The best traffic-free bike rides around Vert-En-Drouais

Very nice

Very good for taking photos

The first mention of the existence of the Church of Saint-Martin de Nonancourt is a 12th-century charter, but the original building probably dates back to the 7th or 8th century. The bell tower that now occupies the middle of the façade dates from the reconstructions of 1204. During the Hundred Years' War, the church was largely destroyed, like many buildings in the region. The side aisles, nave, and choir were rebuilt in the 16th century. The Chapel of the Virgin, also known as the Chapel of the Rosary, was also added. The Church of Saint-Martin contains numerous works of art, some of which are listed: neo-Gothic and Renaissance furnishings, including the centerpiece, the pulpit, a veritable wooden lacework; a variety of statuary, a 16th-century organ case and finally an enigmatic fresco discovered during recent works in 2001. The stained-glass windows of the church constitute a truly remarkable collection, both in terms of their number (26 in total) and their quality. The lower windows of the nave are the oldest pieces, dating from the 1500s, while the upper windows date from the 1520s and 1530s.

The current church was almost entirely rebuilt in 1542 on Gothic foundations. The Gothic church was reportedly destroyed in 1424 by the English. According to legend, Saint Lubin, Bishop of Chartres, came to rest in this place, which housed a recluse inhabited by a monk. A chapel was built there towards the end of the 6th century.

Very beautiful pond

super

The Church of Saint-Martin, located on a slight rise, is surrounded by land corresponding to the former cemetery. It is built of pebble masonry, with stone frames, buttresses, and corner walls. The plan consists of a three-bay nave, a choir bay onto which two asymmetrical chapels open, and a three-sided apse. To the west, the nave is preceded by a small porch, while the bell tower is located in the southwest corner. Externally, this ordinary plan is contradicted by the elevation of the western facade: the impression of imbalance comes in particular from the fact that the wall enclosing the nave rises to the upper cornice of the bell tower, buttressed by three heavy buttresses. The bell tower bears the date 1322. A large Gothic window was opened in the axis of the nave, above the porch. The windows pierced in the dripstone walls are pointed arches, almost pointed. The interior of the building is of high quality. The nave is covered with a paneled vault, dated 1733 and signed with the name Beauchais. The antique pews and the nave paving, although damaged by moisture, contribute to the church's charm. To the north, the seigneurial chapel has retained its 19th-century neoclassical decor. The church contains several notable objects: a 15th-century chest, used as an altar, a 16th-century baptismal font, and two paintings depicting members of the Brotherhood of Charity, one dated 1621, the other painted in the 19th century. The charitons, identified by their names, are depicted in robes, with stoles and birettas, carrying the brotherhood's banner, the cross, and candles. In 2001, the Sauvegarde de l’Art français (French Art Protection Agency) awarded a grant of €18,294 for the repair of the roof and framework, with related zinc work and the installation of a lightning conductor.

large bird reserve and nautical activities