Montireau: Heritage, Nature and Routes

When planning a stay in Montireau, the historic heritage of the Église Saint-Barthélémy and several hiking and cycling routes are the main highlights. The church’s cultural history includes different dates for its construction, paintings and protected features; the routes can be compared by mode of transport and length. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Montireau, this combination of themes provides an informative basis for planning, from cultural heritage to outdoor excursions.

Heritage in Montireau

The Église Saint-Barthélémy was built in the first half of the 16th century. The apse and side chapels contain wall paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries; the paintings in the choir date from the 19th century. Large windows in the Flamboyant Gothic style still feature stained glass. The church therefore brings together architectural features and paintings from different periods.

Two 16th-century funerary altars add to the church’s furnishings. Made of dressed stone, they were classified as protected objects on 4 February 1928. The church itself was classified as a historic monument by decree dated 9 July 1980. The two dates concern different protected items: the funerary altars in 1928 and the church in 1980. The Ferme du château is also located in Montireau.

Nature and Routes

Montireau is part of the 522-hectare Natura 2000 site “Arc forestier du Perche d'Eure-et-Loir”. The site’s habitats include alluvial forests of black alder and common ash. Public access may vary depending on land ownership.

The 69.9-kilometre GR®35 long-distance hiking trail passes through Montireau and is marked with white and red GR trail signs. Two routes for cyclists also pass through the village: the 38.8-kilometre mountain-biking circuit “Par monts et par vaux” and the 31-kilometre cycle loop “Perruchet et ses migrateurs – Boucle vélo n°4”. Sections of the mountain-biking circuit run through woodland.

The cycle loop is signposted with green-and-white signs and a yellow marker bearing the number 4. It starts in La Loupe; La Loupe station is listed as the nearest station. Check route conditions locally before setting out; the signage may also need to be checked on site.

The three routes differ in both length and type of activity: long-distance hiking, mountain biking and cycling. When planning, you can choose a route based on your preferred activity, without combining the separate routes into a single tour. With a little luck, you may spot a greylag goose or a great egret near Étang de Perruchet during the bird migration season.

Discover more destinations: Nonvilliers-Grandhoux, Moléans, Frazé, Donnemain-Saint-Mamès, Gommerville, Coudray-au-Perche, Luisant, Brou

For the regional travel overview: Eure-Et-Loir.