The best walks and hikes around Frétigny

Church built in the first half of the 16th century, then raised in 1752. It is formed of a nave preceded by a narthex and adjoining two chapels forming a false transept. The 16th century door is formed of a low arch, adjoining smooth pilasters which support the lintel, above which a triangular pediment stands out from the wall. The church is decorated with murals in the apse and the side chapels, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. In the choir, the paintings date back to the 19th century. Large flamboyant Gothic windows illuminate the building and retain stained glass windows.

Magnificent view of the pond and the Manor below. Walk between cattle, forest, valleys. Magnificent views.

Thiron-Gardais Abbey was the mother abbey of one of the largest monastic orders of the Middle Ages, the Order of Tiron. There is a picnic area and Wi-Fi available inside. The gardens are impressive and highly recommended.

Church of Marolles-Les-Buis, Saint-Lubin du Perche parish, Nogent le Rotrou Saint Vincent in the heart of the village, seen from the sky… This church is dedicated… To Saint Vincent: born in Spain, ordained deacon by Valère, bishop of Zaragoza, they were both the first victims of the persecution unleashed, in 304, against Christians by the emperor Diocletian. They were taken, in chains, to Valencia to appear before the governor of the province. Vincent eloquently declared that nothing, ever, would overcome their loyalty to Christ. He was then subjected to torture, and it was joyful to confess his faith that he breathed his last. Vincent became a very popular saint in the West. We do not know why he became the patron saint of winegrowers. The Romanesque nave of the Marolles church… Is the one which was given to the monks of Thiron around 1115. The proportions of this first church were practically doubled in the 15th century by the addition of a porch to the west, topped by a massive bell tower with a staircase turret exterior, and a choir narrower than the nave to the east. A church is not a building like any other… Each of the elements that constitute it has a particular meaning, a symbolic meaning. So it is with the porch or the front door. The door, generally monumental, even in a village church, leads from the street to the sanctuary, from the secular domain to the sacred domain. Open to a mystery, it is a place of passage between two states, and its value is dynamic: it invites you to cross, to progress towards… The church is generally oriented from west to east: west, the entrance, the east, the choir; the journey is therefore towards the side where the day dawns, and it is indeed the Day of the return of the victorious Christ, the Christ of glory, which the faithful await with faith and hope. And let us now reread the Gospel of John (10, 1-10) which tells us that Christ is the true door, the Door of passage to the Father. This is also what we are reminded of on the tympanum of cathedral doors where Christ is depicted who welcomes those who enter to offer them the opportunity to go with him to his Father...

The Etang de Perruchet is a medium sized pond which is part of an important wetland area. You can follow a 6 km path around the pond or extend your walk to the Étang de Théllière, another beautiful body of water surrounded by forests and meadows. Along the way, you can admire the view of the countryside and observe the fauna and flora. The Etang de Perruchet is an ideal destination for a relaxing and refreshing hike in nature.

The Château de Montireau is a 15th century castle surrounded by moats and a wooded park. You can explore the castle grounds and admire the architecture of the chapel and the farmhouse. The castle is also the principal commandery of the Order of the Knights of Notre-Dame, a religious and military order dedicated to the Virgin Mary. You can learn more about the history and culture of this place by visiting the Domaine de Montireau website, where you can also book a stay or a reception.

The Saint-Barthélemy Church dates from the 16th century and is a listed historical monument. You can admire its beautiful facade, its stained glass windows and its sculpted altars. The church is located in the small village of Montireau, surrounded by fields and forests. You will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the charm of this rural region.

The Grottes des maquisards in Marolles-Les-Buis are caves that were used by French resistance fighters during World War II, where they trained and prepared for the liberation of Nogent-le-Rotrou in August 1944. You can explore the caves and see the traces of their activities, as well as a commemorative plaque. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the countryside and the Vinette River. The caves are not accessible to the public, but you can admire them from the outside and imagine the courage and determination of the maquisards. It is a hike that will make you appreciate the beauty and history of this region.