Best attractions and places to see around Nanteau-Sur-Essonne include a blend of natural features and historical sites within the Gâtinais French Regional Natural Park. The area is characterized by the Essonne river valley, diverse marshes, and hillsides featuring sandstone chaos formations. Over 50% of the commune is covered by woods, offering rural paths for exploration. This region provides a variety of landscapes and points of interest for visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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Do you see that cross on the horizon? It’s a cross of Lorraine.
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This Lorraine cross is actually located on the gable of the maquisards. There is a beautiful view of Fontainebleau. This place also serves as a break/photo point for trailers/hikers.
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superb little chapel decorated by Jean Cocteau where he rests. a commentary said by Jean Marais accompanied the visit. a so-called simple garden adjoins the chapel. there are many medicinal plants found there. entrance price 3 euros
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The trail moves on to the main essentials The hall In 1479, by a special grace from Louis The North-South facing Hall, 46 m long, 16 m wide and 13 m high, covers a total surface area of 730 m2. 48 oak pillars, resting on “dice”-cut stone bases, support a chestnut frame typical of Ile-de-France at that time; this frame presents to the north (on the rue Langlois side) a “pavilion” farm. Today, La Halle is still the site of a market on Thursday afternoons. The square, the houses gathered all around, bear witness to the great commercial activity which already reigned in the region 500 years ago. La Halle has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1923. Bonde Castle is located near the town center of Milly-la-Forêt, Built near an artificial island in the l'École river to the west of the Notre-Dame collegiate church, its park is bordered to the west by the course of the river which forms a moat to the north protecting the châtelet. History Built in the 12th century by the lords of Milly, the castle was ruined during the English siege in 1432. At the end of the 15th century around 1475, owned by Admiral Louis Malet de Graville, it was rebuilt and enlarged. What was then the keep became the entrance gatehouse, the drawbridge was replaced by a permanent stone bridge and a gate closed access between the northern defense tower and the governor's house. A square courtyard was surrounded by a wall and had in the center a chapel dedicated to Saint Valentine. The castle was successively the property of Hugues III de Bouville, Olivier V de Clisson, Jean II de Montmorency, Jean-François de Faudoas d'Averton, Marc-Antoine Front de Beaupoil de Saint-Aulaire and Pierre Marie of Lau d’Allemans. In the 19th century, the towers of the chatelet were enhanced with brick battlements and a slender roof. In 1859 the Corne bridge was rebuilt near the castle washhouse which served as a watering trough for the animals. At the end of the 20th century the mills along the river were demolished. In 1964, the Bonde washhouse downstream of the river which was part of the estate was rehabilitated. On December 20, 1972, the castle was partly listed as a historic monument. The park was listed in 1991 for its fences, canals and paths. the house of Jean Cocteau. Entrance to the J. Cocteau house [This 17th century residence, flanked by turrets, was formerly called the Governor's House. It corresponds to an old outbuilding of the castle in front of which the vassals came to pay homage and faith to their lord. Jean Cocteau bought this house with Jean Marais in 1947 and lived there until his death. Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church Founded in the 11th century, the former chapel of the castle, it was rebuilt around 1485 on the orders of Admiral de Graville in the Gothic style of the 13th and 14th centuries. The bell tower, 57 meters high, dates from the 11th century in its lower part and from the 12th and 13th centuries in its upper part. The arch of the main portal in the primitive Romanesque style comes from an old church in Milly (Saint-Pierre or Saint-Jacques). On the east side of the bell tower - Place Grammont side - the arms of Admiral de Graville are still visible. Many works of sacred art are found inside the church. The church was listed as a Historic Monument in 1926. The dovecote; Located on the old triangular square of the dovecote cul de sac, this old building was part of the Domaine du Moustier, property of Fulbert I, lord of Milly and officer at the court of Dagobert I in the 7th century. Destroyed in 1432 or 1433, the complex included a vast farm. According to a count in 1792 it had around 1200 niches. Only the lords held the right to build these premises designed for breeding. The Moustier de Péronne gate is one of the oldest vestiges of Milly and dates from the 7th century. It provided access to the moustier (monastery in old French) owned by Fulbert I, who obtained the land of Milly from Dagobert I. His son Wulfran was born there around the year 635. Entering religion, he became the apostle of the frieze (Netherlands), then bishop of Sens before retiring to Saint Wandrille where he died in 720.
