The best traffic-free bike rides around Crucheray

Rue du Change in Vendôme. Pedestrian street with a view of the Trinity

very pleasant walk

Although the Notre-Dame church in the town of Areines may seem modest in size, the richness of its interior decoration is remarkable. It consists of a rectangular nave from the 11th century that extends into a narrower choir and ends with a semi-circular apse from the 12th century. The bell tower was added in the Gothic period. All the walls are covered with murals. The restoration of those in the choir and apse dating from the middle of the 12th century allows us to see: Christ in Majesty, the Lamb with a halo, the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, saints and apostles. Some of these primitive frescoes were covered by paintings from the 15th, 16th and 18th centuries. Many traces are visible on the walls of the nave and will be restored in the years to come.

In 1960, Father Jacques Lepage, then vicar in the city center, was sent to prospect and begin to bring the Christian Community to life in the new Rottes district. A plot of land was found and an architect was chosen, Mr. Michel Marconnet. On October 19, 1962, the temporary chapel, the current Jacques Lepage hall, was opened. First baptism, on October 21, 62. There would be 10 more at the end of the calendar year and a hundred or so each year that followed. The population of the district was very young and growing. In 1966, while in the city center the 2 parishes of the Trinity and the Madeleine were merged, that of NDR was erected. Father Lepage became the first priest. The church was not finished. The interior design was entrusted to a local artist, Prix de Rome, Mr. Louis Leygue, who expressed himself in the choir, the baptismal font, the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and the crypt. Mrs. Anne Huet created the stained glass windows. Father Lepage would make a large part of them in his garage. At Christmas 1967, the first mass was celebrated. On May 12, 1968, Bishop Joseph Goupy came to consecrate the altar and bless the building. Work would continue and the history of the church did not end there.

Very beautifully restored church with a beautiful courtyard.

one of the most beautiful villages in France

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Lavardin is a very pretty little town, where medieval, Renaissance and troglodyte styles mix. The Saint-Genest church is particularly beautiful, with its colorful paintings. Concerts take place there in summer. Just opposite you will find a café-bakery, carved into the stone, which serves delicious ice cream. You won't be able to miss the remains of the castle and its 26 meter high tower. Note that it is possible to pitch your tent on the banks of the Loir, at the bottom of the village. The spot is very pleasant.

A flowery village located at the foot of the magnificent ruins of its castle. If you like to stroll, take photos, if you like the Middle Ages, Lavardin is an obligatory stop during your stay in the Pays Vendôme.