Best attractions and places to see around Fontaine-Raoul include a mix of historical landmarks and natural features within this rural commune in the Loir-et-Cher department of central France. Situated in the Perche region, the area is characterized by its natural landscape of valleys, plateaus, hills, and streams. There are 20 hidden gems waiting to be explored around Fontaine-Raoul.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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Before the 13th century there were two parishes, Saint-Sauveur and Saint-Gilles, in 1300 the bishop of Chartres united them into one by a charter of Berchères, because of the smallness of the two parishes. The church dates from the beginning of the 17th century. Rebuilt on the foundations of an old Romanesque church, its originality comes from its bell tower with saddle roof, its caquetoire and its paneled vault redone in 2003. At the initiative of the Prince Duke of Montmorency-Laval, it has contained the reliquary of Sainte-Félicité since 1838. Saint Félicité, whose relics are in Montigny-le-Gannelon, is a martyr whose life is unknown, whose body was taken from the sacred cemeteries of Rome. We have his body, the skull, the bones of his arms, fingers and feet. They were removed from the Saint-Cyriaque cemetery in 1828 and placed in their respective places on a body artistically modeled in wax and measuring more than 1.40 meters in length. A magnificent chase, of the shape and size of an altar tomb, all furnished with glazing and embellished with gilding received this precious deposit. Pope Leo XII donated it to the Duke of Laval, then Charles X's ambassador to Rome. On his death, he bequeathed it by will to the church of Montigny-le-Gannelon where the old historic castle of Laval-Montmorency is located. The venerated hunt is now placed under the main altar of which it forms the tomb.
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Almost nothing is reliably known about the life of Saint George (Saint-GEORGES), to whom the church of Cloyes-sur-le-Loir was dedicated, but the veneration of his person goes back to early Christianity. A martyr identified with George is said to have lived in the third century. However, the legend of St. George as a dragon slayer is well known and widespread; he is usually depicted - in paintings or as a statue - as the conqueror of the monster, often as a knight on horseback. The memorial day of the very popular George - he is, among other things, patron of the English kingdom - in the calendar of saints is April 23rd.
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This church in Romilly-sur-Aigre was dedicated to Saint Peter (Saint Pierre). Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee when he - together with his brother Andrew - was called by Jesus Christ to be "fishers of men". According to Catholic understanding, he is the supreme apostle, and the two millennia-long line of popes - currently Francis - are his successor. On statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the biblical saying in Matthew: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Chapter 16, verse 19). Peter and Paul are also known as the “Princes of the Apostles”; their common feast day in the saints' calendar is June 29th.
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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.
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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 in flint. The castle was a strategic location in the conflicts between the Plantagenet kings and the kings of France, and you can learn more about its history from the information panels. The feudal castle of Fréteval is a remarkable place that will transport you to the Middle Ages.
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The remains of the castle of Fréteval date from the 11th century. Its dungeon would be one of the first in a circular shape in France. As such, it is registered on the list of historical monuments. On site, you can picnic by sitting at one of the tables provided for this purpose near the site.
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At the end of the 15th century, a first construction project made it possible to rebuild this church dedicated to Saint Peter. The current building consists of a nave, a choir bay and a three-sided apse. The bell tower was probably built at the beginning of the 20th century. The peculiarity of this building lies above all in the facade framed by two corner towers from the 18th century. Inside the porch, on the ground floor, you can still admire the old 16th-century gabled gate and two large western Gothic bay windows. Source: https://www.sauvegardeartfrancais.fr/projets/romilly-sur-aigre-eglise-saint-pierre/
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Fontaine-Raoul and its surroundings offer several historical sites. You can visit the Église Saint-Marc, a church with elements dating from the 12th to the 19th centuries, which was once a priory. Further afield, explore the ruins of the Feudal Castle of Fréteval, an 11th-century fortress with one of France's oldest circular stone keeps. Another notable spot is Saint Peter's Church, known for its 18th-century corner towers and a 16th-century gabled gate. You can also find the ruins of La Gaudinière Castle, which has a rich history including its use as an orphanage.
Yes, Fontaine-Raoul is situated on a raised geological compartment, offering insights into the region's geological history. You can find an orientation table that provides context related to the significant "faille de Fontaine-Raoul" (Fontaine-Raoul fault), a major tectonic feature. The commune is also characterized by its rural setting in the Perche region, with picturesque landscapes shaped by valleys, plateaus, hills, and streams, including the Gratteloup and Egvonne rivers.
The area around Fontaine-Raoul is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and running. For instance, there are moderate hiking trails like the Montigny-le-Gannelon Castle Loop, and easy options such as the Cloyes-sur-Loir loop. Gravel biking enthusiasts can explore routes like the Château de Renay loop or the Étang de Saint-Lubin – Feudal Castle of Fréteval loop. For more details and route options, check out the dedicated guides for hiking, gravel biking, and running trails around Fontaine-Raoul.
The Feudal Castle of Fréteval is considered family-friendly. Exploring its 11th-century ruins, including one of France's oldest circular stone keeps, can be an engaging experience for all ages. The site also provides information panels to learn about its history, and there are picnic tables nearby for a family outing.
The Perche region, where Fontaine-Raoul is located, generally offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities during spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October). During these periods, temperatures are mild, and the natural landscapes are particularly vibrant, making it ideal for exploring historical sites, hiking, and biking.
Yes, there are easy hiking trails available. For example, the Cloyes-sur-Loir loop from Cloyes-sur-le-Loir is an easy 7.6 km route. You can find more options and detailed information in the hiking guide for Fontaine-Raoul, which includes various trails with different difficulty levels.
One notable viewpoint is the View of Montigny-le-Gannelon Castle. From the bridge crossing the Loir, you can enjoy a clear and splendid view of the Renaissance-style facades of Montigny-le-Gannelon Castle, offering a picturesque scene.
While specific dog-friendly designations for individual trails are not always listed, the rural nature of Fontaine-Raoul and the surrounding Perche region means many of the hiking and walking paths are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and owners follow local regulations. The various loops and trails mentioned in the hiking guide are generally accessible for walks with pets.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The Feudal Castle of Fréteval is particularly noted for its ancient ruins and historical significance, transporting visitors to the Middle Ages. The scenic views, such as those of Montigny-le-Gannelon Castle, are also highly regarded for their aesthetic appeal. The overall rural environment and opportunities for outdoor exploration are frequently highlighted by those who visit.
To fully appreciate the historical sites and natural features, a half-day to a full day would be ideal. For instance, exploring the ruins of the Feudal Castle of Fréteval might take 1-2 hours. If you combine this with a visit to the Église Saint-Marc and a scenic walk to a viewpoint like the View of Montigny-le-Gannelon Castle, you could easily spend 3-4 hours. If you plan to include a longer hike or bike ride, allocate more time accordingly.
Beyond the main highlights, the rural commune of Fontaine-Raoul itself, with its unique geological site and orientation table, offers a quiet, reflective experience away from more crowded spots. The picturesque countryside, drained by the Gratteloup and Egvonne rivers, provides many opportunities for tranquil walks and discovering charming, unspoiled natural settings within the Perche region.


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