Averdon: Natural Environment and Cultural Heritage

Averdon is located in the Petite Beauce on the Cisse River. Local highlights range from a national nature reserve and a wetland to archaeological sites and the Church of Saint-Lubin. When planning your stay, it helps to distinguish between the nature reserve, where access to paths is regulated, the options at the communal pond, and a fully self-organized horse-riding tour. The cultural heritage includes both church furnishings and prehistoric burial sites.

Landscape and Natural Environment

The Grand-Pierre et Vitain National Nature Reserve is located in the communes of Averdon and Marolles. Access to paths within the reserve is regulated because of private land and hunting seasons. Check local information before your visit, as both conditions determine which paths are accessible.

The Marais des Tresseaux is a 4.5-hectare wetland along the Cisse. Its restoration aims to restore and maintain animal and plant biodiversity. Many schoolchildren visit the marsh for educational purposes. The focus here is therefore both on maintaining the wetland and on its educational role.

Church and Archaeological Heritage

The Church of Saint-Lubin dates back to the Carolingian period. It contains late Baroque altarpieces and furnishings from the late 17th century, which are listed as historic monuments. Thus, an early origin and a significantly later phase of furnishing stand side by side.

The Grand Mesle promontory is located within the reserve. It covers an area of 6.48 hectares that is listed as a historic monument. It contains burial monuments from the Neolithic and protohistoric periods. The Grand Mesle promontory is the largest protohistoric necropolis in Centre-Val de Loire.

The dolmen is located near La Grande Pierre in Averdon and was listed as a historic monument by decree of October 16, 1979. Grand Mesle and the dolmen offer different insights into the archaeological heritage: a necropolis with burial monuments from two periods, and a specific, dated and protected monument.

Activities and Planning

Averdon’s communal pond is a pleasant place for a walk and also offers opportunities for fishing. This gives you two different activities to choose from at the same location. If you want to fish, check the local rules in advance.

The “Randonnée équestre en petite Beauce” is a 27 km horse-riding tour that passes through Averdon and the Cisse Valley. It is not signposted and is entirely self-organized. For planning purposes, this is different from walking or fishing at the communal pond: the route requires you to organize it independently. Also check the route conditions before setting out.

Regional transport in Centre-Val de Loire is provided by the Rémi network. Check timetables and the scope of services before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Josnes, Villebarou, Droué, La Ferté-Imbault, Oucques, Villexanton, Troo, Montlivault

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