Unique Escape at Castel Maintenon, Eure-et-Loir

A highly sought-after fishing spot that regularly hosts competitions, you will take the GR1 trail to reach the Étang de la Tour. You will follow the Drouette, which connects it to the Étang d'Or, while enjoying the fauna and flora of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park.

This 28-km long (17 miles) walking trail in the countryside, linking the Departments of the Eure and the Eure-et-Loir, has been developed along a former railway line that used to link Dreux to Pacy-sur-Eure. From Saint-Georges-Motel to Breuilpont, via the pretty little towns of Marcilly-sur-Eure, Croth, Ezy-sur-Eure and Ivry-la-Bataille, have a look at treasures Norman history featured along the river and its valley. Thanks to the Eure Valley Greenway, enjoy the charms of the river Eure that gave its name to our wonderful Department.

Nestled at the bottom of the Eure valley, known for its ecological diversity and its mild southern climate, the village of Marcilly-sur-Eure will show you, along the walk, all its charms and features: forest, streams and rural heritage sites.

This trail offers a glimpse of the GR22 hiking trail that links Paris to the Mont-St-Michel and allows visitors to enjoy the joys of nature at the beginning of spring. From the bottom of the Avre valley, supplied by its tributary, the Meuvette, walkers get to the wooded hillsides - listed for the diversity of species found there - and admire the wet meadows. This watery landscape also gives pride of place to heritage sites.

Come and spend a day among France's biggest monuments, all in one park! It's bound to appeal to both young and old! Prepare to explore France and its biggest landmarks in just a few hours by visiting the France Miniature park. Set off on a trip through France and discover 117 monuments reproduced at 1:30 scale and in the setting of a five-hectare park set out in the form of a map of France. Admire all of France's most beautiful sites, from Paris' most beautiful monuments in minature form, to Versailles, the Chateaux of the Loire region, the Auvergne Volcanoes, the Arles Amphitheatre, gothic and roman architecture, Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel and more... On this unconventional yet cultural tour you will find out the stories behind many French monuments. An attractions area, based upon the regions of France is also to be found in the park. Find inspiration for your future trips to France at France Miniature!

Remarkably preserved, the castle of Saint-Jean de Beauregard kept intact all the charm and elegance of its 17th century classic environment. Nestled in a haven of peace and greenery, the powerful and sober mass of the castle, with its seven courtyards, its park and its French garden, is part of an almost perfect square in which harmoniously integrate chapel, common, stables, kitchen garden, dovecote, orangery, drinking trough, ice-house, moat ... all the essentials for everyday life in the 17th century.

Floréval Adventure Park combines adventure, nature, environmental awareness and quality of service for a family adventure outing, a fun day out with friends or an atypical, green business event. Parc Aventure Floréval, located in the heart of the Morionville forest, just 30 minutes from Paris, is the largest forest adventure park in the Ile-de-France region. Designed to welcome young and old alike, it extends over 1,000 hectares of unspoilt nature, on the edge of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park. Since its opening in 2005, the park has made environmental preservation one of its priorities. Its aim is to raise public awareness, young and old, of the forest ecosystem through fun and educational activities. Floréval has developed a wide range of outdoor activities, all committed to respecting the natural environment. Its actions include the regeneration of forest areas, guaranteeing sustainable development. The park has been awarded the PEFC label, attesting to sustainable forest management. The park is also committed to cleanliness, and uses recyclable materials for its facilities. Parc Aventure Floréval has also been awarded the Qualité Tourisme label by the French Ministry of Tourism. This means it offers a warm welcome and quality services, with qualified staff attentive to visitors' needs. The park's operators hold an OPAH professional qualification certificate, guaranteeing a quality experience. YOUR BUSINESS EVENTS In addition to family visits, the park offers solutions for seminars and team-building activities. Its atypical forest house can host a variety of events in a verdant setting (seminars, study days, team-building...). The park offers "turnkey" formulas to meet corporate needs, with a varied catering service including breakfasts, hot meals and snacks. On-site activities include accrobranche, laser games, escape games, boot camp, mini-golf, archery battles and olympiads. These options are designed to encourage team-building and provide a change of scenery from the everyday. The park constantly strives to innovate in order to enrich its offer and attract ever more visitors.

