The best walks and hikes around Maintenon

According to tradition, the church choir covers the remains of an older building, possibly dating back to the 6th century, which was built to house the saint's body. According to current knowledge, the commune of Saint-Piat (Sanctus Piatus in Latin) officially appeared in 1087, mentioned in a charter of the Nottonville Priory (Eure-et-Loir), on which it depended. The current building was rebuilt during the time of Francis I, as suggested by the date 1535 engraved on two buttresses of the apse and the date 1542 engraved on a piece of wood from the vault. This is according to a study by the SAEL (Eure-et-Loir Archaeological Society). The three-sided apses, the dripstone towers (horizontal members projecting from a wall), and the sculpted roof structures are a testament to the importance of the reconstructions carried out in the department during the 16th century. The church of Saint-Piat is one of them. While the church has not been officially recognized, it nevertheless contains objects that have attracted attention both for their antiquity and quality, but not always for good reason. Their artistic value, far from attracting only religious or aesthetic interest, has also aroused a covetousness that, unfortunately, remains for some of them. Fortunately, those still in place are carefully cared for and offer the curious a story to discover, a beauty to slowly ponder as they progress toward the choir.

A short stroll through fields, suitable for a walk of about two hours for all levels, pleasant, but nothing more, quite "flat". The visit to the park and the castle of Maintenon deserve more attention than this walk.

One of the most beautiful castles in the area!

Situated on the banks of the Eure River, the village of Maintenon boasts a peaceful atmosphere and rich heritage. Dominated by its Renaissance castle and famous for its unfinished aqueduct designed by Vauban, the town invites you to stroll. The ancient streets, the banks of the Eure River, and the Louis XIV Canal provide an ideal setting for a break in the footsteps of history.

pretty castle

With its curiously crowned square tower, this charming church boasts a flamboyant Gothic style. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, it preserves a remarkable collection of 16th-century stained-glass windows dedicated to Eucharistic miracles.

The Saint-Sulpice church in Nogent-Le-Roi is an impressive church built in the 15th century and which was part of the defensive wall which protected the entrance to the town. You can admire its beautiful stained glass windows and its wrought iron choir inside, as well as its original tower outside. The church is located in the heart of Nogent-Le-Roi, a charming town with old half-timbered houses and a castle.

The castle of Nogent-le-Roi dates from the 15th century and was built by Pierre de Brézé, close advisor to King Charles VII1. You will be able to admire the neo-Louis XIII style of the current building, built in 1863 by Alfred Chapelain, and discover the remains of the medieval fortress, such as the surrounding wall and the two square towers. You can also run in the magnificent park surrounding the castle, where there is an old windmill which was used to pump water during the Second Empire. The park is open to the public every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year. The Château de Nogent-le-Roi is an ideal destination for a refreshing and cultural run.