The best cycling routes around Vaupillon

This ancient fortified castle dominates the Huisne Valley at 360° with its imposing keep. The building, with its troubled history, has undergone numerous modifications in its architecture and functions. A visit is essential to understand the complexity of its history and to observe the architectural evolutions.

A must-see that overlooks the valley.

Superb castle in the Perche!

Built on an old feudal motte, which is still visible and was completely destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, it was replaced in the second half of the 15th century by the castle, the remains of which can still be seen today. The Saint-François Tower remains as it was, with its Grisons base and rows of white stone. Halfway up the circle is the Cord of Saint Francis of Assisi, with its coils and knots. A Renaissance building was added in the 16th century, and new buildings were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Moutiers is one of the oldest villages in the Perche region, built around a monastery founded in the 6th century and destroyed by the Norman invasions. This is where the village's name comes from, since "Moutiers" means monastery in Old French. On the slopes of the hill, called Mont Harou, stands the church, flanked by a few typical Perche houses that form the old town. To reach it, you'll have to navigate the steep, straight climb of Church Street or take a detour through small streets that soften the steepness of the climb. The church square offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Don't forget to walk around the church to admire the gargoyles, which are quite exceptional for such a small church. Restrooms and water are available right next door.

Church built in the first half of the 16th century, then raised in 1752. It is formed of a nave preceded by a narthex and adjoining two chapels forming a false transept. The 16th century door is formed of a low arch, adjoining smooth pilasters which support the lintel, above which a triangular pediment stands out from the wall. The church is decorated with murals in the apse and the side chapels, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. In the choir, the paintings date back to the 19th century. Large flamboyant Gothic windows illuminate the building and retain stained glass windows.

Parish church, as well as its polychrome stone choir enclosure, with the exception of the bell tower and the sacristy built in the 19th century. The church consists of a main nave whose choir ends with a semi-circular apse from the Romanesque period. The large mullioned windows were installed in the 15th century. The south aisle dates from the 16th century. In the second half of the 19th century, the church underwent major modifications: construction of the sacristy in 1860, brick vault in 1870, stone bell tower according to the designs of the architect Prempain around 1879.

Always straight ahead. Slightly downhill, through the shady forest.