Richard Piriou established his own poultry farm in 2014, on the family farm in Guillerval in the south of Essonne. Son of farmers, this poultry farmer raises bare-necked chickens, farm guineafowls, as well as capons for the end of year celebrations. All are raised in a natural outdoor setting and wander through a grassy path of several dozen hectares. The farmer also cultivates cereals on part of his farm according to a sustainable agriculture. Richard's poultry are fed with wheat and corn from the farm but also with oilseeds and protein crops. Richard Priou sells his products on the markets of Etampes or Auvers-Saint-Georges (every other Saturday morning) and then on the markets of Guillerval or Saint-Cyr-la-Rivière (every other Saturday afternoon). It is also possible to place an order directly with the breeder and collect the poultry from the farm.

With Angerville International Karting Centre, RACING KART ORGANISATION boasts one of Europe's biggest karting facilities for both recreational and competition karting.

The Grand Trianon was designed in 1687 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart to allow King Louis XIV to escape the excessive luxury of the Court and to safeguard his love affairs there. The site indeed exudes a sense of intimacy and refinement. The palace is inspired by Italian architecture and invites you to poetry and leisurely strolls. It was built on the site of Louis XIV’s former Porcelain Trianon. A little fun fact: in the past, the Grand Trianon was surrounded by thousands of potted flowers, which were changed every day. Today, this tradition is still maintained with each season. The spectacle was truly unique: flowerbeds bursting with blooms of every color and a wide variety of fragrances filled the air. Later on, the Grand Trianon was frequented by Napoleon Bonaparte and by Presidents of the Republic. From 1962 to 1966, General de Gaulle entrusted André Malraux, then Minister of Cultural Affairs, with the restoration of the Grand Trianon.

ArrayWhat to Expect Begin your visit by exploring the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and peek into the private lives of the infamous King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Designed to protect the ornate walls and ceilings from smoke, the hall’s 357 mirrors were strategically placed to reflect the light of candles. With just a few flames, the reflection from so many mirrors was enough to light up the whole hall! After admiring the inside of the Palace, head outdoors and take in the grandeur of the estate’s impressive architecture. Stroll along the cobblestone grounds and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. At the Carrosses Gallery, travel back in time as you explore carriages, coaches, sculptures and other artifacts left behind by the French Monarch. If you’re short on time or would prefer to skip the long entry lines, a Versailles skip-the-line entry ticket will allow you to save anywhere from 1-3 hours of waiting. If you happen to visit the Palace on a Tuesday, Saturday or Sunday, consider opting for a Versailles Passport ticket and catch one of the famous water fountain and musical shows. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walk its gardens. A place of immense beauty, Versailles stands as a symbol of France’s monarchy and its glorious history.

The Petit Trianon was built between 1763 and 1768 by the architect Gabriel, requested by Madame de Pompadour, mistress then friend of king Louis XV. Madame de Pompadour, who wished to “relieve the king’s boredom” — though no longer his mistress, she remained his friend — was the instigator of this small château, built by architect Gabriel between 1763 and 1768. It was erected near the Botanical Garden and the new menagerie, as Louis XV had a keen interest in the sciences. To please the marquise, always at the forefront of fashion, the king’s architect broke away from the rococo aesthetic and adopted a cubic form with very pure lines, in keeping with the brand-new “Greek style” then in vogue. Its simplicity is only apparent, for each façade is different, designed in relation to the space it overlooks: the courtyard, the French Garden with its elegant pavilion, the Botanical Garden, and the Florist’s Garden. Inside, one finds the same modernity of style. Simpler than the rest of the estate, the decoration of the Petit Trianon lies not in lavish materials — gilding is almost absent — but in the refinement of its sculptures, in a château entirely dedicated to nature. Madame de Pompadour died in 1764 and never saw the château completed. Today, it is above all the memory of Marie-Antoinette that it evokes. In 1774, Louis XVI gave the Trianon estate to his wife, who was able to live here a life apart — too much so for some — from the Court.

