The best traffic-free bike rides around Gallardon

Very nice route, 3/4 of which is in the forest. The few roads used are very quiet. The advantage of this route, if you like, is that it can easily be transformed into a mountain bike route. Just look to the right or left of the cycle path and there is a single track. Have a good trip to all those who wish to take it.

The Saint-Léger church of Houx is a religious monument located in the commune of Houx, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Although its existence is attested, the available sources do not specify either its period of construction or the architectural or historical details associated with it. This type of building, typical of small French towns, often plays a central role in local life, both spiritually and communally. In the Centre-Val de Loire, parish churches like Saint-Léger of Houx were historically essential gathering places for the inhabitants. They served not only for religious services, but also for social or civic events. Their presence generally reflects the medieval or modern organization of the villages, where the church constituted a major geographical and identity landmark.

Construction of this neo-Gothic church began in 1892. On December 8, 1895, it was inaugurated and blessed, becoming the parish church in place of the Church of Saint Rémy. However, sculptures and stained-glass windows have been added or renewed to this day. The stained-glass windows in the nave depict the Beatitudes. Seven sculpted groups in the heart of the church symbolize the sacraments.

Before 528, the village of Saint-Prest was called Saint-Jean-sur-Eure. At that time, the Bishop of Chartres, Ethère, had a building built adjoining the southern flank of the parish church, including a "martyrium" to house the remains of holy martyrs (the legend of Saint-Prest), which were placed in ten sarcophagi. The most honored relics were those of a certain Priscus; following numerous miracles, the parish took the name of Saint-Prest. The current church's crypt is the apse of the 9th-century Carolingian church, which replaced a 6th-century sanctuary. Access to the 12th-century nave, on the west side, is through a beautiful Romanesque portal, carved from beautiful limestone, surmounted by a triple saw-tooth archivolt and framed by two small columns with capitals. On the right, a face would be that of Eve, and on the left would appear the tempting serpent.

it's a route with very few vehicles so you can relax more to have fun

King Francis I died there. In 1804, Napoleon took possession of a castle in poor condition due to the Revolution. He had important work done there. When the monarchy was restored in 1815, Louis XVIII reinvested the castle and undertook some work. More than half of the Presidents of the Republic have stayed there. A true haven of peace, the place is ideal for combining family life and high-level diplomatic meetings, in a relaxed style.

Worth a detour. Cycling inside the parc is permitted. For the castle check the opening hours and beware of the typical French lunch breaks, even on weekends.

The Fondation d'Aligre et Marie-Thérèse establishment, which is in fact an "Accommodation Establishment for Dependent Elderly People", has the possibility of offering pleasant accommodation for 144 elderly people. It is also an archaeological site, where some sculptures of ancient objects have been recovered.