Attractions and Places To See around Brou - Top 19

In Brou, Eure-et-Loir, you can visit the historic Place des Halles, which dates back to the mid-14th century and features a 15th-century half-timbered house. Explore the streets to see several other beautiful half-timbered houses, including one listed as a historical monument. The Saint-Lubin Church, built in the 12th century and enlarged in the 15th and 16th centuries, houses 18th-century furniture and religious art. You can also find the St. Mark's Chapel, an early 14th-century chapel now serving as a tourist office and exhibition space.

Yes, Brou offers natural features for relaxation and activity. The Brou Leisure Park, located near the pond and Balastière Michel Hamet pond, provides facilities like an outdoor pool and swin golf. You can also enjoy a pleasant stroll along the Ozanne River Promenade, where you can admire old wash houses and appreciate the local flora and fauna on marked walking paths.

The Monastère Royal de Brou is a highly acclaimed flamboyant Gothic religious complex located in Bourg-en-Bresse, in the Ain department, not in Brou, Eure-et-Loir. It was built by Margaret of Austria in the early 16th century as a tribute to her late husband, Philibert le Beau, and is often described as a 'mausoleum of love'.

At the Monastère Royal de Brou, you can admire its immaculate facades, remarkable glazed roof, and three cloisters. The monastic buildings house the municipal museum of Bourg-en-Bresse, featuring collections of fine religious statues and paintings. A must-see are the three sumptuous princely tombs of Philibert le Beau, Margaret of Austria, and Philibert's mother, Margaret of Bourbon, known for their intricate 'stone lacework' sculptures.

Yes, several attractions around Brou are suitable for families. The Brou Leisure Park offers an outdoor pool and swin golf. The settlement of Illiers-Combray, known as the city of Marcel Proust's childhood, offers charming architecture and historical sites that can be interesting for families. Additionally, the Château de Frazé is also considered family-friendly.

The area around Brou offers various outdoor activities, particularly cycling and hiking. You can find numerous routes for touring bicycles, road cycling, and hiking. For more details on specific routes, you can explore the dedicated guides for Cycling around Brou and Hiking around Brou.

Yes, there are several hiking trails. An easy option is the 'Étang de la Balastière – Étang de Pêche Michel Hamet loop from Brou' which is about 4 km. For moderate hikes, consider the 'Château de Frazé — loop from Montigny-le-Chartif' (approx. 13 km) or the 'Brou loop from Brou' (approx. 9 km). You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Brou guide.

Absolutely! Brou is a great starting point for cycling. You can find moderate cycling routes like the 'Frazé – Château de Frazé loop from Brou' (approx. 45 km) or the 'Alluyes Castle – Alluyes Church loop from Brou' (approx. 52 km). For road cycling, there's the 'Saint John the Baptist Church – Saint Lubin Church loop from Brou' (approx. 37 km). Discover more routes in the Cycling around Brou guide and Road Cycling Routes around Brou guide.

Beyond Brou, you can visit the Church of Saint James in Illiers-Combray, a 15th-century religious building known for its painted wooden beamed ceiling. The Château de Frazé, a 15th-century castle with French-style exteriors, is another significant historical site. Also, the settlement of Illiers-Combray itself is classified as a 'City of character' with notable architecture.

Visitors appreciate the blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The Church of Saint James is noted for its historical significance as a pilgrim stop on the Way of St. James. The charm of Illiers-Combray, with its connection to Marcel Proust and its distinctive architecture, is also highly regarded. The peaceful Rives du Loir offer a serene natural escape.

Yes, for those looking for a lesser-known historical site, the Saint Martin Church of La Croix-du-Perche is a remarkable find. Dating from the 12th century, it features a single nave and is particularly notable for its 16th-century framework, which is entirely decorated with paintings from 1537. It was classified as a historic monument in 1934.