Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Hilaire-Sur-Yerre include local historical sites and notable landmarks in the surrounding Eure-et-Loir department of France. The commune is traversed by the Yerre river, known for its fishing opportunities. This region serves as a starting point for exploring a variety of castles, historic towns, and natural features within a short distance. The area combines local heritage with access to significant cultural sites in the Loir valley.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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Highlight • Castle
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Highlight • Religious Site
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The imposing structure known as the "Château de Chateaudun" that reveals itself to visitors here is, of course, also available in other sports in the komoot system. For the corresponding hiking highlight, you'll find further relevant information and additional photos under the tips. If you're interested, see =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/936307
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At the gates of the Loir valley coming from Paris, between Chartres and Blois, the Château de Châteaudun raises its proud and massive silhouette to the eyes of the visitor who approaches it from the north. Property of Jean, bastard of Orléans, Count of Dunois and companion of Joan of Arc, it was a solid fortress before becoming a pleasant princely residence. Overlooking the Loir by more than 60 meters, Châteaudun Castle offers a succession of elements of medieval, Gothic and Renaissance architecture of exceptional authenticity. Clinging to its rocky promontory, the 12th century “big tower” is one of the tallest and best preserved dungeons in France. In the 15th century, Jean Dunois undertook work and transformed the castle, demolishing part of the fortifications. He made the old medieval castle a comfortable and bright residence and endowed it with a Sainte-Chapelle. In the following century, his descendants, the lords of Longueville, completed the construction of the chapel and enlarged the castle with the Longueville wing. The Dunois wing and the Longueville wing have two sumptuous staircases with loggias, one with flamboyant decor and the other from the Renaissance period. Château de Châteaudun also houses a remarkable collection of Flemish and French tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries. The visit is completed by a medieval-inspired garden exploring the relationships between cuisine and medicine in the Middle Ages, while a hanging garden reveals a garden of idleness and relaxation, unique in the Central Region.
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The community that was gifted with goods and established a command here is often referred to in a shortened form as the "Order of the Templars", but its full name is: "Poor Knighthood of Christ and the Solomonic Temple in Jerusalem". He gained notoriety through the fact that in 1312 this order was dissolved by the French king and the pope and many of its members met their violent end at the stake as alleged heretics. The main reason for the dissolution, however, was not the alleged human and religious misconduct of the members, but rather the legendary wealth of this order. King Philip IV of France primarily wanted to secure the treasures in order to supplement his coffers.
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Before the 13th century there were two parishes, Saint-Sauveur and Saint-Gilles, in 1300 the bishop of Chartres united them into one by a charter of Berchères, because of the smallness of the two parishes. The church dates from the beginning of the 17th century. Rebuilt on the foundations of an old Romanesque church, its originality comes from its bell tower with saddle roof, its caquetoire and its paneled vault redone in 2003. At the initiative of the Prince Duke of Montmorency-Laval, it has contained the reliquary of Sainte-Félicité since 1838. Saint Félicité, whose relics are in Montigny-le-Gannelon, is a martyr whose life is unknown, whose body was taken from the sacred cemeteries of Rome. We have his body, the skull, the bones of his arms, fingers and feet. They were removed from the Saint-Cyriaque cemetery in 1828 and placed in their respective places on a body artistically modeled in wax and measuring more than 1.40 meters in length. A magnificent chase, of the shape and size of an altar tomb, all furnished with glazing and embellished with gilding received this precious deposit. Pope Leo XII donated it to the Duke of Laval, then Charles X's ambassador to Rome. On his death, he bequeathed it by will to the church of Montigny-le-Gannelon where the old historic castle of Laval-Montmorency is located. The venerated hunt is now placed under the main altar of which it forms the tomb.
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This large neo-Renaissance style fountain was inaugurated in 1860 to symbolize the arrival a few years earlier of a modern drinking water supply system in the upper town. It is topped by a dome with lantern and a phoenix, this mythical bird which is reborn from its ashes and which perfectly symbolizes the rebirth of the city after fires, the most important of which was the dramatic fire of 1723.
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magnificent view of the castle on the banks of the Loir with a small corner perfect for a picnic.
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Saint-Hilaire-Sur-Yerre itself is home to the historic Église Saint-Hilaire, dating back to the 11th or 12th century with Renaissance additions, and the Lavoir Communal. Nearby, you can explore the impressive Château de Châteaudun, a blend of medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, or admire the Renaissance facades of Montigny-le-Gannelon Castle, which features one of France's tallest 12th-century keeps.
The Yerre River flows through the commune and is known for its 'no-kill' fishing policy, making it a spot for trout, chub, and rainbow trout enthusiasts. For hiking, you can find various trails in the area, including the 'Montigny-le-Gannelon Castle Loop' or 'The Douy Ponds loop from Douy'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Saint-Hilaire-Sur-Yerre guide.
Families can enjoy exploring the grand Château de Châteaudun, which offers a fascinating glimpse into history with its architecture and tapestry collection. The picturesque towns like Beaugency and Meung-sur-Loire also provide charming environments for leisurely strolls and discovering local heritage.
Beyond the castles, don't miss the Monumental Fountain of Châteaudun, a large neo-Renaissance style fountain symbolizing the city's rebirth. The Église Saint-Hilaire in the commune itself showcases distinct Romanesque and Renaissance construction periods. Further afield, the town of Vendôme is recognized for its numerous historical monuments.
Yes, the area offers various cycling routes. For road cycling, you might consider routes like 'La Forêt de Fréteval, l'étang de Lubin' or 'Château de Châteaudun – Château de Meslay loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find trails such as 'Courgain Mill – Church of Saint John of the Chain loop'. More details are available in the MTB Trails around Saint-Hilaire-Sur-Yerre and Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Hilaire-Sur-Yerre guides.
Several charming destinations are within a short drive. Vendôme is a 'town of art and history' with many historical monuments. Beaugency is a picturesque town along the Loire River, known for its historical sites. Meung-sur-Loire is another medieval village, and Lavardin is recognized as one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages,' featuring a river, an ancient bridge, and an old castle.
Visitors are often impressed by the scale and historical depth of castles like Château de Châteaudun, noting its commanding position overlooking the Loir river and its rich collection of 16th and 17th-century tapestries. The View of Montigny-le-Gannelon Castle is appreciated for its splendid Renaissance facades, especially when viewed from the bridge over the Loir.
Approximately 40 km to the east-south-east, you can discover Les Jardins de Roquelin, which are beautiful rose gardens in the Loire Valley, offering a tranquil and scenic experience.
The region is generally pleasant to visit during spring and summer (April to September) when the weather is mild, and gardens like Les Jardins de Roquelin are in full bloom. This period is also ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, and for exploring the historical sites comfortably.
Yes, beyond the local Église Saint-Hilaire, you can visit Saint Peter's Church in Romilly-sur-Aigre, which features a 15th-century reconstruction and distinctive 18th-century corner towers. Another is Saint George's Church in Cloyes-sur-le-Loir, dedicated to the legendary dragon slayer.
The Yerre River, which flows through Saint-Hilaire-Sur-Yerre, is known for its 'no-kill' fishing policy. It's a popular spot for anglers interested in catching trout, chub, and rainbow trout, providing a peaceful outdoor activity.


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