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There is no classic wayside cross (sometimes called a field cross in the open field) or a summit cross that crowns a mountain, but a rock engraving. The lower half of the drawing—whenever scratched into the rock—shows a chalice, such as might be used at Eucharistic celebrations. The outer edge of the vessel is decorated with a cross. Another great cross grows out of the chalice itself. Whether this rock engraving is actually connected to the order of the Knights Templar (the exact name was “Poor Knighthood of Christ and the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem”), as indicated as a question in the highlight title, I cannot judge. In this case it would have to go back to the 12th or 13th century, i.e. it would have to have been preserved for a very long time.
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This small sacred monument, in the shape of a "Croix de Lorraine," rises majestically on the Pignon des Maquisards. The structure consists of several elements: a two-tiered foundation above the rock, followed by a brick base containing a plaque with a dedicatory inscription. On top of this rests a brick obelisk, tapering slightly towards the top but not terminating in a point. Above the obelisk, the actual cross, visible from afar, stands enthroned in its typical form with two horizontal crossbeams.
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Great view, possibility to sit down for a break
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The region is rich in natural beauty, including the diverse biotopes of the Essonne Valley and its marshes, which are part of a natural zone of ecological, faunistic, and floristic interest (ZNIEFF) and a Natura 2000 site. You can also discover extensive forests covering over 50% of the commune, and unique sandstone chaos formations on the hillsides, characteristic of the nearby Fontainebleau forest. Don't miss the picturesque Rochers du moulin de Royneau, offering enchanting views over the Essonne river.
Yes, Nanteau-sur-Essonne and its surroundings offer several historical and cultural sites. The 12th-century Church of Nanteau is notable for its simplicity and beautiful stained-glass windows. In nearby Milly-la-Forêt, you can visit the impressive 15th-century Market Hall of Milly-la-Forêt, which still hosts a market. Also, explore the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, with its 11th-century bell tower and sacred art, and the historic Château de Bonde with its listed park.
The area is ideal for various outdoor activities. Over 10 km of rural paths are available for walkers and hikers in the undergrowth of the Essonne valley and across the agricultural plateau. Horse riders can enjoy an equestrian loop towards Boisminard and Buthiers. Anglers are welcome at the communal pond. For more structured routes, you can find numerous cycling tours, running trails, and gravel biking routes in the region.
Absolutely. A prominent landmark is the Cross of Lorraine on the Maquisards' Pignon, an imposing memorial to resistance fighters offering great views. Another unique attraction is The Cyclop, a gigantic and playful sculpture that is both a man-made and natural monument, offering a very interesting visit.
The Château de Nanteau was constructed in 1913 by M. Lesieur. Over its history, it has served various purposes, including a holiday camp in the 1940s and later as a professional rehabilitation and training center. You can learn more about its past on the Moret Seine & Loing tourism website.
For a glimpse into ancient history, visit the nearby hamlet of Boisminard. Local museum exhibits there showcase findings from Gallo-Roman excavations, including tiles, pottery, coins from the time of Augustus, polished axes, and numerous flints, providing insight into the area's past.
The Essonne Valley is a haven for nature lovers due to its exceptional biodiversity. Its location within the Gâtinais French Regional Natural Park, combined with limestone plateaus, marshes, and dry valleys, creates a variety of natural habitats. This rich environment supports diverse flora and fauna, making it an important natural zone of ecological, faunistic, and floristic interest (ZNIEFF) and a Natura 2000 site.
Yes, the area offers more than 10 km of rural paths, primarily in the undergrowth of the Essonne valley and across the agricultural plateau, which are suitable for walkers. For specific routes, you can explore the running trails guide, which includes routes like the 'Running loop from Buthiers' that can also be enjoyed as walks.
The Market Hall of Milly-la-Forêt is a significant historical monument, classified since 1923. This impressive 15th-century structure is 46 meters long, 16 meters wide, and 13 meters high, supported by 48 oak columns and a chestnut wood frame. It still hosts a vibrant market on Thursday afternoons, preserving its historical commercial activity.
Visitors particularly appreciate the magnificent views from the Cross of Lorraine on the Maquisards' Pignon. It's described as a very pleasant spot with the possibility to sit down and take a break, making it a popular choice for those seeking both historical significance and scenic beauty.
Yes, the village maintains a communal pond that welcomes anglers. It's a peaceful spot to enjoy fishing amidst the natural surroundings of Nanteau-sur-Essonne.
Yes, the hillsides around Nanteau-sur-Essonne feature distinctive sandstone chaos formations. These are characteristic geological features shared with the nearby Fontainebleau forest, offering unique landscapes for exploration and photography.


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