Easy hikes and walks in Bois Des Gâts

The early 16th-century porter's lodge, built against one of the 13th-century walls, stood next to one of the old city's portcullises: the Porte d'Abas. Beautiful old half-timbered facade.

The imposing structure known as the "Château de Chateaudun" that reveals itself to visitors here is, of course, also available in other sports in the komoot system. For the corresponding hiking highlight, you'll find further relevant information and additional photos under the tips. If you're interested, see =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/936307

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Bonneval, nicknamed the little Venice of Beauce

At the gates of the Loir valley coming from Paris, between Chartres and Blois, the Château de Châteaudun raises its proud and massive silhouette to the eyes of the visitor who approaches it from the north. Property of Jean, bastard of Orléans, Count of Dunois and companion of Joan of Arc, it was a solid fortress before becoming a pleasant princely residence. Overlooking the Loir by more than 60 meters, Châteaudun Castle offers a succession of elements of medieval, Gothic and Renaissance architecture of exceptional authenticity. Clinging to its rocky promontory, the 12th century “big tower” is one of the tallest and best preserved dungeons in France. In the 15th century, Jean Dunois undertook work and transformed the castle, demolishing part of the fortifications. He made the old medieval castle a comfortable and bright residence and endowed it with a Sainte-Chapelle. In the following century, his descendants, the lords of Longueville, completed the construction of the chapel and enlarged the castle with the Longueville wing. The Dunois wing and the Longueville wing have two sumptuous staircases with loggias, one with flamboyant decor and the other from the Renaissance period. Château de Châteaudun also houses a remarkable collection of Flemish and French tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries. The visit is completed by a medieval-inspired garden exploring the relationships between cuisine and medicine in the Middle Ages, while a hanging garden reveals a garden of idleness and relaxation, unique in the Central Region.

The construction of the old Madeleine abbey dates back to the middle of the 12th century. This large Romanesque building has undergone successive alterations as well as a long restoration following a fire in 1940 but it remains the largest and most majestic religious building in the city. The now stripped interior appearance of the building only reinforces the majesty of the place. The beautiful south portal remained hidden behind the medieval city wall for a long time before being rediscovered at the end of the 19th century. Unlike the north facade, it has retained magnificent sculpted arches from the 12th century. The choir was rebuilt in the 16th century without the large ambulatory which previously existed but you can still admire a Renaissance tomb from the beginning of the 16th century in the apse.

magnificent view of the castle on the banks of the Loir with a small corner perfect for a picnic.

The castle overlooks the Loir River from a height of 60 meters. It comprises elements from different periods, blending medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles. Imposing, especially when viewed from below, this castle served as a princely residence in the 12th, 15th, and 16th centuries. A visit will reveal a well-preserved and beautifully presented interior.