ArrayYour Experience Use Your Passport to Tour the Château de Versailles Your ticket gives you access to the most famous places within the royal estate including the Royal Palace, the Park, Gardens, Marie Antoinette’s Estate, and entry to any exhibitions on show at the time of your visit. If you plan to visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it’s worth paying the extra €8 for an upgraded Passport ticket, which includes access to the Musical Fountain and Garden shows. Learn About the French Monarchy with the Help of a Multilingual Audio Guide Upon entering the Palace, collect your complimentary audio guide from one of the two pick-up counters located on the ground floor, one at the entrance to the Apartment Ladies and the other at the entrance to the Gallery of Castles. Audio guides are available in 11 languages: Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese and Russian. Begin your visit by exploring the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and peek into the private lives of the infamous King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Designed to protect the ornate walls and ceilings from smoke, the hall’s 357 mirrors were strategically placed to reflect the light of candles. With just a few flames, the reflection from so many mirrors was enough to light up the whole hall! Explore 250 Acres of Gorgeously Landscaped Lawns and Fountains After admiring the inside of the Palace, head outdoors and take in the grandeur of the estate’s impressive architecture. Stroll along the cobblestone grounds, through the beautiful French gardens, and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. Next, stop by the Estate of Marie Antoinette and discover the life and antics of the Queen at the Petit Trianon. Walk around the Village of the Queen and English gardens, then see where Marie Antoinette built her own house, a Mill, a Preparation Dairy, a Cave, a Belvedere and the magnificent Temple of Love where lovers get engage. At the Carrosses Gallery, travel back in time as you explore carriages, coaches, sculptures and other artifacts left behind by the French Monarch. If you’re short on time and would prefer to skip the long lines, a Versailles skip-the-line entry ticket will allow you to save your time. If you’d like to maximize your time at the palace of Versailles and get a more in depth Castle experience, click here. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walk its gardens. A place of immense beauty, Versailles stands as a symbol of France’s monarchy and its glorious history.

In the Norman capital of combs, uncover the amazing history of an exceptional know-how. Comb making has been Ezy's main industry for centuries. Its combs were renowned throughout the world for their quality and their sophistication. Fashion designers and hairdressers from Paris used to come and visit the factory. The museum was set up in a factory that closed down in 1984. The former workshop showcases the unique skill of the comb makers of Ezy. The manor house holds a collection of rare combs and headdresses: lice comb, moustache comb, combs belonging to Paco Rabanne, Jacques Dessange, etc., combs made of tortoise-shell, ivory, horn, etc. Peasants in Ezy have made combs in winter as early as the 17th century. First using boxwood, then using horse hoof and cow horn. They worked 12 to 14 hours a day and produced about 12 combs per day, which they sold in Paris.

If you are looking for an unusual place to visit, Calvados Morin is the place to go in Ivry-la-Bataille. Calvados Morin is one of the oldest calvados producers, renowned throughout the world and specialized in the blending and ageing of up-market Calvados. The tour, guided by the cellar masters, starts with a little bit of history about the industry and a presentation of Calvados. You will then get to the originality of the place: troglodytic cellars hollowed out of the hillsides of the Eure Valley where hundreds of casks are stocked. A unique setting in Normandy, ideal for Calvados and alcohol ageing. After the tour that lasts about 1 hour, time for a tasting session with the cellar master.

