Lamotte-Beuvron: Church, Canal and Tatin History

Lamotte-Beuvron can be explored through a range of different themes: Sainte-Anne church, the Bassin du Canal with the Canal de la Sauldre, the Parc équestre fédéral and the history of Tarte des Demoiselles Tatin. This lets you assess the destination based on whether you are more interested in architectural and art history, canal scenery, equestrian sports or culinary history.

Sainte-Anne church: architectural history and art

Sainte-Anne church was rebuilt in 1861 with the support of Napoléon III. Its masonry is made predominantly of brick—a feature that draws attention to the construction and offers a concrete starting point for learning about the building’s history. Those interested in architecture can consider this structural feature alongside the story of the rebuilding, rather than viewing the church solely as a religious building.

A work of art in the church also connects the site with Napoléon III: it houses “Le Christ en croix,” a painting by Marie Curtis after Philippe de Champaigne, donated by him. The rebuilding and the painting are two distinct points of reference in the church’s history. Together, they offer insight into architectural and art history without requiring any single aspect to account for the building’s significance.

The Canal de la Sauldre and the Bassin du Canal

The Bassin du Canal lies in the centre of Lamotte-Beuvron. It is the terminus of the Canal de la Sauldre from Blancafort. The canal connects Blancafort and Lamotte-Beuvron over a length of just under 47 kilometres and has 22 locks. Alongside the two endpoints, these specific measurements and structural features provide a basis for understanding the canal.

Along the canal, you will see avenues of plane trees, brick locks and peaceful viewpoints. The locks lend the landscape a technical dimension, while the tree-lined avenues and viewpoints provide a different accent. If you are interested in the connection between landscape and water engineering, these features offer different points of interest, while the basin links the canal with the centre of Lamotte-Beuvron.

Equestrian sports at the Parc équestre fédéral

Equestrian and sporting events are held at the Parc équestre fédéral every year, bringing together riders, clubs and visitors. The recurring events calendar makes the Parc a distinct point of interest alongside the history of the church and canal. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular event, check the specific dates.

The Parc also offers themed riding workshops, which can be organised subject to the availability of specialists. Topics range from endurance riding and TREC to horseball and polo, as well as Western riding and horseback archery. If a particular topic is important to you, check in advance whether specialists are available for it.

Clubs can stay on a full-board basis with their instructors, riders and horses, and use the facilities. The Parc is considered unique in Europe. These are two distinct aspects to consider when assessing the site: its use by clubs and the special status attributed to the Parc.

The history of Tarte des Demoiselles Tatin

Tarte des Demoiselles Tatin is also part of Lamotte-Beuvron’s history. A hotel opposite the train station served it to guests from Orléans and Paris who had travelled to the Sologne for hunting. In 1926, Curnonsky introduced the dessert in Paris under the name “Tarte des Demoiselles Tatin.” The hotel’s connection to Lamotte-Beuvron and the dessert’s introduction in Paris are two distinct stages in the recorded history of Tatin.

Which theme suits your stay?

The themes differ mainly in what they highlight: the Parc brings together recurring equestrian and sporting events; Sainte-Anne combines architectural history with a donated painting; and at the canal, water engineering and landscape come together. The Tatin story adds a culinary and historical dimension to this selection.

Discover more destinations: Bourre, Authon, Saint-Rimay, Theillay, Villeny, Villebarou, Sassay, Seigy.

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