The best traffic-free bike rides 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.

The Saint-Saturnin church is a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. You can admire the architecture of the nave, the choir, the apse and the stately chapel, as well as the frescoes representing the apostles and the "said of the three dead and the three alive". The church also has a rich collection of sculptures, paintings and furniture from different periods.

This church, small but majestic, is worth visiting.

The Tour de Coulommiers is a medieval tower that was built in the 12th century. You can clearly see the chimney and hearth of the tower, giving you insight and understanding of the ruins you see before you.

The Talcy Windmill, which dates from the 18th century, consists of a stone base topped with a cone which supports a wooden cabin (the Hucherolle) which rotates with the wind. It is one of many mills in the region and its configuration is very particular and fascinating.

Talcy Castle is a Renaissance castle built in the 16th century. You can walk around the castle and admire its architecture, which combines classical and medieval elements. You can also learn about the history and culture of the people who lived and loved the castle, such as the poet Pierre de Ronsard, who wrote his famous sonnets for Cassandre, the daughter of the castle's owner.

The Saint-Jacques Church in Oucques is a church dating from the 10th century and dedicated to Saint James the Greater, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. You can tour the church and admire its architecture which combines Romanesque and Gothic styles. You will also learn about the history and culture of the people who built and worshiped in the church, which was part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. You can book a guided tour with one of the parishioners, who will tell you more about the secrets and stories of this place. You will need to book in advance, as the church is not open to the public all year round.