In Ivry-la-Bataille can be seen the remains of one of the first stone castles built in Normandy circa 1000 AD. When you visit the ruins you can imagine the size of the fortress and the magnitude of the keep that testify to the strategic importance Ivry had for centuries. Ivry's name evolved into Ivry-la-Bataille after the battle of 1590 won by Henry IV of France against the Duke of Mayenne. A pleasant walk provides a view over the town and the Eure river dotted with watermills and waterworks that remind us of the important industrial past. Along the streets with evocative names, "rue des belles femmes" (pretty women's street), "rue de la porte à bateaux" (boats' door street), or the "rue de la prison" (Jail street), admire Norman half-timbered houses and take a look at the door of the former abbey. Do not miss: Calvados Morin and the visit of the troglodytic cellars.

The gardens of the Château de Breteuil are the perfect setting for a fun and historical walk for all the family ! In the Chevreuse Valley, get lost in the 75 hectares of parkland at the Château de Breteuil. In this English-style garden, start your walk by discovering the Jardin des Princes (Princes’ Garden) with its collection of Japanese cherry trees, then take a tour of the maze, and finally wander through a typical French-style garden laid out around 1900. During your walk, don't forget to take the way of remarkable trees before discovering two romantic ponds. Rhododendrons and roses in spring, wild cyclamen in autumn, colours change according to the season and the park takes on a different look. You can also meet the heroes of Perrault's fairy tales throughout your walk and let yourself be carried away by their stories! A visit to the château, its playgrounds and picnic areas will guarantee a great day out for all the family.

Overlooking the Eure valley, the castle of Ivry was one of the first stone castles built in Normandy and is said to have been used as a model for the Tower of London. Due to its imposing and strategic position at the border, and with its "huge and well-fortified tower", it has been at stake in feudal wars for several centuries, but also in battles between the Duchy of Normandy and the Capetian kings. The ruins of this Norman castle have been turned into a pleasant walk overlooking the Eure valley.

With its great park, its garden and its was statues living in the castle, Breteui is a family outing. Château de Breteuil stands in the heart of the Vallée de Chevreuse. The de Breteuil family, one of the most illustrious in France, has owned this immense property for several generations. The current building features a harmonious 17th-century façade of white stone and pink brick. But if you look hard enough, you can still make out some of the remains of the original fortified castle, such as the dovecote. Young and old alike will love the tour of the residence, brought to life by wax figures created by the Grévin Museum. Parents can observe the dress and customs of the period, while their children marvel at the reproductions of Red Riding Hood, Little Thumb and other heroes from Perrault's fairy tales, who populate the castle and its outbuildings. Outside, magnificent gardens and a gigantic 75-hectare park await visitors. After feeding the fallow deer and ducks, lose yourself in the large boxwood maze... A real place to daydream, for all the family.

Nonancourt was fortified shortly before Verneuil-sur-Avre by Henry Beauclerc circa 1112. 700 years ago, a powerful fortress flanked by 14 towers stood there. During your visit have a look at Saint Martin's Church and its stained-glass windows, listed a Historic Monument in 1975. The Norman half-timbered houses, the remains of the 12th century fortification wall, and walks along the water constitute Nonancourt's heritage. During the 19th century, this town was considered as a "centre of the textile activity" with its cotton and wool spinning mills.

The Clos Saint André Restaurant serves up refined dishes made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The owners provide a friendly welcome and a warm atmosphere in a "handmade", craft-inspired decor that evolves throughout the year.

We welcome you in a warm atmosphere to offer you a variety of services, such as dry cleaning, car registration, pickup relay point, proximity payment. We will be able to answer all your requests. Our restaurant also opens its doors to you to propose various formulas of greedy meals. Come and enjoy our tasty dishes made with fresh and seasonal products. At La Bonne Franquette, you are also invited to theme evenings throughout the year.

Find the cafe bistrot Hotel de Paris in Bièvres for a friendly moment. Looking for a counter to drink a "short black", wooden tables weathered by the time where enthroned crockery dish and large balloon glass, a good smell of cooking in the air? Welcome to our bistro! Here, the TRADI cuisine is queen and we share beautiful values. A table for 4?

