The best road cycling routes around Saint-Lucien

Accessible via a good little climb of about 100m with a gradient of 10 to 11% at the top, coming from Maingournoie

According to tradition, the church choir covers the remains of an older building, possibly dating back to the 6th century, which was built to house the saint's body. According to current knowledge, the commune of Saint-Piat (Sanctus Piatus in Latin) officially appeared in 1087, mentioned in a charter of the Nottonville Priory (Eure-et-Loir), on which it depended. The current building was rebuilt during the time of Francis I, as suggested by the date 1535 engraved on two buttresses of the apse and the date 1542 engraved on a piece of wood from the vault. This is according to a study by the SAEL (Eure-et-Loir Archaeological Society). The three-sided apses, the dripstone towers (horizontal members projecting from a wall), and the sculpted roof structures are a testament to the importance of the reconstructions carried out in the department during the 16th century. The church of Saint-Piat is one of them. While the church has not been officially recognized, it nevertheless contains objects that have attracted attention both for their antiquity and quality, but not always for good reason. Their artistic value, far from attracting only religious or aesthetic interest, has also aroused a covetousness that, unfortunately, remains for some of them. Fortunately, those still in place are carefully cared for and offer the curious a story to discover, a beauty to slowly ponder as they progress toward the choir.

Many centuries ago, our ancestors discovered the possibility of harnessing the power of the elements—which, while helpful and useful on the one hand, could also be a threat as untamed forces of nature—for various purposes, thus eliminating the need for human or animal muscle power. Mills like these are a good example of the human engineering skills of earlier generations: The heavy millstones used to grind grain or press oil, for example, could be powered by wind or—as in this case—water.

One of the most beautiful castles in the area!

Situated on the banks of the Eure River, the village of Maintenon boasts a peaceful atmosphere and rich heritage. Dominated by its Renaissance castle and famous for its unfinished aqueduct designed by Vauban, the town invites you to stroll. The ancient streets, the banks of the Eure River, and the Louis XIV Canal provide an ideal setting for a break in the footsteps of history.

This place is well suited for an extended rest

it's a route with very few vehicles so you can relax more to have fun

From the beginning of the 12th century, the parish of La Chaussée was established. The Abbey of Saint Père holds this church with some 60 acres of land, meadows and a fief which consists of cens on some houses and inheritances. She owes these goods to the generosity of Drogon de Raizeux Outside the building, we can still see extensions, now fallen, emerging from the walls. It is undoubtedly an old tower or chapel whose foundations can still be seen on the ground during periods of drought. On the austere facade of the apse, lacking in roundness, two large bays once opened, now walled up. On the side opposite the sacristy, there is a medallion above a Renaissance door with the date 1739. According to the village elders, this is the place formerly occupied by a sundial that the rains have disappears over time. Today, the funeral liter of the lords of Saint Lucien is invisible. This liter consisted of a black band one meter wide which went around the walls and on which the deceased and his cupboards were painted. Mille Saint Just, lord of Saint Lucien, was buried in the church of Saint Lucien in 1652, in the choir, against the seat adjoining the step by which one ascends to the altar. The abbey of Saint Père-en-Vallée, formerly outside Chartres, was also built in the 12th century. It is independent of the diocese of Chartres.