The best traffic-free bike rides in Bois De Renay

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.

Rue du Change in Vendôme. Pedestrian street with a view of the Trinity

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.

Very beautifully restored church with a beautiful courtyard.

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.

Renay Castle is now in ruins. It was built in the 15th century and belonged to different noble families over the centuries, such as the Courcillons, the Rochambeaus, and the Raguet Lépines. The castle was partially registered as a historic monument in 1971, but it has not been well maintained by its successive owners. The last owner is Sylvain Durand, a dealer and collector who made his fortune with the paintings of Fernand Léger. He died in 2018 and his furniture and collection were sold at auction. The castle has suffered from a lack of maintenance and preservation.

Vendôme benefits from an extraordinary heritage with numerous exceptional sites and monuments. The city is also renowned for the excellence of its artistic crafts. Crossed by the Loir, it is located in an environment that will delight nature lovers.

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.