La Fontenelle (Loir-et-Cher) walks

A beautiful walk in the former fiefdom of the turbulent Gouet barons. Like Brou, La Bazoche continues a long tradition of fairs and markets. For over 100 years, the Percheron foal fair has been held on thefirst Saturday in November.

Located between Beauce and Perche, at the crossroads of the Loir Valley and the Route du Blé, Cloyes-sur-le-Loir is a sleeping beauty on the banks of the Loir. This pretty town combines modernity and heritage. The hike takes you through the countryside with its valleys, forests and rolling hills, which are sure to charm you.

The Yerre river approaches, accompanied by scents and sounds that it seems to have carried from the depths of the forest, before flowing along the edge of the Perche region and joining the Loir river above Cloyes.

This hike allows you to discover Montmirail, a "small town of character", and its green countryside through woods and sunken paths.

The "Terres Douces" countryside reveals a heritage full of charm: the former Priory of Les Châtaigniers and the Manoir de la Guillerie.

Walk starting from the car park at Douy church to explore Courgain Mill, situated at the bridge over the Loir. The route then passes near a castle at La Boulidière, descends along the road between the ponds and then follows a path towards the Vouvray footbridge to the old wash house and Saint-Pierre Chapel. The return journey follows the same route for part of the way, then veers off to skirt the ponds of the Basse Plaine, where you can spot coots and grey herons. The end of the walk leads to another bridge over the Loir, then past the Château du Prieuré before returning to Douy church.

Rated as easy, this hike crosses the Vibraye Forest. To make it a circular route, allow about 3 hours and do not leave the marked trail, which is public. Unlike the forest, which is private, the route is marked with round signs 10 cm in diameter reminiscent of the work of the forge. You are in the Haut Maine region. In the Middle Ages, this region was home to a significant metallurgical industry, made possible by the presence of iron ore, extracted from flint clay and quartz sand, as well as the large quantities of wood needed for the forges. The forest was managed by cutting down coppice wood every 18 years to renew the resource. The dominant species is oak, but the forest also consists of aspens, birches, chestnuts and pines. This pleasant route describes a craft activity through the display boards scattered around the former mining sites.

Located on the natural border between Beauce and Perche formed by the Loir River, Châteaudun is built on a rocky spur. The route circles the remarkable natural site of the Bois des Gâts or Gas. Open to the public, this 23-hectare site is protected by the Natura 2000 programme.

The Étang des Panses lake can be seen along a path where it is not uncommon to encounter forest animals. After the forest, you will discover Percheron fruit trees at the Miermaigne conservation orchard; in mid-November, you can take part in the Apple Festival.

This site has retained a very picturesque appearance and offers the chance to see some beautiful houses with thatched roofs and to explore the Conie Valley.

A pleasant and easy walk on either side of the Loir.

Taking beautiful sunken paths, over hill and dale, you will discover magnificent panoramic views of the Cétonais countryside and be amazed by its diversity: woods, meadows, hedgerows and cultivated fields.

A very beautiful walk along the Boulon Valley.

This route offers panoramic views of the Huisne valley on the outskirts of Nogent-le-Rotrou.

Beautiful views of the hills of Perche and the Vinette Valley. This route follows paths and small roads with little traffic.

This route, which alternates between sunken lanes, forest paths and flat sections, will take you to the hill overlooking the Huisne Valley to the west. Along the way, several panoramic views allow you to admire the meadows of Avezé, a veritable hay barn that has provided for generations of farmers.

This route will take you from the world of vineyards to the defence line of the Saint-Rimay Tunnel. From cellars to blockhouses, you will also discover two restoration projects led by the Résurgence association along the way. A beautiful view of the Loir valley will accompany you for much of your journey.