Towns & Villages Straight Out of a Storybook!

One word – variety. And Eure et Loir has heaps of it. With our adventure-loving minds urging us to head out on our next countryside sojourn, we couldn’t resist sniffing out the cutest villages around. Welcome to Eure et Loir to experience its rural charm, sleepy little hamlets and idyllic countryside. Here, the wake-up call is a rooster crowing at dawn and luxury resides in those simple little pleasures that bring the most happiness. Nature, picture-perfect villages, enchanting places we take the time to fully embrace. It’s like getting a cosy hug from the countryside.

Mighty scenery & Most Beautiful Detours of France

Let’s cast our eyes a little further afield to gaze adoringly at the prettiest villages of Eure et Loir. Listed by a famous French magazine as some of the country’s “Most Beautiful Detours”, Châteaudun as well as Nogent le Rotrou are definitely worth a detour. Unique, each with its own style, their own atmosphere, historic castle and rich history, we venture forth.

Walking through the charming streets of Châteaudun truly feels like stepping back in time. With its medieval aura, its quaint cafés and impressive heritage buildings, enhanced by a Neo-Renaissance fountain and lively farmers’ market on Place du 18 Octobre, we discover as well the magnificent half-timbered house of Louis Esnault and a majestic castle. This lovely market town built on a rocky promontory overlooking the Loir evokes the romance of a time before our modern era. Here’s a little preview of Châteaudun.

Here’s another picture-perfect village worth a detour that is sure to put a smile on your face. Nogent le Rotrou is famed for its medieval castle, the Chateau Saint-Jean, but boasts many other assets, such as the Pâty district and its charming manor houses. Surrounded by beauty and steeped in history, Nogent le Rotrou was also the home of the Duke of Sully back in the 16th century.

A little town with character!

Just a stone’s throw away from Paris, the picturesque medieval town of Epernon attracts visitors from all over, and quite rightly so. First of all, it’s conveniently located on the Veloscenic cycling route linking Paris to the Mont Saint Michel. Secondly, it has been awarded with the French label “Petites Cités de Caractère ®” for its precious heritage. Look out for the old cellar of the Pressoirs as well as the Priory Saint Thomas and its listed church which have stood the test of time. Epernon is also home to an unusual museum: Musée des Meules et Pavés d'Epernon which is dedicated to millstones and cobblestones, and ultimately to the old trades related to its historic quarries. So much to see in so little time!

« Stations vertes » resorts  

In Eure et Loir, you’ll find neither beach, ski slopes nor underground. However, you will find many areas of stunning natural beauty along with a seemingly never-ending list of things to do. Some of our villages have been awarded the Green Resort label (in French « Stations vertes ») as part of a national plan for rural tourist destinations. Authentic places reflecting a true local identity!

Welcome to Cloyes les Trois Rivières, an oasis of greenery romantically wrapped around its impressive castle, the Château de Montigny le Gannelon. Located on the banks of the Loir, this lovely area provides a breathtaking view of the majestic chateau from the water and likewise, a stunning view from the top! The walk up is definitely worth it! You're sure to enjoy the tranquility of a leisurely stroll…unless you’re in for active water-fun at the water park!

Senonches is a peaceful hidden treasure on the edge of the forest. The location is perfect for people who to enjoy the outdoors, fresh air and the beautiful wildlife living in the Perche Regional National Park. Tree hugging, forest bathing and wild mushroom foraging are the favorites past times of families and friends here! Another favorite educational and interactive activity awaits visitors at the castle and its museum dedicated to the lumber industry.

Dropping anchor in Bonneval!

Welcome on board! Charter your own eco-friendly electric boat to explore the river Loir at your own pace, starting in Bonneval. You are the captain and you choose the route of your boating adventure. This is a unique way to soak up the sights and discover Eure et Loir from a different perspective. The boats are easy to drive and no experience is required. The peaceful river Loir provides a perfect opportunity to laze away the day in the company of friends and family while enjoying the great outdoors.

Dreux, determinedly different

In Dreux, you’ll notice straight away the legacy of the family of Bourbon-Orléans, descendants of Louis XIV, when you see the town’s most notable landmark: the beautiful Royal Chapel built in 1816. (Find out more) Wander through the medieval town centre and you’ll soon come across the belfry. Scour the streets of Dreux to spot pieces of graffiti art throughout the city. Don’t leave town before having seen the portal of Hôtel Dieu and its foundling wheel, or “baby hatch”: a small crib with an opening on the outside, similar to a revolving door. A unique example of the place where mothers could bring babies, usually newborn, and abandon them anonymously in a safe place where they might be found and cared for. Needless to say it is no longer operational in present days.

Sacred places

Ding Dong bell! Go for a walk in the countryside and the chances are you will come across the historic centerpiece of almost every village: the parish church. Eure et Loir’s rural churches are steeped in holy history and can be fascinating places to visit whether or not you consider yourself a spiritual person.

Just outside the little village of Orrouer, the church’s spire soars into the skyline in the middle of the wheat fields. Its atmospheric beauty is enhanced by its desolate surroundings. Going to mass is a convivial event for the 300 inhabitants of the commune, all of whom walk together across the fields to reach their place of worship!

The tiny chapel of Saint Hilaire des Noyers in Saintigny, measuring just 5 metres x 4.4 metres, is also an isolated place of meditation. Its amazing architecture is unique in France!   

Set in an oasis of greenery, the chapel de Réveillon in La Ferté Vidame and the chapel of Notre Dame d'Yron in Cloyes les Trois Rivières have surprisingly managed to preserve all of their ancient wall paintings. Legend goes that in the year 1212, two thousand children left from here to travel to the Holy Land, from whence they never returned.

Even if churches may not always be visited these days for their religious significance, they are still appreciated for their splendour and beauty, their majesty and magnificence. The frescoes in the church of Saint Orien in Meslay le Grenet are unique in Europe! Dating back to the 15th century, they picture a death dance inspired by the Hundred Years' War and the Black plague. Spooky but definitely worth of a visit! How many skeletons can you count in the painting?

There are endless ways to explore Eure et Loir. No matter where you go, you're in for an incredible trip. Get inspired by more countryside adventures here.