The best cycling routes around Lèves

Don’t bring too much luggage. Leave most of your things in the baggage that will be transported by the trucks, and when walking, carry no more in your backpack than the essential supplies, medical items, and, if needed, rain or sun protection. And wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. For footwear, though, regular sneakers or athletic shoes are really recommended rather than stiff hiking boots.

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.

Many centuries ago, our ancestors discovered the possibility of harnessing the power of the elements—which, while helpful and useful on the one hand, could also be a threat as untamed forces of nature—for various purposes, thus eliminating the need for human or animal muscle power. Mills like these are a good example of the human engineering skills of earlier generations: The heavy millstones used to grind grain or press oil, for example, could be powered by wind or—as in this case—water.

The current remains are those of the 15th-century gate and its barbican or artillery boulevard. The earliest remains on the site date back to the 1st century, with the remains of an ancient domus, a street, and its wooden gutter. The first Guillaume Gate was built around 1185; a wall can still be seen a little further along Rue de la Porte Guillaume. Source: https://journals.openedition.org/cem/14214?lang=en

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.

Chartres en Lumières returns for a 21st edition, illuminating 21 sites seven evenings a week from April 13, 2024 to January 5, 2025. For the 2024 season, Chartres en Lumières includes in its program the Saint-Aignan church, which is preparing its grand return, and the façade of the Departmental Council, Place Châtelet, where the Eurelian heritage will be honored. With Chartres en Lumières, immerse yourself in a magical, colorful universe and discover, in an atypical way, the must-sees in the heart of the city of Chartres from dusk to 1 a.m. (11:30 p.m. from October 27).

A medieval building has shaped the city's skyline for centuries: the cathedral's two towers reaching towards the sky can be seen from a long way away. This early example of Gothic architecture not only shaped Chartres itself, but was also a model for many other church buildings for a long time, not only in France, but also spread beyond its borders to other countries.