injured and wounded.

It must be part of your walk, we must not miss it. Its 12 hectares make it one of the largest ponds in Perche. For history, it was created in the Middle Ages by monks for whom the concern was to feed the population the days of fasting. At the end of the th century, it became the starting point for a flotation channel.

Indeed, the Ruisseau Creek was built to transport wood from the forest to Rouen by the Avre, the Eure and the Seine. The Revolution and the cost of this development caused great dissatisfaction, so the project was abandoned. The Bénette site is designed to allow motorists to stop and discover the surrounding fauna and flora.

It covers 4,287 hectares, it is the largest in the department and one of the largest in France. Its conservation and protection are ensured by the NFB. It is divided into two parts. The high forest, to the north, surrounds the Tardais and Bénette ponds and further on the Haron and Bauchiots ponds. The low forest to the south shelters remarkable trees: the three brothers and the armchair oak. A forest ideal for family walks and discovering the fauna and flora. Don't forget to bring your binoculars!

Recently restored, the castle of Senonches now houses a museum space that celebrates its natural heritage: forest. The state forest of Senonches now covers 4 287 ha. It is the most important of the Eure-et-Loir, the Regional Nature Park of the Perche and one of the largest in France. In a modern and interactive course, you are aware of the forest ecosystem before discovering all the riches of the senonchoise forest. Through its history, you discover both the lives of these men and women who lived and lived it. Understanding the forest will raise awareness of the challenges in which it is now and for tomorrow: sustainable development.

Senonches is a charming town in the Forêts du Perche.

Set in a beautiful French-style park, this th century beauceronne mansion evokes the Chauffeurs drivers'band which fought in the aftermath of the Revolution by committing terrible atrocities in Beauce. In 1798, many of these arrested bandits were driven to the domain of Villeprévost. This is where Armand François Fougeron, a peace judge of Orgères and owner of the estate, heard them. Some were guillotined or imprisoned. The park, the cellars, the large lounge, the chapel and the colombier visit. In the latter: the heads of the bandits's band Bandits in plaster moulding remind us of this sad period. In the park, the horizontal solar dial on the base built by Dr. Lescarbeau, an astronomy enthusiast, deserves a detour. The latter would have discovered the planet Vulcain.

Interesting construction with a main nave and a lateral nave and beautiful woodwork.

Today, there is not much of the giant wind that took place between 1955 and 1966 on the edge of the RD 148, two kilometres from Nogent, towards La Place: only 5 blocks of concrete frozen in a field. These are the only remnants of a wind turbine designed for E.D.F. in the 1950 s to explore the energy sources of the future. This renewable energy research programme has been abandoned in favour of the massive development of nuclear energy. The whole thing was truly monumental: 3 feet fixed on concrete concrete of 150 tonnes each supported a service platform 16 meters above the ground. There was a column on which the propeller axis was set, 31 metres above the ground.

The Saint-Sulpice Church is certainly the most impressive building of Nogent-le-Roi. Along the street of General de Gaulle, surrounded by old wooden houses, it appears and marks the spirits. Built in 1494, it was part of the Saint-Jacques gate which defended the entrance of the city. Inside, the choir is beautifully surrounded by a grid and an interesting collection of stained glass windows.

Strong house defending the village of La Gadelière during the Hundred Years War, near the valley of Avre, natural border between the Duchy of Normandy and the Thymerais, allied to the Kingdom of France. Visit of the church and bread oven of La Gadelière castle.

Enjoy a pleasant visit to the city. The capital of the Counts of the Perche, dominated by the Saint John Castle and its magnificent donjon, built on a rocky spur 50 metres above the large valley of the Huisne, has noble mansions with rousses tiles and beautiful churches: Notre-Dame, the Church of the Nativity (th century), in an adjoining chapel, the tomb of Sully and his wife, lords of Nogent, the church Saint-Laurent, the Saint-Hilaire Church, the house of Bailly which you can see the outside, the bandstand, etc.

In 1624, Maximilian of Béthune, duke of Sully, became seigneur de Nogent. Before he dies, he wishes to be buried in the chapel of the Hotel-Dieu. Protestant, there was no access to his request. His grave therefore took place in the rotunda near the church. It was Alois Boudin who executed the statue the representative.

The 1802 th century chapel was built in. Inside, the furniture comes from the old church Notre-Dame-des-Marais, in particular the Nativity Group.

Nogent-le-Rotrou, in the Eure-et-Loir département, is a charming little town nestled in the natural Perche region. It is famous for its medieval castle, which dominates the town, and for its lush green streets. Nogent-le-Rotrou is a haven of peace, ideal for a getaway just 1h30 from Paris. L'Office de Tourisme et de Commerce du Perche,. You'll also find information on the town's economy and local activities.

The building that houses the Chartres tourist office is one of the outstanding points of the commune. Set on 18-October square, the office offers all the information necessary to discover the history and heritage of the city. The caves, the museum, the castle are among the main steps recommended to the visitor. All the events that make up the cultural agenda of the commune are also presented to spend a good time in the head of the south of the Eure and Loir.

It is a little the "lighthouse" of the Beauce. The stone tower-mill of Frouville-Pensier can be seen from afar when one walks in the south of the Eure-et-Loir and crosses the plain of the Beauce, which straddles several departments. Several mills exist in this part of the department. Built in the 13th century, the mill is distinguished by the long wooden beam that allows the propellers to turn and face the wind so that they start moving. The association for the safeguarding of the Frouville-Pensier mill gives tours of the building.

Leisure base with outdoor swimming pool. Mini-golf, boat, pedal boat, bar, water games for the small. This recreation base is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Here you can spend a good time with your family.

By walking on the Cours de l'Eure, you admire a beautiful water mill, nature and flowers along the banks. It is bucolic and enchanting.

A "macabre dance" in a églis, this may seem surprising. However, this is the case in the small church of Meslay-le-Grenet, which houses a succession of 20 characters painted in the main nave of the building: drawing on the xxx and covered, these paintings were restored in the th century. The "Macabre Dance" represents the equality of all orders of society - religion, army, leaders - against death and divine justice. Records are available in the church in several languages.