A hidden architectural gem near Saint-Jean-des-Échelles

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Situated on a small hill overlooking the surrounding area, the village, which takes its nickname from the Échelles farm, the former seat of the parish seigneury, offers a well-preserved architectural and landscape setting, dominated by the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Built inthe 12th century, this church underwent embellishment work in the16th century: what remains is the painted panelled vault, resting—an extremely rare feature—on posts placed against the walls, and above all the remains of an extraordinary altarpiece in carved and painted limestone, dated 1558. The décor was redesigned in the18th century with the installation of three new altarpieces.

Details

n°97214990
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.46 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 118 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 118 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 558 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 463 ft
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Photos

Horse of Saint-Jean-des-Echelles

Description of the walk

Start at the church square

(S/E) Leave the church square via the roundabout and take Rue des Sapins. At Rue de la Haute Bertière, take the dirt track on the right.

(1) At the next junction, take the first path on the right.

(2) At the junction with a small road, take the path opposite. Continue straight ahead, keeping slightly to the left. At a short tarmac section, carry on straight ahead and rejoin the dirt track.

(3) You will reach the road. Turn left onto it with care and , at the next junction, head towards Montmirail on the right.

(4) After the houses, take the path on the left. Cross the first road and then come to a second one.

(5) Continue straight on along the path towards Le Tronc. Leave the path on your left and continue straight on until you reach a junction before the road.

(6) Take the path on the left, which curves sharply, and return to the junction from the outward journey.

(1) Take the dirt track on the right and head back to the village (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 476 ft - Church square
  2. 1 : mi 0.37 - alt. 531 ft - Junction of the circular loop
  3. 2 : mi 0.64 - alt. 535 ft - Small road
  4. 3 : mi 1.1 - alt. 489 ft - Route
  5. 4 : mi 1.78 - alt. 518 ft - Path
  6. 5 : mi 2.07 - alt. 545 ft - Route
  7. 6 : mi 2.87 - alt. 499 ft - Fork in the road before the road
  8. S/E : mi 3.46 - alt. 476 ft - Church square

Notes

  • Yellow markings
  • 24% tarmac

Map and full route description available in the Perche Sarthois Hiking Guide (50 routes). On sale at Perche Sarthois tourist offices for €10.

Worth a visit

  • Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church.
  • The Hanged Men’s Chestnut Tree.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.