The Royal Eure Valley
Just like the Kings of France, who used to love staying in the different châteaux in this valley, come and enjoy its wealth of heritage buildings and gentle way of life.
Have a holiday in the Royal Eure Valley just like the Kings of France !
Discover the story of Madame de Maintenon, a real-life fairy tale of a woman born in prison who became the secret wife of King Louis XIV ! Maybe you have heard of Diane de Poitiers, Diane the huntress, a modern, sport loving woman much loved by Henry II. And if you thought that all the Kings of France are buried in the Basilica of Saint-Denis, then think again ! Louis-Philippe has a majestic tomb in the Chapelle Royale in Dreux.
History buffs can discover or rediscover these pages of history by visiting the Château d’Anet, the Château de Maintenon, the Chapelle Royale Saint Louis at Dreux and many other fine residences and fortified farms. The Château de Maintenon organises a remarkable event every year, just before Christmas : Le Fabuleux Noël du Château de Maintenon, a show which recounts the story of Madame de Maintenon featuring more than 800 actors.
Children can also have fun learning about life in a château or the history of the monarchs of France through booklets available at the different places to visit. The Eure Valley has lots of outdoor activities too and cycle trails which take you past magnificent buildings.
In summer, the Château de Maintenon organises ‘ Parties de Campagne’, riverside picnics in a 1900’s setting where you can encounter the Duke and Duchess de Noailles, your hosts for an evening wher the Belle Epoque has pride of place.
The Vallée Royale de l'Eure – holidays surrounded by nature !
Go with the flow as you canoe along the river past delightful villages. Encounter majestic stags, other deer and buzzards in the Dreux national Forest.
Prestige car enthusiasts can drive a Ferrari, Porsche or Lamborghini around the track at the Circuit de l’Ouest Parisien.
« Our guests are often amazed at the number of châteaux and fine mansions in Eure-et-Loir. It is true that there are over 250 registered heritage sites in the region, and although very few are open to the public, it is always a pleasant surprise to come across imposing wrought iron gates or to catch a glimpse of the grounds and buildings of a château. Many guests explore the Valley by bike and motorbikers take immense pleasure in stopping off to discover each place. France has many, many magical places to see, but the Eure Valley is well worth going out of your way to visit.» Denis C., owner of a B&B south of Dreux.
There are many ways to get to the Eure Valley:
By rail : from Paris-Montparnasse to Epernon, Maintenon or Dreux
By road : via Autoroute A10 – A11 exit Ablis or via RN 12 which goes past Dreux
By bike : the Véloscénie cycle route, which runs from Paris to Mont Saint Michel, goes through part of the Eure Valley.
Visit Eure-et-Loir : Perche en Eure-et-Loir, Chartres and its cathedral.
