Best attractions and places to see around Lumeau, France, a commune in the Eure-et-Loir department, are primarily found within its agricultural landscape and the wider Beauce plain. This Lumeau location serves as a quiet base for exploring the historical and natural heritage of the surrounding Centre-Loire Valley region. The area offers a mix of historical landmarks and unique points of interest.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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We might believe it to be a classic viaduct when we pass under this construction but it is ultimately an 18km long track, built in 1968 to carry out experiments on monorail transport, the skytrain of the French engineer Jean Bertin. A prototype set a world speed record there in 1974, with 430.4 km/h on the clock. Due to a lack of investors or customers, the tests were stopped in 1977 and the track was decommissioned. Its dismantling being estimated at 13 million euros, the viaduct remained there, in the middle of the Beauceron countryside.
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The Saint André church (13th-15th-16th centuries) In the 7th century, the Benedictine abbey of Bonneval created a priory-curate. Its existence is confirmed by a bull from Pope Gregory second half of the 16th century. In 1793 the church was desecrated and transformed into wine and spirits warehouses. In 1801, the church was returned to worship and changed diocese: from the diocese of Chartres, to which it belonged before the Revolution, it passed to the diocese of Orléans, notably for reasons of distance: Chartres is 48 km from Patay then that Orléans is only 27 km away. The church is 30 m long and 17 m wide. The oldest parts are located near the large porch (13th century). One of the pillars of the nave is decorated with a vestige of Danse Macabre from the mid-15th century. A small masonry door on the right communicated with the old priory, of which ruins remain to the south of the church. The choir dates from the 14th century; the apse wall was decorated with paintings at the end of the 19th century, the chapels were then redeveloped and equipped with new stained glass windows. The keystones of the large nave were made from casts taken from the figurines which adorn the Thesis Room of the University of Orléans, built in 1411. The bell tower, located to the north of the choir, would be an old watchtower. Its pinnacles and eight openings were made after the Wars of Religion. The four bells were melted in 1868. The largest was cracked by a Prussian shell in 1870 and was recast in 1871. Since that year, Ernestine (809 kg, 1 m 12 in diameter at the base, sounding the F), Gabrielle (550 kg, 0.981 m in diameter, sounding the ground), Anne (398 kg, 0.573 m in diameter) and Marie (222 kg, 0.724 m in diameter, sounding the C) give rhythm to the daily life of the small town of Patay, old Beauceron railway junction. On August 15, 1944, an ammunition train was blown up at Patay station. The station was blown up, except for the carriage shed, and all the windows in the town were shattered. Luckily, a providential storm limited the damage. The only two stained glass windows that survived the explosion are those on the right side aisle which date from 1930 and relate the communion of Joan of Arc in the Patay church in 1429. The church was listed as a Historic Monument in 1925 by decree of October 6, 1925.
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If you are looking for a unique and historic hiking destination in the Loiret, you can visit the Moulin d'Artenay, a stone windmill dating from 1849. This impressive monument, which stands 16 meters high high and has wings 22 meters long, is one of the rare examples of this type in the Beauce region. You can visit the interior of the mill and discover its machinery, its production of fine flour and the life of the millers. You can also admire a collection of old agricultural equipment at the neighboring farm. The Moulin d'Artenay is open to the public every third Sunday of the month from April to September, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Don't miss this opportunity to discover an element of local heritage.
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The Moulin de Lignerolles is one of the last pivotal windmills in the Loiret department. Built in 1848, this wooden mill belonged to Louis-Joseph Soulas, famous painter and director of the Orléans School of Fine Arts. You can admire the restored mill and its ingenious mechanism, as well as the panoramic view of the plain. The mill is open to the public on Sundays from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and also hosts various events throughout the year, such as a flea market, concerts and exhibitions. Visiting the Moulin de Lignerolles is an excellent way to discover the heritage and charm of the Beauceron countryside.
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The Cambray orangery is part of the Cambray estate acquired by François Lambert, squire and adviser to the king, auditor in his chamber of accounts, on March 28, 1575 from the nobleman of Oinville, lord of Puiset. The place called Cambray, Combarius under the Romans, was to be a camp. Combrée also means "bushy places", or Cambray is located along the Conie, bordered by reedbeds. The 2 wings of the rear facade were built at the end of the 17th century, beginning of the 18th century by Jacques Lambert, private master of water and forests of the Duchy of Orléans. We note that they were built after the other parts of the castle, with a different aspect of construction, stone on the one hand and bricks around the windows on the other.
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Lumeau and its surroundings offer several historical points of interest. You can explore the medieval history of Château de Cambray, with parts dating back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The Saint-André Church of Patay, with its origins in the 7th century, also provides a glimpse into the region's past. Within Lumeau itself, the Église Saint-Pierre features a renovated Romanesque choir and a 13th-century chevet.
Yes, a truly unique engineering landmark is the Aerotrain test track. This 18 km long track was built in 1968 for monorail transport experiments, where a prototype set a world speed record of 430.4 km/h in 1974. Although decommissioned, it remains a striking structure in the Beauceron countryside.
You can visit two notable traditional windmills. The Lignerolles Mill, built in 1848, is one of the last pivotal windmills in the Loiret department, offering panoramic views of the plain. Another impressive example is the Artenay Mill, a stone windmill from 1849, standing 16 meters high with 22-meter-long wings.
The flat landscape of the Beauce region around Lumeau is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, road cycling, and general cycling. For specific routes and details, explore the guides for Running Trails around Lumeau, Road Cycling Routes around Lumeau, and Cycling around Lumeau.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Aerotrain test track offers an interesting sight for all ages, showcasing a piece of engineering history. Both the Lignerolles Mill and the Artenay Mill are family-friendly, allowing visitors to learn about traditional milling. The Saint-André Church of Patay also welcomes families.
The Beauce region, where Lumeau is located, is primarily a flat agricultural plain. This makes for generally easy walking and cycling, with gentle gradients. While there aren't challenging mountain trails, the open landscapes offer pleasant routes for leisurely strolls and longer distance cycling, often with panoramic views.
The best time to visit the Beauce region around Lumeau is typically during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant for outdoor activities, and the agricultural landscapes are vibrant. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it can get quite warm.
Given Lumeau's small size, most significant attractions are found in nearby towns. Orléans, approximately 27 km north, offers the Parc Floral de la Source and the Cathedral of Sainte-Croix. Chartres, about 50 km south, is famous for its magnificent Cathédrale de Chartres. Chateaudun, around 39 km northeast, boasts a significant chateau and a charming town along the Loir River.
Yes, various nearby towns host local markets on different days, offering a glimpse into local life and produce. Towns like Toury, Voves, Fleury-les-Aubrais, Orléans, Angerville, Ouzouer-le-Marche, Bonneval, Meung-sur-Loire, Chateaudun, and Pithiviers all have markets worth exploring.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites, unique engineering landmarks, and traditional mills. The area offers a quiet escape to explore regional heritage, with highlights like the Château de Cambray and the Lignerolles Mill being particularly popular for their historical significance and scenic views.
The rural nature of the Beauce plain generally offers many opportunities for dog-friendly walks. While specific designated dog trails are not highlighted, the numerous walking and cycling routes across the agricultural landscape are suitable for exploring with dogs, provided they are kept under control and local regulations are respected.
The local churches often reflect a mix of historical periods. For example, Lumeau's Église Saint-Pierre retains a renovated Romanesque choir and a 13th-century chevet, with a quadrangular Beauceronne tower featuring foundations predating the 14th century and a 16th-century timber spire. The Saint-André Church of Patay also showcases elements from the 13th, 15th, and 16th centuries.


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