Between viewpoints and the Loir
Montigny-le-Gannelon is defined by two distinct landscape settings. The upper part of the village looks out over Saint-Hilaire-sur-Yerre and Cloyes-sur-le-Loir; the lower part runs alongside the Loir in the direction of these two places. The names therefore appear in both descriptions of the location, but serve different purposes: as destinations viewed from above and as the direction of the lower part of the village. It is worth keeping this distinction in mind when finding your way around. It shows that the views and the river setting belong to different parts of the village, rather than describing a single, uniform landscape.
The Parc et Plan d’eau des Tirelles
The Parc et Plan d’eau des Tirelles is jointly maintained by Montigny-le-Gannelon and Cloyes-sur-le-Loir. The site includes a fitness trail, information panels about birds, fauna and flora, as well as benches and picnic tables. Walking, fishing and mountain biking are possible here all year round. The site therefore combines information about nature with several ways to spend time outdoors: the panels focus on wildlife and plant life, the trail adds to what is on offer, and the benches and tables are suitable for a break or a picnic. If you are planning a visit, check the latest conditions and access information, as local conditions and access may change due to maintenance or seasonal work.
Remains of the fortifications and church history
Visible remains of the medieval fortifications still survive: the Porte Roland, a former watch post and several small towers. The Porte Roland once provided access to Montigny-le-Gannelon from Châteaudun. As well as being a visible part of the fortification remains, the structure therefore represents a historic link between the two places.
The Église Saint-Sauveur / Saint-Gilles offers another way to explore the village’s history. It was rebuilt in the late 16th and early 17th centuries on Romanesque foundations. The church also houses a wooden reliquary dating from 1828, containing the relics of Saint Félicité; the saint is depicted as a wax figure. The dates refer to different things: the late 16th and early 17th centuries date the rebuilding, while 1828 is the date of the reliquary. Together, they make the building’s history and a specific religious artwork two distinct aspects of a visit to the church.
Château park and mountain bike route
The Château de Montigny-le-Gannelon is a Renaissance château set in a 15-hectare park. The park is ideal for a stroll; a tour of the château takes you through the Salon des Dames, the grand salon, the billiards room and the kings’ dining room. This lets you plan a park walk and a visit to the château’s rooms as separate activities. Tour availability and times may change; check the latest information before your trip.
For mountain biking, there is the circular route “Le château de Montigny-le-Gannelon: circuit n°4”. The route is 45 km long and rated easy. Check the latest downloadable route information before setting off. The park walk and the circular route differ in activity and stated distance: the mountain bike route has a specified distance and difficulty rating, while the park is ideal for walking.
Discover more destinations: Boncourt, Ver-lès-Chartres, Hanches, La Bazoche-Gouet, La Puisaye, Charonville, Béthonvilliers, Tréon.
View the broader travel overview: Eure-Et-Loir.
