The best walks and hikes around Soulaires

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.

The Moulin de Saint-Piat is a water mill located on the Eure and dating from the 11th century where it was once used for the production of flour and the extraction of oil. You can admire the architecture of the mill, which was extended in 1865, and enjoy the view of the river and the nearby church. The mill is also a good place for birdwatching, as you may be able to see herons, kingfishers and ducks along the water.

The Château de Maintenon is a castle that was once the residence of Madame de Maintenon, the second wife of Louis XIV. You can explore the elegant halls and gardens of the castle, as well as the impressive aqueduct that was built to supply water to the Palace of Versailles. The castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The entrance price is 9 euros for adults and 6 euros for children. You can also benefit from a guided tour or an audio guide at an additional cost. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park, where you can stroll along the Eure and admire the view of the aqueduct and the castle.

Between Maintenon and Saint-Piat. Along the Eure, a hike where water and nature accompany you.

Pretty mill to contemplate for a refreshing break along the Eure. Its construction is estimated at the 11th century, but its existence is attested only at the end of the 15th century.

You pass under the remains of the Maintenon aqueduct. This dates from the end of the 17th century. It was to carry water from the Eure to Versailles to supply the fountains in the garden. After three years of work, the site was interrupted because of the war and the work was never completed.

This beautiful castle owes its fame to the most famous of its occupants, Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon, wife of Louis XIV. Transformed many times, the castle was created in the 12th century with the role of a fortress. It became a pleasure castle during the Renaissance before becoming the property of the Marquise. During a visit, you discover the rich history of the place. The castle is fully furnished, which makes the visit all the more immersive.