The Perche area by car

 “In the heart of the Vendômois perch”

This weekend, good weather, we take the car & the bikes on the Perche Vendômois countryside for a little break in love. From Paris, it is not a long way and you need to take a breath of fresh air!

Arrival in Mondoubleau to leave our belongings in our guesthouse and visit the city with its circuit “around the fortress”: fortress, governor’s house (XVth), Saint-Denis church (XVIth) and “twisted” bridge of the XIXth century.

Then head for the Knights Templar Command in Arville : a church (12th), stables, a barn-diner, a dovecote (15th-16th)…, each of these buildings tells you about the daily life of these knight monks before their departure for the Middle East.

For those who love cycling, it is possible to leave your car in the parking lot and leave on the cycle loop of the Templars.

Visit the Botanic Houseof  Boursay and its “Three paths” to discover the Trognes path. This is really surprising ! The village of Boursay is charming and we recommend a small gourmet break at the second-hand café  just opposite: “Once upon a time.” Do not hesitate to ask for the key to the church to admire the painting wall.

The tour continues towards Saint-Agil, going along a very beautiful castle (which cannot be visited) and a typical farm of the Perche.

In Souday, make a stop to visit the Saint-Pierre church, a small jewel with its raised choir and its 12th century frescoes.

Passage to Baillou: 16th century church and castle (not to be visited).

In Sargé-sur-Braye, take a detour to the Saint-Martin church to admire its 14th century frescoes. and discover the exhibition on the local stone “le roussard”. And just next door is a castle to discover, the castle of Radrets, which is the historic home of Anne Racine.

A beautiful discovery that this walk in the heart of the Perche Vendômois with things that we are not used to seeing, whether it be nature or heritage. A rejuvenating weekend. We will return! ”

Patrick and Maryse (inhabitants of the Paris Region)