Mainvilliers between cultural history and nature

Mainvilliers brings together cultural and historical themes, a year-round cultural programme and opportunities to spend time outdoors. This gives you several distinct areas to focus on when planning your trip: Saint-Hilaire Church, Compa, the Fête de la Saint-Hilaire, Bois de Seresville and regional routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Mainvilliers, you can use these themes as a guide when planning the focus of your stay.

Cultural history in Mainvilliers

The existence of Saint-Hilaire Church is documented as early as before 949. The present-day church is a separate matter: it was rebuilt according to the earlier ground plan and, as a whole, dates from the late 16th century. Four window openings in the north aisle preserve fragments of 16th-century stained glass. The church’s history thus brings together an early mention, a later building phase and surviving elements from the same period.

Compa is considered France’s first agricultural museum. Its collection comprises 400 items; agricultural tools and machinery are on display in the exhibition hall of a former railway roundhouse. This offers a different way to explore history than the church: here, agricultural objects and machinery take centre stage, while the church is described primarily through its architectural history and stained glass.

Viticulture is also part of Mainvilliers’ history. Vines have been planted on the slope north of the Vauroux stream since the beginning of the second millennium. The vineyards extended from the town boundaries of Chartres to near the place known as Château de La Garenne. In 1789, 90 to 95 winegrowers were recorded in Mainvilliers. Viticulture is therefore part of Mainvilliers’ historic cultural landscape.

Cultural programme and events

The Fête de la Saint-Hilaire is a traditional festival in Mainvilliers. The programme for the 2025 edition included street, circus, magic and music performances, as well as family activities in Parc des Vauroux. These programme details apply to that edition and may vary from year to year. So if you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates and programme for the relevant year.

Mainvilliers Library also offers cultural events throughout the year. These include performances, storytelling events, gatherings, participatory readings, workshops, games and exhibitions. The range therefore goes beyond performances and also includes opportunities to take part and get together.

Woods, routes and leisure

In the north of the Mainvilliers area, Bois de Seresville stretches along the Couasnon Valley. The entire area is designated as “espaces boisés classés” (classified woodland areas). Bois de Seresville has a promenade and a fitness trail. You can consider this natural area and its designated leisure facilities as a separate focus when planning your trip.

Another way to explore the area outdoors is the 17-kilometre “la nature en ville” cycle route. It runs through Chartres, Le Coudray, Luisant and Mainvilliers. The Plan Vert also provides a way to explore Chartres and the surrounding municipalities, including Mainvilliers. Both offer a way to put local attractions into a broader regional context; for the cycle route, the stated distance is a specific figure to use for planning.

Mainvilliers has a skatepark suitable for skateboards, roller skates, scooters and BMX bikes. It has 11 modules for beginners and advanced users. The information about the different activities and skill levels gives you a specific point of reference if you would like to include this leisure option in your travel plans.

Getting there by train and bus

Mainvilliers can be reached by train with SNCF on the Paris–Le Mans route and with REMI on the Chartres–Droué route. Filibus also serves the town with urban bus routes 1, 5 and 10. Before you leave, check the latest train connections, bus routes and timetables so you can plan your journey according to the information applicable on your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Denis-d'Authou, Vaupillon, Voves, Chateaudun, Luisant, Anet, Courtalain, Donnemain-Saint-Mamès.

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