The best walks and hikes around Saint-Denis-D'Authou

Thiron-Gardais Abbey was the mother abbey of one of the largest monastic orders of the Middle Ages, the Order of Tiron. There is a picnic area and Wi-Fi available inside. The gardens are impressive and highly recommended.

Church of Marolles-Les-Buis, Saint-Lubin du Perche parish, Nogent le Rotrou Saint Vincent in the heart of the village, seen from the sky… This church is dedicated… To Saint Vincent: born in Spain, ordained deacon by Valère, bishop of Zaragoza, they were both the first victims of the persecution unleashed, in 304, against Christians by the emperor Diocletian. They were taken, in chains, to Valencia to appear before the governor of the province. Vincent eloquently declared that nothing, ever, would overcome their loyalty to Christ. He was then subjected to torture, and it was joyful to confess his faith that he breathed his last. Vincent became a very popular saint in the West. We do not know why he became the patron saint of winegrowers. The Romanesque nave of the Marolles church… Is the one which was given to the monks of Thiron around 1115. The proportions of this first church were practically doubled in the 15th century by the addition of a porch to the west, topped by a massive bell tower with a staircase turret exterior, and a choir narrower than the nave to the east. A church is not a building like any other… Each of the elements that constitute it has a particular meaning, a symbolic meaning. So it is with the porch or the front door. The door, generally monumental, even in a village church, leads from the street to the sanctuary, from the secular domain to the sacred domain. Open to a mystery, it is a place of passage between two states, and its value is dynamic: it invites you to cross, to progress towards… The church is generally oriented from west to east: west, the entrance, the east, the choir; the journey is therefore towards the side where the day dawns, and it is indeed the Day of the return of the victorious Christ, the Christ of glory, which the faithful await with faith and hope. And let us now reread the Gospel of John (10, 1-10) which tells us that Christ is the true door, the Door of passage to the Father. This is also what we are reminded of on the tympanum of cathedral doors where Christ is depicted who welcomes those who enter to offer them the opportunity to go with him to his Father...

The Grottes des maquisards in Marolles-Les-Buis are caves that were used by French resistance fighters during World War II, where they trained and prepared for the liberation of Nogent-le-Rotrou in August 1944. You can explore the caves and see the traces of their activities, as well as a commemorative plaque. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the countryside and the Vinette River. The caves are not accessible to the public, but you can admire them from the outside and imagine the courage and determination of the maquisards. It is a hike that will make you appreciate the beauty and history of this region.

The Chapelle Sainte-Barbe is a small chapel dedicated to Saint-Barbe, patron saint of miners and artillerymen. It is located on an old path that led from Marolles to Thiron. The chapel is surrounded by a peaceful and green landscape, from where you can admire the valley and the forest.

The Church of Saint-Vincent in Marolles-les-Buis is a 12th century church with a Romanesque nave and a Gothic choir with a narthex which was added later. You can admire the geometric decoration of the interior porch, the 16th century stained glass windows and the monument to the dead of the First World War.

Discover through these medieval gardens the history of the Order of Tiron, which exerted its influence throughout the north of France and as far as Scotland from the construction of the abbey in 1114. Only the abbey church still remains today, accompanied by thematic gardens of medieval inspiration. On a surface of 4 hectares, 10 themed gardens are proposed for the visit.

A relaxed place to take a break and try some artisanal beer.

An exceptional place to discover unconditionally