Churches, windmills and a freely accessible heritage trail form the cultural heart of Saint-Laurent-Nouan. If you would like to include other interests, you will also find a cycling route, a Swin golf practice course and a canoe launch at Port du Cavereau. These different themes can help you choose where to stay and decide which visits you would like to plan in advance.
Mills with a history of their own
The Moulin-cavier de Nouan-sur-Loire has been listed as a Monument historique since 13 January 1992. The Moulin Saint-Jacques is another connection to the area’s milling heritage: it is a Moulin-cavier windmill of the Angevin type, built in the early 19th century. The exterior can be viewed free of charge every day; guided visits with commentary are available by arrangement. Check the visiting arrangements before you arrive if you plan to take one of these visits.
The Moulin-cavier de Nouan-sur-Loire has been listed as a Monument historique since 13 January 1992; the Moulin Saint-Jacques adds its early 19th-century construction date and opportunities to visit. Depending on your interests, you can focus on the history of the mills or on seeing one in person, without needing to book a guided tour with commentary.
Churches and works of art
The churches also reflect different periods of construction. The parish church of Saint-Laurent-Saint-Germain has an entrance-tower dating from the 11th century; the nave, choir and transept were rebuilt in the 16th century. The church houses numerous works of art classified as Monuments historiques. These include wooden statues of Saint Laurent and Saint Germain, as well as a polychrome wooden chest front from the 17th century depicting scenes from the Passion.
The church of Saint-Aignan in Nouan offers a different point of reference. It dates from the 12th century and is considered the oldest Romanesque church in the region. Together, the two churches offer a concrete comparison: at Saint-Laurent-Saint-Germain, an 11th-century architectural feature stands alongside the 16th-century rebuilding of several parts of the building; Saint-Aignan is defined by its Romanesque origins and its 12th-century date.
Heritage trail, cycling route and activities
The free outdoor heritage trail “Histoire au fil des rues®” takes you through Saint-Laurent-Nouan via numbered information panels. It lets you explore the town’s history on foot rather than limiting yourself to individual buildings.
For a different activity, there is a six-hole Swin golf practice course near the Loire. It covers six hectares. There is also a canoe launch at Port du Cavereau; the port was restored in 2000. Small fishermen’s and boatmen’s houses, as well as mooring rings, have also been preserved there.
The public information centre at the Saint-Laurent nuclear power plant offers free visits, which you can take independently or with a guide. Check the visiting arrangements before you arrive. This visit can therefore be planned differently from a guided visit with commentary at the Moulin Saint-Jacques, which must be arranged in advance.
Plan your stay and accommodation
When looking for a hotel in Saint-Laurent-Nouan, it helps to first decide what your trip will focus on: architecture and art, the mills, the heritage trail or activities such as cycling, Swin golf and visiting the port. Choose which of these themes matter most to you during your stay. When planning, pay particular attention to visits that must be arranged in advance and to the visiting arrangements for the information centre.
Discover more destinations: Averdon, Villexanton, Meusnes, La Chaussée-Saint-Victor, Villebarou, Onzain, Courmemin, Montrichard.
For the wider travel overview: Loir-Et-Cher.
