Discover Renay

Renay combines historic buildings with a marked walking route and the Bois de Renay. Groups can stay at the Gîte de groupe de Renay at the Relais de la Forêt, a self-catering accommodation. The sights and type of accommodation are separate considerations when making your plans.

Château de Renay and its building history

The façades and roofs of the 15th-century tower and building at the Château de Renay are protected as a historic monument. They were listed by decree on 15 July 1971. Northwest of the château stands a large round tower dating from the 15th century. During the Renaissance, two rows of narrow openings were added to its exterior and given ornamental designs. This allows two specific periods to be distinguished: the 15th-century round tower and the openings designed during the Renaissance. For culture enthusiasts, this distinction offers a closer look at the building’s history without conflating its different features.

Église Saint-Gilles: furnishings and traces of history

The Église Saint-Gilles de Renay was under the authority of the Abbey of the Trinité de Vendôme. Inside are three heraldic tomb slabs belonging to G. Aménard, Lord of Renay, and Marie de Gallon. There is also 16th-century wood panelling and painted ornamentation in the apse. The tomb slabs, wood panelling and paintings each add a distinct feature, recalling historical figures as well as the church’s design. A trace of history can also be seen outside: a former ditch around the church and its cemetery is still visible on the south side. Those interested in heritage will find several distinct details here, rather than just a single building period taking centre stage.

Walking the Circuit de Saint-Gilles

The Circuit de Saint-Gilles à Saint-Vrain à Renay is a marked walking trail. It was created by the municipality and the Perche & Haut Vendômois community, with support from the Loir-et-Cher Departmental Hiking Committee. In Renay, the route starts at Place de l’église. This provides a specific starting point for finding your way. If you plan to include the walk in your itinerary, check local trail conditions before setting out.

Bois de Renay

The Bois de Renay consists of high-quality oak stands and is an area particularly favoured by deer. In terms of what you can focus on, the forest differs from the château and church: there, the emphasis is on building and furnishing history, while the Bois de Renay is about oak stands and its connection with deer. If both nature and heritage are among your travel interests, these features offer two clearly distinct focal points.

Distinguishing group accommodation from hotel searches

The 500 m² Gîte de groupe de Renay at the Relais de la Forêt accommodates up to 40 people on a self-catering basis. It has 10 to 12 rooms, each with its own bathroom. This gives you several specific points to consider when planning a group trip: floor area, potential group size, number of rooms and self-catering arrangements. The gîte is group accommodation, distinct from a hotel offering.

Discover more destinations: Châtres-Sur-Cher, Saint-Ouen, Pontlevoy, Chaumont-Sur-Tharonne, Cour-Sur-Loire, La Fontenelle, Selles Saint Denis, Sainte-Anne

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