Bar, restaurant, grocery store, bread and pastry shop. West France and Le Perche. Traditional cuisine . Catering from Monday to Friday lunchtime.

In a simple setting that perfectly combines the charm of old beams, contemporary furniture and modern colours, Xavier Buzieux offers relevant seasonal dishes with surprising flavours. Known as one of the best restaurants in Evreux, food lovers are sure to spend a delicious time in a pleasant and elegant setting. By the reception, there is a little shopping corner where the chef sells a selection of local products.

Air conditioned establishment, the relais d'Alsace offers a menu mixing Normandy specialities with dishes from Alsace. Do not hesitate to sit on the flowered terrace on warm days! 3 minutes away from the cinema, car parks nearby, the relais welcomes you 7 days a week, at lunchtime and in the evening.

Opening 02/04/2020 > 01/11/2020 Enjoy an unforgettable holiday escape at Huttopia Rambouillet in a remarkable forest setting that is at once close to Paris and in the heart of nature, with a beautiful natural swimming pool for you to cool off.

In the heart of the Avre valley, secret and full of charm, Cédric warmly welcomes you to Hâvre de Saint Germain. It is a beautiful property located in the heart of this very cute little village. At the entrance, the outbuilding, former bread oven, hosts 2 small cottages including this one, on one level with its nice garden just for you. You will appreciate its warm atmosphere in a rather modern decor, with the concern for quality and comfort. For hikers, the GR22 is just down the street! The cottage is on one level : entrance to the living room with sitting area, small kitchen, beautiful bright bedroom (1 double bed 160x200 and 1 single bed), bathroom (walk-in shower) with toilet. Nice little private garden just in front with its garden furniture. A second gîte for 2 pers. is on the floor. This beautiful region of the gates of Normandy, on the borders of Perche and Ile de France is rich in historical and natural heritage to discover : beautiful lush and picturesque landscapes along the Avre or the Eure a very small little further.

In the heart of the secret and full of charm Avre valley, Cédric warmly welcome you to Hâvre de Saint Germain. It is a beautiful property located in the heart of this very cute little village. At the entrance, the outbuilding, former bread oven, welcomes the small cottage on the ground floor and a comfortable bed and breakfast, real apartment. A little further, the house, traditional farmhouse, is home to another very nice guest room on the ground floor, and welcome you for gourmet breakfasts. You will appreciate the warm atmosphere in a rather modern decor, always with the concern for quality and comfort. For hikers, the GR22 is just down the street ! The others will love this pretty little area of the countryside and its landscapes often at the edge of the water, always close to services and leisures. On the ground floor of the house, the bedroom is very nice and comfortable, overlooking the garden, with a large double bed (160x200) and a spacious and bright bathroom. On the floor of the outbuilding, the detached apartment is a beautiful attic very cocoon area and well furnished in suite with the bedroom, living room and small kitchen ; shower room with wc. The walled garden is very nice, with trees, with nice little areas where to settle on sunny days. Between the countryside and the city, this region offers many sightseeing and recreation.

La Boissière, an outstanding property in this pretty little Normandy area, is home to the beautiful and unusual Maison Oiseaux. This dependence full of charm offers you a stay out of time, where young and old will be filled : really warm atmosphere between the spirit country house, the beautiful furniture and old objects, the decoration at once sober and playful, the extraordinary collections from Philippe, the very current comfort, the quality and the sense of the detail, the trademark of house, and the sense of the reception of Kate. As far as leisure is concerned, it's impossible to get bored between the tour of the park, the visit to the backyard, a game of tennis or a dip in the swimming-pool, library and games inside. Entrance to the floor by a staircase (half floor) on the beautiful and friendly kitchen dining room, with wood stove, which gives on the other side, park side, on an smart terrace which in season will be a real plus of the house. On the upper floor, you access to the living room, with its sitting area (2 single beds 90X180) and 2 bedrooms : the first one (bed 180x200) is spacious and bright with relaxation area and bathroom with toilet, the other (double bed), with sloping ceilings, is smaller, nevertheless warm and playful. Very nice bathroom with large shower and bath, the toilets are detached. Attached to the house of Kate and Philippe, with access to the entire park.

