Avre Valley, land of historic sites
La Tour Grise
It is THE place to visit during your stay. This dungeon, built by Philippe Auguste in 1204, offers a 360 ° panorama of the city, something to take in the eyes and take beautiful photos.
Visit of about 40 minutes, during which you will be able to admire models, armor and an instructive video of the famous YouTuber Nota Bene . Be careful, you will have to climb dozens of steps to reach the top. Open from 19/5 to 19/9, access is chargeable: € 4 for adults and € 2 for children (between 7 and 12 years old)
Le Becquet
Former medieval canal built by William the Conqueror to divert the course of the Iton towards Breteuil, this building is historic. You will have the opportunity to admire it up close and even have lunch next door since there is a picnic table.
In the heart of nature, you will be alone in the world, only downside, be careful with children because the spoiler is not secure. Free access all year round, entry is on the road between Bourth and Francheville.
La Madeleine Church
Built between the 12th and 15th centuries by Henri 1er Beauclerc, this building is the emblem of the city of Verneuil sur Avre. With a tower 56 meters high and visible for miles, you can’t miss it.
It sits in the center of the town square, free access all year round. You can also visit the interior of the Church and the richness of its stained glass windows and the beauty of its great organ.
The tourist office organizes climbs to the top of the tower. The tower is illuminated part of the year and when night falls, it reveals its most beautiful face.
Saint Nicolas Abbey
Hidden in the heart of Verneuil sur Avre, this abbey has seen a Benedictine community stay until 2001. True royal jewels, you will be able to discover the different places of life and the different constructions which have crossed the ages.
Today, a tea room has been set up there: “L’Ermitage” and free tours are organized there.
Maintenon castle
Located 1 hour drive from the cottage, it is true that it is a bit far but the jewel is worth the detour. Made famous by Françoise d’Aubigné, who became Marquise de Maintenon (mistress of Louis XIV), this castle will seduce you with its magnificent parks and its Vauban aqueduct, supposed to supply Versailles with water, at the back of the park.
You can prepare your visit by going to the dedicated website here
The museum of the trades of yesteryear
Located in Breteuil sur Iton, this museum presents nearly 7000 objects retracing 35 trades from the 19th and 20th century. Real focus on the life of our ancestors, this very informative exhibition will delight young and old.
Free access all year round, you will need around 2 hours of visit. A volunteer will accompany you throughout your discovery.
The castle of Ferté-Vidame
A majestic building, the impressive ruins of this castle are worth seeing. This site can boast of being the second park in the Center region with nearly 860ha of French gardens. In turn, owned by the Laborde, Orléans and Dorlodot families, this castle has a unique history. An insect discovery circuit has been created behind the building and the fun booklet is available at the tourist office. True jewels of the 18th century, you can admire it just 20 minutes from the cottage.
