Saint-Arnoult-Des-Bois is defined by two distinctive landmarks: the Romanesque Église Saint-Arnoult and the Arche à Mulet along the route of the Canal Louis XIV. At the Arche, a stone structure, a historic canal project and the Coisnon stream flowing underneath come together. The town’s history adds medieval references to Goinville and the development of the town’s name to these visible landmarks. This makes it possible to explore sacred architectural history, remembrance of the Second World War and historic water-engineering plans as distinct themes during a stay.

The Arche à Mulet and the Canal Louis XIV

The Arche à Mulet is a stone structure over which the Canal Louis XIV ran on an earth embankment; today, it marks the route of the canal. The Coisnon stream flows beneath the Arche. Thus, the former canal route above and the stream below meet at the same structure. The Arche measures 30 metres in length, 2 metres in width and 2 metres in height—so it is considerably longer than it is wide. For anyone interested in historic infrastructure, this combination of structure, earth embankment and stream offers a tangible point of interest.

The canal project broadens the picture beyond the structure itself. Work on the Canal Louis XIV began between 1685 and 1688 and was abandoned in 1694. The canal was intended to supply water to the Palace of Versailles. This purpose was part of the overall historic project; the Arche à Mulet is its local point of reference in Saint-Arnoult-Des-Bois.

Local history and remembrance

For the town’s earlier history, look to Goinville. Goinville is apparently considered the birthplace of Saint-Arnoult-Des-Bois; the early name “Gaudeni-villa” is associated with Roman origins. In 1117, Goinville had a church dedicated to Saint Arnoul. The name Saint-Arnoult-Des-Bois first appears in a document dating from 1390. Thus, a cautiously worded interpretation of the town’s origins, a medieval reference to a church and a later record of its name sit side by side.

The Église Saint-Arnoult is Romanesque and serves as a cultural point of reference in its own right, alongside the history of the canal. Remembrance of the Second World War also has a specific location: at Saint-Arnoult-des-Bois Communal Cemetery, a communal grave for two members of the Royal Canadian Air Force is located in the churchyard opposite the church’s west portal. Pilot Officer William Gracie served in No. 433 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force, died on 5 July 1944 and is recorded in this communal grave.

Walk or cycle ride

Walkers can explore surviving structures of the Canal Louis XIV, including the Arche à Mulet, as remains of the canal. As a cycling option, the 32-kilometre “Royal Canal” loop passes near the Arche. These two options answer different planning questions: the walking information focuses on the surviving structures, while the cycling loop offers a named route of known length. If you plan to take the loop, it is advisable to check current route information.

Discover more destinations: Vichères, Saint-Jean-de-Rebervilliers, Le Mesnil-Simon, Nogent-Le-Rotrou, Sainte-Gemme-Moronval, La Puisaye, Saint-Maixme-Hauterive, Chartres.

For the broader travel overview: Eure-Et-Loir.