Tavers: Washhouses and Eaux Bleues
Accommodation in Tavers
For a trip to Tavers, historical landmarks and water features can be considered as two distinct highlights. Five washhouses along the Le Lien stream and the Chapelle Saint-Antoine offer insights into the town’s history. The Eaux Bleues and the Fontenils spring showcase different natural phenomena. Nearby, there is also the Pelouse de Vau, which is not open to unrestricted visits. When looking for a hotel in Tavers, these themes can help you decide what kind of trip you want to take.
Washhouses and architectural history
At the end of the 19th century, Tavers had five washhouses built along the Le Lien stream, from Moulin Paillard to the Pontpierre bridge, crossed by the RN 152. They include Paillard, Percerent, also known as Perseran, RĂ©chou, Guizarde and Pontpierre. All but the Pontpierre washhouse have been restored and are in good condition.
A much older landmark is the Chapelle Saint-Antoine, built at the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century. This places the chapel’s late-medieval construction and the washhouses from the end of the 19th century in two widely separated periods. If you would like to place Tavers’ history in its chronological context, the difference is easy to see from the dates.
Water features in Tavers
The water of the Eaux Bleues appears translucent blue. This effect is explained by the clay-rich subsoil, the clarity of the water and its very low mineral content. The Source des Eaux Bleues in Tavers has been a classified site since 15 December 1924.
The Fontenils spring displays a different water feature: the water’s emergence creates bubbles, described as “quicksands” (“sables mouvants”). The named features therefore differ: the Eaux Bleues are notable for their translucent blue water, while Fontenils is known for its bubbles. Visitors interested in natural features can discover these two different aspects of water.
Pelouse de Vau: plan your visit
Near Tavers, the Pelouse de Vau is owned and managed by the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels Centre-Val de Loire. Numerous visits and events are offered there throughout the year. If you are planning a guided visit or an event, check the dates before travelling.
The Pelouse de Vau is not open for unrestricted visits. You can view the site from the Chemin de Feularde, where signs provide information about its protected status. The area is fenced because it is grazed. A small gate provides access to the historic monument. These access arrangements are important when planning your visit: take into account the view from the path, the information signs and access to the monument, rather than assuming that the entire site is freely accessible.
Hiking trail section with specific timings
The “la Pierre tournante” section of the “Le chemin des Eaux bleues et de la Pierre tournante” hiking trail is 7.3 km long and takes 1 hour and 50 minutes. Both figures refer to this section. Together, the distance and duration provide a specific planning estimate to help you gauge how much time to allow for this part of the trail.
Discover more destinations: Beaulieu-Sur-Loire, Saint-Benoît-Sur-Loire, Triguères, Le Bignon-Mirabeau, La Ferté-Saint-Aubin, Coullons, Orléans, Combreux.
For the regional travel overview: Loiret.
