Auneau: Château, Prehistory and Étangs

Auneau brings together architectural and local history, prehistoric themes and outdoor activities. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between these highlights: the château focuses on architecture and heritage, while the archaeological site, the Maison circulaire and Saint-Rémy Church offer different historical points of reference. The Étangs and walking routes, by contrast, are all about scenery, activity and leisure.

The Château and Its Architectural History

Several historical periods can be distinguished at the Château d'Auneau. The main building includes structural elements from the 14th, 16th and 18th centuries; the château also has a cylindrical keep dating from the 11th century. The château's tower has been listed as a historic monument since 7 November 1927. This distinguishes the architectural dates from the heritage listing: the dates refer to parts of the building and the keep, while the listing applies to the tower.

Prehistoric Traces and Saint-Rémy

The prehistoric site in the Parc du Château in Auneau-Bleury-Saint-Symphorien was inhabited from 8000 to 3500 BC. The Maison circulaire d’Auneau is an important discovery for understanding Neolithic dwellings. The site's habitation period provides its historical context, while the Maison circulaire focuses on Neolithic forms of housing.

Another historical stop is Saint-Rémy Church in the hamlet of Saint-Rémy. It dates from the 11th century and was built over the Saint-Maur spring. The spring was a pilgrimage site until the beginning of the 20th century. This links the church's medieval construction to the longer history of the pilgrimage site: the church was built over the spring, whose religious significance continued until around 1900.

Walking Routes and Trails

The Jardin de la Préhistoire offers an archaeological and botanical walk through a reed bed on the banks of the Aunay. The route may change, so check the latest route information before your visit. Its focus is the combination of archaeology and botany in the landscape along the Aunay.

The Parcours de santé is 3.8 kilometres long and has 13 wooden fitness stations. It starts behind the Grange Marchand at the Étangs d’Auneau. Compared with the two routes, the Parcours offers a clearly specified distance and stations for fitness exercises, while the Jardin de la Préhistoire focuses on archaeology and botany. Signage and access conditions on the Parcours may change; check the information on site before setting off.

The Étangs d’Auneau

The Étangs d’Auneau consist of two ponds: Les Aulnes covers 2 hectares and Fontaine à Jean 2.5 hectares. The Étangs have outdoor play equipment, picnic benches and a table tennis table. Fishing is also possible; the applicable rules may change. If you plan to fish, check the current regulations in advance. The area is well suited to a family weekend, and the combination of ponds, play facilities and seating gives this part of Auneau its own focus on leisure. The facilities may change.

Discover more destinations: Barjouville, Hanches, Bailleau-L'évêque, Saint-Maur-sur-le-Loir, Houx, Illiers-Combray, Chapelle-Guillaume, Cloyes-Sur-Le-Loir

For the broader travel guide: Eure-Et-Loir.