The best traffic-free bike rides around Le Plessis-L'Échelle

The current Church of Saint Maurice dates from the 16th century, replacing a 12th-century building. The entrance is through a door located on the east side, as renovations during the 19th century altered the church's orientation. An entrance was created in the flat apse, and a polygonal apse was built to the west. A south aisle was also added. Inside, the nave is flanked by two side aisles. The right aisle, to the north (since the church is now off-center), dates from the 16th century. The left aisle, built in 1865, is covered, like the rest of the church, by ribbed vaults. The baptistery chapel contains a modern marble font and a late 18th-century painting depicting the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist. On either side of the chancel, two chapels terminate the side aisles. The chancel, in the Neo-Gothic style, dates from the 19th century, while the crucifix dates from the 16th century. The pulpit, imposing for a rural church, is made of oak and dates from the 19th century. The exit, located to the east, still retains traces of the former apse. On the 19th-century apse, there is a reused stone from the 12th-century building and a consecration cross.

This old sanctuary in the Beauce region, on the edge of the Marchenoir forest, not far from the ruins of Cîteaux Abbey, has a glorious past and a certain artistic charm, which the 1963 restoration work brought to light. This church, along with the "Petit Cîteaux" (Little Cîteaux), was partially burned during the Hundred Years' War. The foundations of some walls reveal the Romanesque period. The bell tower dates from the 12th century, and the consecration crosses, themselves carved in stone, are very old. The portal opening, with its pointed arch, dates from the 15th century and was well-deserving of the beautiful wrought-iron door with hinges that has recently been installed. The altar is a magnificent 12th-century Touraine stone from an old cemetery chapel, supported by two ancient columns that are relics of Cîteaux Abbey. The cemetery once surrounded the church. The two stone benches on either side of the entrance are former tombstones. In the square in front of the post office, there once stood a huge barn: the tithe barn. Until 1989, the bell tower still housed one of the oldest bells in the region. It dated from 1522 and weighed 650 kilos, but unfortunately, a deep crack irreparably damaged its beautiful bronze casing. Named Sulpice, the inscription in Gothic script that once adorned it read: "In the year 1522, Sulpice was named by Sir Michel Berger, parish priest, and nobleman Guillaume de Frouville, squire, and Lady Katherine de Frouville." The new bell, named Catherine, weighs 310 kilos and is tuned to A sharp. It was christened on December 10, 1989, by Bishop Goupy of Blois. Madame Loridon is the godmother, and Mr Bernard Seigneuret is the godfather.

Although the Notre-Dame church in the town of Areines may seem modest in size, the richness of its interior decoration is remarkable. It consists of a rectangular nave from the 11th century that extends into a narrower choir and ends with a semi-circular apse from the 12th century. The bell tower was added in the Gothic period. All the walls are covered with murals. The restoration of those in the choir and apse dating from the middle of the 12th century allows us to see: Christ in Majesty, the Lamb with a halo, the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, saints and apostles. Some of these primitive frescoes were covered by paintings from the 15th, 16th and 18th centuries. Many traces are visible on the walls of the nave and will be restored in the years to come.

Located approximately 700 meters from the village, the Saint Lubin pond offers a vast body of water of approximately 16 ha, ideal for fishing and relaxation.

The Étang de Saint-Lubin is a magnificent lake where you can enjoy the tranquility of the water which extends over 16 hectares and is home to various species of fish. You can take a break in the shaded areas around the pond. The Saint-Lubin Pond is a beautiful place to cool off and get closer to nature.

The feudal castle of Fréteval is a castle which dates from the 11th century. You can explore the ruins of the fortress, which covers 4.5 hectares and has three lines of defense. You will also be able to see the keep, one of the oldest circular stone towers in France, built of flint. The castle was a strategic location in the conflicts between the Plantagenet kings and the kings of France. The information panels will allow you to learn more about its history. The feudal castle of Fréteval is a remarkable place that will transport you to the Middle Ages.

This church, small but majestic, is worth visiting.

The Tour de Coulommiers is a medieval tower that was built in the 12th century. You can clearly see the chimney and hearth of the tower, giving you insight and understanding of the ruins you see before you.