Attractions and Places To See around Courdimanche-Sur-Essonne - Top 20

photo break for the cycling group.

Former market square in the heart of Milly-la-Forêt.

Nice surprise

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

The cyclops visit is not free, 12 euros entry but it lasts 45 minutes and is very interesting. Limit of 25 people at a time. Please note that photos inside are prohibited. I recommend the first visit at 10:30 a.m. (less crowded)

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.

This sculpture, made of concrete and iron, represents the fantastic creature from Greek mythology which gave its name to the work. 22.5 meters high, the sculpture is a project by artists Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle, carried out between 1969 and 1994. On site, you can also discover two other works: the Face of Mirrors and the Tribute to the Deportees. Visiting all the monuments is completely free.

Standing in the heart of the Gâtinais, the Courances estate extends over 75 hectares and includes a magnificent 17th century castle as well as its park and vegetable garden. Closed during the winter, it opens its doors the rest of the year for fun visits. If you're not pressed for time, don't hesitate to drop by.