Nature lovers and birdsong fans, the "petite fougère" will charm you ! At the edge of the forest, on a hiking trail, this very comfortable small cottage has lots of charm : pretty decoration mixing countryside spirit, old beams and modern facilities. Another advantage, the covered and heated swimming-pool for a delightful moment of relaxation ! A 700m² garden. AT GROUND LEVEL : living room with equipped kitchen, fireplace, bedroom (1 double bed 160x200 cm), bathroom (shower), toilet. Covered & heated swimming-pool in share with the owners (opening: from April 1st to 1st November). For your convenience, the bed is made for your arrival. Children's games (sandpit, slide, badminton, games...). Many visits nearby : Castle of Anet to 12 km, Chapel Royal of Dreux at 15 km, Museum of the comb to Ezy sur Eure 10 km, Museum of wind instruments in La Couture Boussey 15 km. At disposal, two coffee machines (whose one dolce gusto) and a two people raclette grill.

A little paradise in a little Normandy area... we can paraphrase the song because that's really what this gite and its adorable garden inspires, in a superb environment overlooking the small town and the valley . The magic of the place is already due to its history : we are at the edge of the walkway, on the old ramparts of Nonancourt, next to an almost thousand-year-old tower, at Normandy gates. Nicole and Robert have transformed this old barn into a full of charm holiday home, warm and fully thought out for your well-being. They have retained all its authenticity, enhanced by a decoration mixing contemporary with old, always with great taste and a sense of detail. The garden is a real little cocoon, enclosed by walls and all open to this magnificent view : a lounge and deckchairs allow you to enjoy it. In fine weather, right next door, the swimming pool area, also enclosed by walls, for good moments of relaxation or games. Entrance to the bright living room which brings together the fully equipped kitchen, the dining area and the lounge with tv. You will also find a separate toilet and a laundry room. Upstairs, a twin bedroom with desk and a double bedroom (160x190), a modern bathroom with walk-in shower and a separate toilet. On the ground floor, the bay window gives you access to the pleasant south-facing terrace where garden furniture and deckchairs await you. The garden, just for you, is enclosed by walls and is around 150 m². Next door, the swimming-pool area is shared with the owners (8x5m above ground, heated swimming-pool, accessible from Easter holidays to mid-October). For this nonancourtois stay, you don't need a car, everything will be close at hand : small shops, restaurants, etc. In addition, Nicole has prepared a small area for you with all the aromatic herbs you will need.

In the Eure valley, picturesque and full of charm, this small nice village with some trade and this all beautiful all new lodging ! Laetitia and Emile have revived this house by creating a really nice holiday home : spacious and bright, it is very well thought out and equipped. It is located in the village, very convenient for bread and small croissants in the morning, but borders the fields and offers a superb view of the wooded hills, just above. Indoor games for children, and outdoor for all : ping-pong, badminton, petanque, frisbee, bowling, etc. The region promises you very pleasant walks, starting with the greenway at 200m, but also beautiful discoveries including between Pacy-sur-Eure and Anet and its exceptional castle close. Access to the ground floor through the covered outdoor entrance to the living room : bathed in light and opening onto the garden and fields, it offers a dining room and a comfortable lounge facing the bay window ; the modern and very complete kitchen, is opened, connected by a nice bar. Always on the ground floor, the large double bedroom (bed 160x200), the spacious bathroom with its very large walk-in shower, 2 sinks and a baby area ; the toilets are separated, with washbasin. The set is adapted for disabled people. Small laundry. Upstairs, 2 large bedrooms with views of fields and woods in the distance : one double (bed 160x200) with balcony and the other for 3 people with 3 single beds. Beautiful bathroom with toilet. The garden, under development, is fully enclosed : approximately 300m².