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Tourist Information Eure-et-Loir,
Loire Valley France |
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Things
to see and do in Eure-et-Loir, Loire Valley France
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Valley Holiday Homes Back to French Tourist Info
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| Eure-et-Loir
Tourist Info: Chartres |
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| The
historic city of Chartres is is the capital city
of the Eure-et-Loire department, situated on the
river Eure approximately 85 km from Paris. It is
best known for its splendid double spired Gothic
Cathedral, Notre Dame de Chartres which was built
between 1194 and 1260 and is the largest
cathedral in France. The cathedral is the sixth
church to be built on the same site, and
construction started immediately following a
devastating fire which destroyed the fifth
church. The Gothic facade and the south tower
both survived the fire and were incorporated into
the present structure. The cathedral is a UNESCO
world heritage site and attracts many visitors
and pilgrims every year. For visitors and
residents alike, the Eure provides opportunities
water sports. La
Petite Venise (48 Bis Boulevard de la
Courtille) is a pleasant cafe and terrace where
you can hire boats or canoes. Chartres' other
claim to fame is less well known: many perfume
houses are based here including
Caron, Yves Saint-Lauren, Nina Ricci, Guerlain,
Dior, Lancaster and Paco Rabanne. Another
attraction is La
Maison Picassiette which is set back from
one of the modern streets. It is the sole work of
Raymond Isidore who was born in 1900. The house
has just three small rooms, and every surface of
every room is covered with mosaic patterns and
pictures made from pieces of broken crockery. The
house attracts hundreds of visitors each year.
Chartres also offers a municipal
swimming pool with a solarium in the
summer months, the Centre
de Vol et à Voile, electric
bike rental (Place du Général de
Gaulle) and the Agricultural
Museum, which is the largest of
its kind in France. It covers 3000m² and
features a collection of farming machines tools
throughout the ages. There is also an archaeology
museum (open daily except Tuesdays from July -
9th September). Other museums are the
Musée de Beaux Arts which is housed
in the former bishop's palace, the Prehistory
and Natural History Museum and the History
Museum. The Saturday
market takes place in Place
Billard which has a good selection of surrounding
cafés and restaurants. |
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| Eure-et-Loir
Tourist Info: Châteaudun |
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| Situated
on the banks of the river Loire, Châteaudun is a
town famous for its château which was built
between the 10th and 16th centuries. Its
architecture is a mixture of gothic, feudal and
Renaissance and it is noted for its stained glass
windows, staircases and its highly decorative
chapel (1464) featuring wall paintings and
sculptures. It has a circular keep dating from
the 12th century. The château was once the home
of Johan du Dunas who was a contemporary and
acquaintance of Joan of Arc. Within the château
is a permanent exhibition devoted to the
gastronomy of the Middle Ages with over 600m² of
exhibits including kitchen organazation, the
Price's table and a reproduction medieval
banquet. Châteaudun hosts The
Wool Fair in early summer (dates
from the Tourist Office) featuring medieval
costume, knights and troubadours as well as
flocks of sheep. Close to the château are the Grottes
Foulon in Rue des Fouleries. The
cave was opened in 1982 and 'son et lumièreé
shows are organised there which recount the
history of the cves and the surrounding region. |
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Tourist Info: Dreux |
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| Situated
in the Blaise Valley to the west of Paris, Dreux
has a selection of half
timbered houses dating from the 15th
century. It is home to one of the best cricket
teams in France. Activities in the town include golf,
mini golf, fishing, horse riding, go karting and
tennis. There is also a
flying club and a racing
track. The Dreux
Forest and the Avre and Eure
vallys offer trails for hiking, mountain biking
and cycling. There is a ftness trail in the Châteauneuf-en-Thyerais
forest, and a bird
sanctuary in Mézièves-Ecluzelles.
The 13th century Chapelle
Royal Saint Louis has some magnificent
stained glass. The chapel was built by the
Dowager Duchess of Orléans and was further
extended by King Lous-Philippe. |
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| Eure-et-Loir
Tourist Info: Maintenon |
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| Maintenon's
claim to fame rests mostly in the famous Château de
Maintenon which formerly
belonged to Madame d'Aubigny who later became
Madame de Maintenon. Inthe parc there are the
ruins of an aqueduct which was designed by Le
Nôtre in order to carry water to the gardens of
Versailles. |
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| Eure-et-Loir
Tourist Info: Nogent-le-Rotrou |
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| Located
on the River Huisnes, Nogent-le-Rotrou is not
short of activities and sights. The Château
Saint Jean dominates the town. Narrow
streets fan out from the centre of the town,
Place St Pol which has a pretty town square and
fountains. There is a cinema, bars and
restaurants. Activities include golf, bowling,
horse riding, walking, caoneing/kayaking on the
river, and nearby there are the leisure lakes of La
Borde (21 hectares), and Margon which has a
children's play area, boat trips, surfing and
sailing. |
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