Discover Les Hayes

Les Hayes offers two distinct ways to plan a stay: the history of the Église Saint-Léonard and routes linked to the Gouffre des Hayes. The chapel draws attention to its architectural history and a protected work of art; at the Gouffre, the focus is on horse riding, hiking and practical facilities for equestrian activities. For planning purposes, it helps to keep these options separate: the equestrian and carriage routes are distinct alternatives, and the route through the Cendrine Valley is a separate hiking option.

Église Saint-Léonard: the chapel’s history and altarpiece

The Église Saint-Léonard was built in the 12th century as a castle chapel; it was remodelled and extended in the 15th century. These two dates relate to the history of the same chapel: they distinguish its medieval origins from a later building phase. The Retable de la Vierge, an object listed as protected cultural heritage, is located in the south side chapel. Alongside the building’s history, this brings a specific work of art and its location within the chapel into focus. The retable is an altarpiece; its designation as a protected object adds a distinct cultural dimension to the building’s historical context.

Equestrian route, carriage route and hike

Both the “La vallée du Loir... à cheval, troglodytes et patrimoine” equestrian route and the “La vallée du Loir... en attelage, troglodytes et patrimoine” carriage route can start at the Gouffre des Hayes. Their names refer to different ways of travelling: the equestrian route is accessible to horses, not horse-drawn carriages. It is 52 kilometres long and marked in orange in both directions. When choosing a tour, therefore, the first priority is to select the right option; the length and trail markings refer to the equestrian route.

A separate walking option is the “Balade entre Le Gouffre et Les Hayes”. It passes through the Cendrine Valley and is rated easy. The activities therefore differ not only in how you travel: the equestrian route is defined by its length and markings, while the Cendrine Valley and easy rating define the character of the hike. This lets you plan your tours around your preferred activity, rather than treating the equestrian, carriage and walking routes as the same.

Facilities at the Gouffre des Hayes

At the Gouffre des Hayes, equestrian users have access to a hitching rail and a route map with a QR code. There are two water points, one beside the toilets and one by the stream. The picnic area has tables, a shelter and toilets. If you are planning a trip with a horse, you can take the hitching facility, water points and route information into account as separate practical considerations; the picnic area is equipped with tables and a shelter.

Parking arrangements also vary by season: from May to October, there is a grassed car park with space for 20 two-space horse transporters or trucks. In winter, two such vehicles can park along the small access road. Before setting out, check the current parking arrangements and the condition of the facilities, as operational arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Séris, Chouzy-Sur-Cisse, Orchaise, Briou, Vendôme, Vallières-Les-Grandes, Champigny-En-Beauce, Cour-Sur-Loire

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