Different conditions apply when planning your visit: paths in the nature reserve are regulated; the municipal pond offers opportunities for walking and fishing; the horse-riding tour through Averdon is not signposted and must be planned entirely on your own.
Landscapes along the Cisse
Averdon lies in the Petite Beauce, by the Cisse River. The RĂ©serve Naturelle Nationale de Grand-Pierre et Vitain is located in the municipalities of Averdon and Marolles. Within the protected area, access to paths is regulated because of private property and hunting seasons. If you include the area in your plans, follow the applicable path guidance and plan your route accordingly.
Along the Cisse lies the 4.5-hectare Marais des Tresseaux. Its restoration aims to recover and maintain animal and plant biodiversity. The wetland is also visited by many schoolchildren for educational purposes. The landscape therefore includes both a river environment and a wetland with its own educational role.
Cultural history and archaeological heritage
The Church of Saint-Lubin dates back to the Carolingian period. It also contains late Baroque altarpieces and furnishings from the late 17th century that are listed as historic monuments. When considering their dates, it is worth distinguishing between the church’s origins and its furnishings: the Carolingian period refers to the church’s origins, while the late 17th century refers to the furnishings mentioned. Altarpieces are structures behind altars and are part of a church’s furnishings.
The Grand Mesle promontory lies within the RĂ©serve Naturelle Nationale de Grand-Pierre et Vitain. It includes a 6.48-hectare area listed as a historic monument, with burial monuments from the Neolithic and protohistoric periods. Grand Mesle is the largest protohistoric necropolis in Centre-Val de Loire. The area measurement and regional significance describe different aspects: 6.48 hectares refers to the area, while the superlative describes the size of the necropolis.
Another archaeological landmark is the dolmen at La Grande Pierre in Averdon. A decree dated 16 October 1979 designated it a historic monument. This date refers to its designation, not to when the dolmen was created. The dates associated with the sites can therefore be clearly distinguished: Grand Mesle is associated with prehistoric periods, while the dolmen’s date refers to its legal protection.
Walks, fishing and a horse-riding tour
Averdon’s municipal pond is a pleasant place for a walk and offers opportunities for fishing. If you would like to fish, check the local rules beforehand.
The 27-kilometre Randonnée équestre en petite Beauce passes through Averdon and the Cisse Valley. It is not signposted and must be planned entirely on your own. A horse-riding trip on this route therefore requires your own planning; also check the route conditions before setting out. The stated distance refers to the route, not to walking time.
Getting there and planning your stay
The RĂ©mi network provides regional transport in Centre-Val de Loire. If you plan to use it for a connection, check the specific timetables and services before travelling. You can also choose a focus when looking for accommodation: would you prefer to spend your time exploring the landscape, archaeological sites or architectural history?
Discover more destinations: Mer, Saint-Romain-Sur-Cher, Vievy-Le-Rayé, Saint-Julien-De-Chédon, Mareuil-sur-Cher, Lavardin, Pouillé, Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire.
For the regional travel overview: Loir-Et-Cher.
