Discover Mondoubleau

century; walking routes, a green space along the Grenne and a Saturday market also help orient visitors. Mondoubleau lies in the southern Perche, also known as Perche Vendômois. Whether you are interested in architectural history, a walk or local market dates, there are different ways to plan your stay.

Fortress and Roussard sandstone

Around 1010, Hugues Doubleau had a mighty stone fortress built on a small hill in Mondoubleau, using flint and Roussard sandstone. The complex was dominated by a 33-metre-high keep. Roussard sandstone was used to build the fortress around 1,000 years ago. Its location, materials and keep each offer a different insight into the town’s early history. For architecture enthusiasts, the massive fortifications contrast with later half-timbered houses and bridges.

Half-timbered houses and Saint-Denis Church

The Maison du Gouverneur was built around 1460 as a half-timbered house. Its features include a pavilion-style hipped roof and diamond-shaped timber framing. The house can be directly contrasted with the fortress: there, massive stone construction takes centre stage; here, it is the timber structure, with its geometric pattern and pavilion roof. Saint-Denis Church dates from the 12th century and was restored in the 16th century. Its extensive collection of stained glass windows dates from the 19th century. These three dates refer to different aspects: the church’s construction, its restoration and the stained-glass collection. Saint-Denis Church is open all day every day; guided tours are available on request. If you are planning a tour, confirm the arrangements before you arrive.

From the Polissoir to the Pont vrillé

The Polissoir de Mondoubleau is around 6,000 years old. Much later, the Pont vrillé was built between 1830 and 1835. Its semicircular arch is made of dressed Roussard sandstone. Together, these two landmarks illustrate the span of time between a prehistoric find and a 19th-century bridge. The bridge’s construction period can also be linked to a specific feature: the shape of its arch and the worked stone used to build it.

Walking routes and landscapes

There are various ways to explore the area from a landscape perspective. The “Roussard” circular walking trail is one of the three marked walking routes in Mondoubleau. The “Circuit promenade entre ville et campagne” (Walk between town and countryside) offers views of the historic old town. You can distinguish the routes by the feature highlighted in each: for the Roussard, its place among the three walking routes; for the other walk, its views of the old town. The Prés Barrés along the Grenne add a distinctive landscape feature: this green space is at risk of flooding and cannot be built on.

Market and annual fairs

The Saturday Percheron market in Mondoubleau is a food and craft market featuring various local producers. There are also two annual fairs: one on Whit Monday and one on the second Monday in October, known as the Saint-Denis market. This distinguishes the regular Saturday market from the two annual events. If you are travelling specifically for a market or fair, check the dates before your trip so you can plan your stay accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Beauchêne, Droué, Montrichard, Vouzon, Noyers-Sur-Cher, Thésée, Meusnes, Saint-Georges-Sur-Cher

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