The best road cycling routes around Saint-Léonard-En-Beauce

The current Church of Saint Maurice dates from the 16th century, replacing a 12th-century building. The entrance is through a door located on the east side, as renovations during the 19th century altered the church's orientation. An entrance was created in the flat apse, and a polygonal apse was built to the west. A south aisle was also added. Inside, the nave is flanked by two side aisles. The right aisle, to the north (since the church is now off-center), dates from the 16th century. The left aisle, built in 1865, is covered, like the rest of the church, by ribbed vaults. The baptistery chapel contains a modern marble font and a late 18th-century painting depicting the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist. On either side of the chancel, two chapels terminate the side aisles. The chancel, in the Neo-Gothic style, dates from the 19th century, while the crucifix dates from the 16th century. The pulpit, imposing for a rural church, is made of oak and dates from the 19th century. The exit, located to the east, still retains traces of the former apse. On the 19th-century apse, there is a reused stone from the 12th-century building and a consecration cross.

This old sanctuary in the Beauce region, on the edge of the Marchenoir forest, not far from the ruins of Cîteaux Abbey, has a glorious past and a certain artistic charm, which the 1963 restoration work brought to light. This church, along with the "Petit Cîteaux" (Little Cîteaux), was partially burned during the Hundred Years' War. The foundations of some walls reveal the Romanesque period. The bell tower dates from the 12th century, and the consecration crosses, themselves carved in stone, are very old. The portal opening, with its pointed arch, dates from the 15th century and was well-deserving of the beautiful wrought-iron door with hinges that has recently been installed. The altar is a magnificent 12th-century Touraine stone from an old cemetery chapel, supported by two ancient columns that are relics of Cîteaux Abbey. The cemetery once surrounded the church. The two stone benches on either side of the entrance are former tombstones. In the square in front of the post office, there once stood a huge barn: the tithe barn. Until 1989, the bell tower still housed one of the oldest bells in the region. It dated from 1522 and weighed 650 kilos, but unfortunately, a deep crack irreparably damaged its beautiful bronze casing. Named Sulpice, the inscription in Gothic script that once adorned it read: "In the year 1522, Sulpice was named by Sir Michel Berger, parish priest, and nobleman Guillaume de Frouville, squire, and Lady Katherine de Frouville." The new bell, named Catherine, weighs 310 kilos and is tuned to A sharp. It was christened on December 10, 1989, by Bishop Goupy of Blois. Madame Loridon is the godmother, and Mr Bernard Seigneuret is the godfather.

Saint-Laurent Church is distinguished by its attractive wooden porch that extends across the entire facade. The facade is quite large for a church without side aisles. Numerous 18th-century alterations are evident, particularly to the windows.

For €4, you can do a mini wine tasting, which means you can try three wines from a selection of around 50. You choose your own wines from the vending machine. It's closed for lunch (1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.). You can try (and buy) various cookies for free before or afterward in the biscuit shop next door 😉.

It's the Bracieux market hall, not Selles-sur-Cher. I don't know how we can change that.

Beautiful crossing of the Loire, very busy bridge

Unavoidable

It is the largest Renaissance hunting lodge on the Loire. A visit is highly recommended. There is a paid parking lot. The park is 55 hectares in size. Chambord Castle impresses with its architecture, the beautifully furnished rooms and art. It is recommended to rent a Histopad for 6.5 euros. From the terrace you have great views of the landscaped garden and the extensive park.