Best attractions and places to see around Les Pinthières are found within the Eure-et-Loir department of France, offering a range of experiences. The region provides access to notable landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. Visitors can explore historical marvels, serene natural landscapes, and significant cultural institutions.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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The Moulin de Mormoulins is a watermill located on the Eure River in the hamlet of Mormoulins. This mill dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and is a listed historical monument. You can admire the old stone building, the wooden wheel, and the canal that diverts water from the river as you pass in front of the mill. The mill is surrounded by green fields and trees, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
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Built at the end of the 12th century by the Counts of Montfort and listed as a Historic Monument since 1889, the Houdan Tower was used to watch for enemies and defend the territory. The Keep consists of a 15 m diameter and 21 m high tower, flanked by four turrets of the same height located at the four cardinal points. From the 16th century until the French Revolution, the Keep served as a prison, and executions took place at the foot of the Tower. The first water reservoir was installed in the tower in 1880. The second, built in 1952, is still visible. Tours are available on certain days.
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Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul The construction of the church is said to have been initiated by Don Roger, abbot of the very powerful Benedictine abbey of Coulombs from 1115 to 1174. At that time, the abbey stood near Nogent-le-Roi, a former fortified town located twelve kilometers away on the banks of the Eure. Spread over more than 80 parishes, it had a considerable influence in the region until the Revolution, whether from a religious, economic or social point of view. The Romanesque style that it had adopted since its original construction was reworked in the 16th century by the opening of tall Gothic windows around the choir. Finally, in the following century, during the Wars of Religion, the church suffered serious damage. When peace returned, the entrance porch was finally rebuilt in the elegant Renaissance style. In 1950, a fire destroyed the church and all its furniture; it was restored at the end of the 20th century.
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With its curiously crowned square tower, this charming church boasts a flamboyant Gothic style. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, it preserves a remarkable collection of 16th-century stained-glass windows dedicated to Eucharistic miracles.
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The Saint-Sulpice church in Nogent-Le-Roi is an impressive church built in the 15th century and which was part of the defensive wall which protected the entrance to the town. You can admire its beautiful stained glass windows and its wrought iron choir inside, as well as its original tower outside. The church is located in the heart of Nogent-Le-Roi, a charming town with old half-timbered houses and a castle.
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The Church of Saint-Sulpice in Nogent-Le-Roi is an impressive church built in the 15th century and which formed part of the defensive wall that protected the entrance to the town. You can admire its beautiful stained glass windows and its wrought iron choir screen inside, as well as its original tower outside. The church is located in the heart of Nogent-Le-Roi, a charming town with old half-timbered houses and a castle.
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At the edge of this road a pond which forms with the forest which surrounds it a protected natural area. Each year, during the thaw (roughly from February to April), a "toadstool" is installed on the road that runs along the pond. But what is a toaddrome exactly? So, it is not a place where one could indulge in clandestine bets on toad races, but a device intended to prevent these poor beasts from being crushed by cars in crossing the road to breed and lay their eggs in the pond on the other side of the road. Indeed, thousands of common toads, but also frogs and newts, begin their long prenuptial migrations around March each year. They go to the nearest pond or pond to breed. Once their duty is done, they leave the aquatic environment to return to their summering areas where they will spend most of their time feeding. In order to avoid a carnage of amphibians on the road, a tarpaulin is planted 600m on each side of the road to block their passage. In various places a hole has been made in which a bucket is buried. By looking for a passage all along the tarpaulin, the toad will inevitably end up at the bottom of a bucket. Every morning, volunteers come to collect toads and other frogs and drop them off on the other side of the road.
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Very nice windmill, especially in good weather!
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The region offers a rich array of historical sites. You can visit the ancient Château de Mormoulins, which dates back to the 10th century and was rebuilt in the 19th. Another significant religious building is the Saint-Sulpice Church of Châteaudun, known for its flamboyant Gothic style and 16th-century stained-glass windows. Don't miss The Donjon of Houdan, a 12th-century tower that once served as a defensive stronghold. Further afield, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chartres Cathedral and the historic Château de Rambouillet are also within reach.
Yes, the area features several natural attractions. The Guiperreux Toad Crossing is a protected natural area with a pond and surrounding forest, notable for amphibian migrations. The extensive Forêt de Rambouillet offers vast natural landscapes for exploration, and the Vaux de Cernay and Vallée de Chevreuse are recognized for their natural beauty.
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Montreuil to Maintenon Trail' or the 'Mormoulins Mill loop from Nogent-le-Roi'. Find more options on the Hiking around Les Pinthières guide. Cyclists can find gravel biking routes, such as the 'Château de Mormoulins – Old aqueduct loop', or road cycling routes like the 'Rambouillet – Château de Rambouillet loop'. Discover more cycling adventures on the Gravel biking around Les Pinthières guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Les Pinthières guide.
Absolutely. The Guiperreux Toad Crossing is a fascinating natural monument where families can observe amphibian migrations during the thaw season. The Saint-Sulpice Church of Châteaudun, with its historical significance and beautiful stained glass, can also be an engaging visit for families. Additionally, the gardens of Château de Rambouillet and the Forêt de Rambouillet offer pleasant outdoor spaces suitable for family outings.
The spring and summer months are generally ideal for outdoor activities, offering pleasant weather for hiking and cycling. If you're interested in the unique amphibian migrations at the Guiperreux Toad Crossing, the thaw season, roughly from February to April, is the best time to witness this natural phenomenon.
Yes, while a bit further afield, the opulent Palace of Versailles and its renowned gardens, as well as the Fondation Monet in Giverny (Claude Monet's house and gardens), are major attractions that can be visited as day trips from the Les Pinthières area. They offer world-class cultural experiences.
Beyond the Saint-Sulpice Church of Châteaudun, you can also discover the beautiful church of Prouais, which features Romanesque and Gothic elements and was rebuilt after a fire. The region also hosts other significant religious sites like the Abbaye Notre Dame des Vaulx de Cernay and Eglise de Sainte Geneviève.
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered, from exploring ancient castles like Château de Mormoulins, surrounded by green fields and canals, to discovering the historical and architectural beauty of churches such as Saint-Sulpice Church with its remarkable stained-glass windows. The unique natural spectacle at Guiperreux Toad Crossing is also a highlight for many.
Yes, the village of La Roche-Guyon, recognized as one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages,' is located about 42 km to the east and is certainly worth a visit for its charm and scenic beauty.
For additional details on historical sites and monuments within the broader Eure-et-Loir department, you can consult the local tourism website: tourisme28.com.
There are various cycling routes for different preferences. For gravel biking, you can find challenging routes like the 'Château de Mormoulins – Old aqueduct loop' or moderate ones such as the 'Hollande Pond – Route des Deux Chateaux loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes like the 'Rambouillet – Château de Rambouillet loop'. Explore all options on the Gravel biking around Les Pinthières guide and Road Cycling Routes around Les Pinthières guide.


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