Auneau can be explored through several distinct themes: Château history, prehistory and leisure activities at the ponds. During your stay, you can choose between culture, archaeological interests and outdoor activities. The keep of the Château d’Auneau and the Church of Saint-Rémy date from the 11th century. The main building of the Château also includes structural elements from the 18th century. The prehistoric site points to a long history of settlement, and recreational activities are available at the ponds. If you are looking for a hotel in Auneau, you can first consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.
The Château d’Auneau and Saint-Rémy
The tower of the Château d’Auneau has been listed as a historic monument since 7 November 1927. The Château includes a cylindrical keep dating from the 11th century. The main building includes structural elements from the 14th, 16th and 18th centuries. The keep is therefore older than the aforementioned parts of the main building; the Château’s history of construction spans several centuries.
The Church of Saint-Rémy offers another historical point of interest. It dates from the 11th century and is located in the hamlet of Saint-Rémy. It was built over the Saint-Maur spring, which was a place of pilgrimage until the beginning of the 20th century. The church’s history is therefore also connected with the spring’s pilgrimage tradition.
Prehistory from several perspectives
The prehistoric site in the Parc du Château in Auneau-Bleury-Saint-Symphorien was inhabited from 8000 to 3500 BC. It therefore represents a period much earlier than that of the medieval buildings. The Jardin de la Préhistoire offers an archaeological and botanical trail through a reed bed on the banks of the Aunay. The route may change; check local notices before setting out. The Maison circulaire d’Auneau is an important discovery for understanding Neolithic dwellings. These themes offer different perspectives: settlement history, the connection between archaeology and botany, and Neolithic forms of housing.
Ponds and fitness trail
The Étangs d’Auneau comprise two ponds: Les Aulnes, covering 2 hectares, and Fontaine à Jean, covering 2.5 hectares. Fontaine à Jean is therefore 0.5 hectares larger. The ponds have outdoor play equipment, picnic benches and a table tennis table. The site is suitable for a family weekend, and fishing is also possible. Fishing regulations may change. If a particular facility is important to your plans, check the current information before your visit, as the facilities may also change.
The fitness trail starts behind the Grange Marchand at the Étangs d’Auneau. It is 3.8 kilometres long and has 13 wooden fitness stations. Its 3.8-kilometre route is equipped with 13 wooden fitness stations. By comparison, leisure facilities such as picnic benches and outdoor play equipment are the main features at the ponds. You can weigh up the trail and the site according to the focus you want for your stay. Signage and access conditions may change; check local notices before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Ermenonville-La-Petite, Vaupillon, Le Coudray, Barjouville, Bérou-La-Mulotière, Pontgouin, Bonneval, Saint-Maixme-Hauterive.
See the overview of the wider region: Eure-Et-Loir.
